Excitement for the 2025 NCAA March Madness has led to a disruption of beloved television programs, notably Wheel of Fortune, which won't air for four days this month. This abrupt scheduling change affects not just the iconic game show but also several other favorite CBS daytime and primetime programs, inciting disappointment among devoted viewers.
Longtime fans of Wheel of Fortune often express a profound attachment to the game show, which has become a staple part of many households' evening routines. This situation highlights just how integral the show is to family bonding time, making interruptions all the more jarring. As CBS announced, Wheel of Fortune will be sidelined on March 20, March 21, March 27, and March 28, 2025, to accommodate the broadcasting of March Madness games. Given the loyal fanbase, it’s not surprising that fans are sounding off on social media about their frustrations.
The NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament kicked off on March 20, resulting in various preemptions on CBS. Along with Wheel of Fortune, other popular programs like The Bold and the Beautiful, Let’s Make a Deal, and NCIS: Sydney will also be affected. According to TV Shows Ace, fans aren't shy about voicing their disappointment. One viewer remarked, "Due to March Madness, CBS stations will not be able to air WOF at its normal time for four days this month starting today. A small number of stations aired today’s episode early (such as WRDW in Augusta, Georgia) and will do so again at least tomorrow. Let’s Make a Deal doesn’t air on Thursday and Friday of the first week, so some stations move up syndicated shows to that time slot."
Across social media, the outcry has echoed with cringeworthy laments, such as one fan simply expressing, "NOOOOOOOOOOOO." Another put it more bluntly, saying, "Ugh. I hate when this happens. I get that other events etc take priority, but when watching the show is a routine, it always makes it worse when that routine is interrupted, especially when it’s interrupted for something you have no interest in." Many viewers feel that the disruption of their viewing routine is not just an inconvenience; it affects a deep-seated tradition they share with their loved ones.
March Madness will take place over several weeks. The first and second rounds run from March 20-23, followed by the Sweet 16 and Elite 8 that will be aired from March 27-30. The National Championship follows on April 7. During these dates, CBS will prioritize these basketball games, leading to not just a loss of the regular programming fans cherish but a further reshuffling of local listings, affecting shows like Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune as well.
Although fans are eager to get back to their usual routine, they will have to contend with the reality of returning to regular programming only after the tournament wraps up, with many shows expected to return in their new episodes on April 3, 2025, including Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, Ghosts, and Matlock, all disrupted during primetime this March.
As much as March Madness is revered for the exciting basketball action, its shadow looms large over the television landscape this spring, reminding viewers that sports events can take priority over their regular viewing habits. When the games begin, beloved characters and stories on TV pewter into the background in deference to courtside action and buzzer-beaters. While fans mourn their lost afternoon and evening episodes, they will sadly have to make alternative plans and adjust their schedules.
When looking at the bigger picture, this season’s March Madness is not only a highlight of the sports calendar but also a critical time for the television landscape, where programming decisions can ripple through networks and viewers alike. As the championship approaches, viewers will both welcome the closure of tournament coverage and look forward to the familiar faces and stories that bring joy back into their living rooms.
Whether or not March Madness brings excitement to you, the reality remains: for dedicated fans of shows like Wheel of Fortune, patience is required. As local stations adapt their broadcasts to the NCAA schedule, returning viewers must hold on until their favorite shows can make their much-anticipated return to television screens. In the meantime, tune into March Madness for basketball thrills, or plan an alternative viewing experience to fill the gap left by the absence of cherished game shows.
