Wheel of Fortune timeline (syndicated)/Season 25

Go back to Season 24, or forward to Season 26?

A timeline for Season 25 of Wheel of Fortune, which aired in first-run from September 10, 2007 through June 6, 2008.

Season Changes

• The opening is a photomosaic of flashback clips, which zoom out to form a yellow "25" logo, with a blue background and several multicolored squares for confetti. This is also seen as the Pat & Vanna talk backdrop (although the "25" is blue), as well as both sides of the Bonus Round envelopes. The opening logo contains a silver two-row logo under the "25", the only time that the logo has a hole in the R.
• This is the first season to be distributed by CBS Television Distribution.

  

• The Prize Puzzle graphic is now a globe with the words PRIZE PUZZLE written in yellow, with a blue background.
• The Jackpot and Mystery wipes are now the respective wedges flipping and dropping down into place on the Wheel. Both wipes have said wedges dropping onto the orange $800. The Jackpot wipe remains unchanged through Season 29, and the Mystery wipe remains through Season 31, despite changes to the Wheel template and Mystery Wedge design in the interim.
• The Wheel is altered again:
  • The second Bankrupt moves to the yellow $300.
  • To honor the show's 25th season, two special wedges are added:
    • The 25 Wedge is placed on $550 in Round 2 (except for the first week of taping, where it is in Rounds 1-3).
    • The Big Money Wedge replaces the yellow $400 between the purple $600 and the blue $300 in Round 3.
  • The second Bankrupt is now always removed after Round 3.
  • Hitting the green $300 with Free Spin now offers both it and $300 per letter. To reflect this change, the token is moved upward to obscure the dollar sign instead of the 3. Also, the disc remains on the Wheel through Round 3.
• The minimum value for Wheel and Prize Puzzle prizes increases to $5,000.
• The Jackpot sponsor's logo is no longer shown on the Jackpot display.
• The Round 3 "drop down" graphic's rectangles gain an "embossed" effect, and their tops become less rounded.
• Some episodes open with a pre-recorded greeting from a celebrity, congratulating the show on its 25th Anniversary. Most of these are likely recorded at Sony Pictures Studios, as they feature a generic background with the 25th Anniversary logo or a graphic of a work associated with the celebrity, while some are done on-location. Other shows feature a flashback clip or a greeting from a celebrity leading into one of the commercial breaks; in the case of the latter, the preceding puzzle is sometimes themed toward the celebrity in question. These are not done during road shows.
• Many of the music cues change:
  • A new rock-based theme composed by John Hoke debuts for use in the opening, with the 2006 "Happy Wheels" remaining as the closing theme.
  • Even though it had changed only in February, the Speed-Up music changes again. This cue is composed of a piano with bass guitar and percussion.
  • The Bonus Round solve and “bonus” category solve cues are changed; as a result, the last of Steve Kaplan's music cues is retired.
  • Except for the Bonus Round win music and Speed-Up music cues, all music cues used starting this season are kept in use until December 30, 2016.
• Charlie no longer does a spiel for the Bonus Round prizes.
• The puzzle board monitors are replaced with flat-screens.
• For this season only, the Bonus Round envelopes are silver and feature the Season 25 logo on their outsides.
• Only two locales are now used on road shows.
• A fifth week of sixth-show taping is added for each season. Four of the five in this season make up the Thanks a Million Sweepstakes in February, and do not use any theme names beyond that.
• Very strangely, Merv's death is never mentioned on the show.
• To honor the show's 25th anniversary, the official Wheel website contains a mini-site that reflects on the show's history, while the Wheel Watchers Club site has a special Flashback Moments archive, in which there are video clips, and members may answer a multiple-choice question about the clip, with a correct answer earning them 10 Sony Rewards Points. The latter site is still active until the show's website is redesigned on February 24, 2014.
• From this season to the end of Season 39, the $100,000 envelope uses the two-row logo on the top flap.
• Several times this season, promos, advertisements, and bumpers feature "$5K" or "Money", an actor (Barry Brisco) dressed as the $5,000 wedge.
• There is a series of promos featuring people dressed as various letters or parts of the Wheel. These are:
  • "$5K" dressed as the $5,000 wedge, complaining to Pat that he is to be "landed on" during every Final Spin. Pat clarifies to him (calling him by his other name of "Money") that it is not how it works, despite him trying his best to do so. Vanna comes in and says "He's right, you know", to which Pat sighs "I know, I know; it's just so much pressure!"
  • I, E, and C trying to get through a doorway (referencing the expression "I before E except after C")
  • "$5K" and G saying "What up, G" and "what up, Money" to each other
  • J complimenting Vanna and then lighting up after she touches him
  • N responding to screaming fans and a security guard after she steps out of the back of a limo
  • Y asking a stagehand if he will be in the next puzzle
  • Y trying to decide between using a bathroom signed "vowels" or one signed "consonants"
  • Z complaining about how infrequently he is used compared to R before he gets a call that he will be in the puzzle RAZZMATAZZ

September 2007

• During the weeks of September 10-24, Vanna does a cold open promoting the theme.
• September 10 is Let's Party, taped July 26. During this week:
  • The set has a "starry sky" background.
  • The larger Free Spin from Season 24 returns.
• On September 10:
  • The contestant score displays are upgraded to enlarged plasma screens.

    

    • The scoreboards show the 25th Anniversary logo in the opening.
    • For this week of taping only, they display the score in very tall numbers. The contestant's name is in very small letters over the score, and the control is indicated by the name blinking.
    • The Bankrupt and Lose a Turn graphics now appear and disappear in varying ways.
    • If Lose a Turn is hit, those words are now on two lines of the scoreboard instead of one.
    • If a cash prize is claimed from the Big Money Wedge, two green bars labeled "BIG" and "MONEY" appear on the sides of the scoreboard.
    • The WHEEL, OF, and FORTUNE graphics on the scoreboards (now only seen during the final segment) are enlarged and changed to the actual font of the show's logo.
  • The Wheel is now preset at the start of the show. For this week only, it is preset so that the yellow flipper is on the 25 Wedge in Rounds 1 and 2 and the Big Money Wedge in Round 3.
  • The Free Spin is still placed over the 3 instead of the dollar sign on the green $300 in Rounds 1 and 2; this is corrected in Round 3.
  • A spin from another episode's Round 4 is edited into Round 3. The contestant lands on the red $800, but the post-production clip shows the orange $800. This dubbed-in spin is more obvious as both Mystery Wedges, the Free Spin, and the second Bankrupt are missing from it.
  • The $3,000 Toss-Up and Bonus Round are In the Kitchen, the only duplication of that category until February 2018.
  • There is a $100,000 loss.
• On September 11:
  • The $1,000 Toss-Up GAMES PEOPLE PLAY is categorized as Phrase instead of Title.
  • During the closing chat, Pat and Vanna show off the changes to the puzzle board.
• On September 12:
  • The flashback clip after Round 2 is Pat and Vanna pieing each other in September 20, 1991.
  • What Are You Doing? debuts in Round 3.
  • The first overhead shot of Round 3 appears to be a reshoot, as the Wild Card is absent despite being present for the rest of the round.
• On September 13:
  • The Big Money Wedge is hit for the first time, at $7,500.
  • The Gift Tag and second Bankrupt are not removed for Round 4. This does not affect the outcome; the round goes to Speed-Up after only one spin, and neither is landed on.
  • During the closing chat, Pat and Vanna show a clip of Vanna's first official episode in 1982.
• September 17 is Casino Night. During this week:
  • The video wall behind the contestants is replaced with the slot machine background from the February 2005 Vegas shows.
  • Vanna announces the Mystery Round cash.
• On September 17:
  • The contestant names are removed from the scoreboards, while the scores themselves are moved upward and changed to the Univers font, which remains until Season 40. This change was done most likely because the style used on the 10th was often blocked by the Wheel pegs, and the names were too hard to read. In the space below the score, two blinking arrows pointing at each other are added. They appear whenever the respective player has control or rings in on a Toss-Up. The scoreboards still show the 25th Anniversary Logo in the opening, "Lose a Turn" continues to display on two lines, and the varied wipes for Lose a Turn and Bankrupt are kept.
  • Pat begins throwing to Charlie for the Prize copy with "Hey, Charlie, I got a message for you", holding up a piece of paper, and making a joke at Charlie's expense.
  • The "Big Money" logo is now placed over the scoreboards at the beginning of Round 3.
  • The 25 Wedge is now only available in Round 2. As a result, the yellow flipper is now preset to $2,500 in Round 1.
  • Cash values won on the Big Money wedge can now be used to buy vowels. Also, the scoreboard no longer shows "Big Money" on the sides of the contestant's score if the contestant has an amount from it.
  • Free Spin returns to its smaller size.
  • The flashback clip is Pat and the contestants being confused by the Clue puzzle SILENT BUTLER'S TARGETS (April 29, 1993).
• On September 18, singer Julie Roberts wishes the show a happy 25th anniversary during the intro.
• On September 19:
  • Contestant Becki loses $33,450 in cash (including $25,000 from the Big Money Wedge) and a $6,296 Caribbean trip by adding an "-ES" to the puzzle GLEAMING WHITE SAND BEACH. This is the highest confirmed amount to have been lost to a wrong answer.
  • This episode is rerun twice on the 2008-09 weekend feed, on February 28, 2009 and June 27, 2009. This is the first known time where an episode has two weekend repeats.
• On September 20:
  • Before the intro, Barbara Walters, Joy Behar, and Elizabeth Hasselbeck give 25th anniversary greetings from the set of The View.
  • The bonus puzzle FINISH UP uses only one line.
• On September 21:
  • The Round 1 puzzle A CHANGE WOULD DO YOU GOOD is the first instance of a puzzle being categorized as Song Lyrics despite the lyrics being the title of the song; while unusual for the category, this is not strictly wrong.
  • The first five turns of Round 3 are all lost (a Bankrupt on the Big Money Wedge, an incorrect S, a Bankrupt, and a Lose a Turn, and another Bankrupt). These are not edited out due to the second Bankrupt claiming the Wild Card, although Pat forgets to take it away until the next turn.
• September 24 is Weekend Getaways.
• On September 24, the flashback clip is contestant Kevin performing "Changing Keys" with chicken clucks (October 5, 1998).
• On September 25:
  • Pam Tillis gives 25th Anniversary greetings before the intro.
  • There is an $8,250 Jackpot win.
  • The $2,000 Toss-up and Bonus Round are On the Map.
• On September 26:
  • Jack Wagner gives 25th Anniversary greetings before the intro.
  • The flashback clip is Pat and Vanna acting like a stereotypical old married couple (October 17, 1997).
  • Round 2 is Movie Title, and the $3,000 Toss-Up is Title.
  • What Are You Doing? is used in the Speed-Up for the first time.
  • In the Kitchen makes its final appearance in the Bonus Round until September 2017.
• On September 27:
  • Contestant Ruth picks up all of the available cardboard in Round 1 except the Gift Tag (the $10,000 Wedge, the Prize, the Free Spin, and the Wild Card). She wins the round with $30,250 including a Prize Puzzle trip. She uses the Free Spin in Round 3 only to flip the Bankrupt Mystery Wedge on her next turn, forfeiting her Wild Card.
  • A "null" cycle is not edited out of Round 3 (a Bankrupt that takes away nothing, an incorrect B, and another Bankrupt that takes away nothing).
  • The King World closing logo is replaced with a CBS Television Distribution logo, which remains through January 2021.
• On September 28:
  • Two contestants in a row give the same wrong answer of FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS when attempting to solve the Round 2 puzzle FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS.
  • There is an $8,200 Jackpot win.
  • After Round 2, Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton give 25th Anniversary greetings from the set of Friday Night Lights. This is the first instance this season of a puzzle leading into a bumper by a celebrity.

October 2007

• October 1 is Spa Sanctuary.
• On October 1:
  • The flashback clip after Round 1 is outtakes of Pat and Vanna filming promos for WBNS in Columbus, Ohio prior to the nighttime version's debut, followed by outtakes of Vanna attempting to say "what's with all the exclamation points?" in a Season 21 promo for KDRV in Medford, Oregon.
  • There is an unusual instance in the Mystery Round. Contestant Angela hits a Mystery Wedge, calls a letter that reveals the puzzle entirely, then flips the Mystery Wedge to find a Bankrupt on the other side. As a result, the completely filled-in puzzle gets passed on to the next contestant, who solves it.
  • The $3,000 Toss-up THE CLOSER uses only one line.
• On October 2:
  • Michelle Stafford wishes the show a happy 25th anniversary during the intro.
  • Six rounds are played.
• On October 3:
  • The flashblack clip after Round 1 is Pat cracking up after telling contestant David to lick his dog, with his earlier comment of "I've snapped" to contestant Tamera edited in at the end (March 28, 2002).
  • In relation to the Round 3 puzzle WYNONNA NAOMI & ASHLEY JUDD, Wynonna Judd wishes the show a happy 25th Anniversary before the $3,000 Toss-Up.
• On October 4:
  • Rounds 1 and 2 are played entirely by the contestants who began them.
  • The second-place contestant has $22,100.
  • There is a $100,000 loss.
• On October 5, Round 5 (TWIST TIES) is shorter than ten letters and has only three unique consonants.
• October 8 is Made in the USA. During this week:
  • The larger Free Spin is used, suggesting this week was taped before the week of September 17.
  • The Prize wedge features a graphic of the American flag and the text "USA" instead of a graphic relevant to the prize.
  • Vanna announces the Mystery Round cash.
• On October 8:
  • The flashback clip after Round 1 is Pat reading a letter from a woman who gave birth while watching Wheel of Fortune (early 1983, daytime).
  • Contestant Leigh claims $25,000 from the Big Money Wedge in Round 3, and wins that round for $29,100.
  • There is a $100,000 loss.
• On October 9:
  • Sara Evans wishes the show a happy 25th anniversary during the intro.
  • There is a $7,750 Jackpot win.
  • The bonus puzzle IN FASHION uses only one line.
• On October 10:
  • The flashback clip after Round 1 is Pat and Vanna sitting in a hot tub in such a way that they appear to be nude (September 1991).
  • The $3,000 Toss-Up A CLUCKING HEN has a redundant A at the beginning, a practice which was more prominent in Season 18-20 but gradually faded out afterward.
• On October 11:
  • Alison Sweeney wishes the show a happy 25th anniversary during the intro.
  • Vanna wears hair extensions.
  • The category strip for the $1,000 Toss-Up disappears just before it is solved. Also, the transition from the split-screen to the full shot of the contestant is out of sync, causing the full shot of the contestant to appear in the upper half for about a second before the lower half cuts away.
  • During the interviews, Pat points out that contestant Lindsey can "shake her eyeballs" and asks the stage crew where they should shoot a close-up of her doing so; one of them can be heard saying "over here" before she is shown in a close-up from the contestant area.
  • After contestant Rory solves Round 3 on an un-flipped Mystery Wedge, Pat flips it over to show that it concealed the Bankrupt.
• On October 12:
  • A unique fanfare of unknown origin plays during the intro segment, followed by the Season 24 intro music instead of John Hoke's opening cues introduced at the start of this season. The fanfare is not used on any other episodes, but is later recycled for the Wii video game adaptation in 2010. It is likely that these cues were used on early tapings of the season and replaced by John Hoke's cues in post-production.
  • After finding $10,000 on the reverse of a Mystery Wedge, contestant Erica hits the other one on her next spin. Pat prompts her to use the Wild Card on it, which she does.
  • The overhead shots of first, third, and fourth spins of Round 3 appear to be added in post-production, as evidenced by sudden disappearances and reappearances of the Free Spin and Prize wedge.
• All ten Bonus Rounds are lost on the weeks of October 1 and 8.
• October 15 is College Road Trip. During this week:
  • A double-width $2,500 cash space is used for the first of only four weeks this season. It extends counterclockwise over the purple $600 and has its numbers arranged horizontally. For all four weeks of use, it has a sponsor whose logo appears on the wedge; this week's sponsor is Sony Card.
  • The contestants introduce themselves from the audience railing.
  • Sony Card sponsors the Mystery Round cash.
  • The Bonus Round window is a graphic of a laptop computer opening and beeping.
• On October 15:
  • The Prize is a Sony Bravia television, Sony home theater system, PlayStation 3, and collection of Blu-Ray movies and PlayStation 3 video games, sponsored by Sony Card.
  • A special People category honoring that magazine debuts in Round 1. The category strip uses the magazine's logo and is taller than usual as a result. To avoid confusion, People is not used in this timespan, although Person is still used.
  • The flashback clip after Round 1 is contestant Alvaro screaming and bear-hugging Pat after winning $25,000 in the Speed-Up (May 14, 1998).
  • During the final segment, Pat brings out a sheet of paper with facts on the Bonus Round car (a Toyota Prius).
• On October 16:
  • The flashback clip after Round 1 is a montage of Pat playing with prizes on the turntable during various intros of 1980s episodes.
  • A cycle of three lost turns is edited out of Round 1 despite not being "null", as it included an incorrect vowel (E) from contestant Doug, evidenced by his score instantly changing from $2,500 to $2,250. The cycle was likely cut due to the first three rounds running overtime.
  • All three contestants hit Bankrupt consecutively in Round 1, though only the third one (by Doug) is actually aired due to the first two being part of the aforementioned cycle that was edited out.
  • Contestant Doug solves the Speed-Up puzzle THE CREAM OF THE CROP with only the C's and R's revealed.
  • Contestant Rebecca tries to call four consonants in the Bonus Round and then asks if she can change them, after which an offstage voice can be heard saying "no".
• On October 17, after Round 1, Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry wish the show a happy 25th anniversary.
• On October 18:
  • Contestant Amber wins no cash, as she solves Round 3 with only the Gift Tag, and no other puzzles.
  • Contestant Logan solves the bonus puzzle ITCHING TO GO with only the T's, N, and C revealed before the timer can start.
• During the weeks of October 22 and 29, the Prize wedge features a graphic for the week's theme instead of one specific to the prize.
• October 22 is Let's Eat! During this week:
  • There is an opening montage of Vanna saying "let's eat, and eat, and eat!" while eating food at various locations.
  • The double-width $2,500 is used, with Dawn dish soap as the sponsor.
  • Dawn dish soap also sponsors the Mystery Round cash.
• On October 22:
  • The Big Money Wedge is re-colored royal blue, with a lighter blue readout and five vertical rows of red dots on its bottom half.
  • The flashback clip after Round 1 is Pat reacting to Vanna modeling a Relaxare exercise table (most likely Season 3, dated only to "1980s").
  • After the Round 2 puzzle SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL, there is a clip of John Madden wishing the show a happy 25th anniversary.
• On October 23:
  • Steve Schirripa wishes the show a happy 25th anniversary during the intro.
  • Dawn dish soap also sponsors the Prize.
  • Round 3 is the only appearance of What Are We Making? The puzzle is HERSHEY BAR GRAHAM CRACKER GOOEY ROASTED MARSHMALLOW, which contestant Angela correctly identifies as the ingredients to S'mores. This is the second "official" category to be used only once. At 46 letters, it is also tied for the longest puzzle ever used on the show in terms of letters, but not in terms of total spaces used."
  • Angela successfully claims $25,000 from the Big Money Wedge in Round 3. Angela hits the wedge while carrying the Wild Card, though after she calls her letter, Pat starts to say, "You have that Wild Card" before cutting himself off. Angela ultimately takes the Wild Card to the Bonus Round.
  • Angela solves the bonus puzzle MICROSCOPE before the timer can start.
• On October 24, the flashback clip after Round 1 is contestant Anthony picking up Pat and pretending to wrestle him after winning the Bonus Round (November 7, 2003).
• On October 25:
  • The opening montage is different from the one used for the rest of the week: Vanna is in a different restaurant, and Pat says the second and third iterations of "and eat" instead.
  • An angled shot of the board is used when Vanna reveals the T's in Round 2.
  • After the Round 3 puzzle LONG-RUNNING DAYTIME DRAMA DAYS OF OUR LIVES, there is a clip of Deidre Hall wishing the show a happy 25th anniversary.
  • Rounds 1-4 are played entirely by the contestants who began them, although Free Spin is used in Round 4 after a wrong letter. This is also the only lost turn of the entire game.
  • Neither Bankrupt nor Lose a Turn is hit.
  • There is a $100,000 loss.
  • During the closing chat, Pat and Vanna try various exotic fruits from Melissa's Produce.
• On October 26:
  • Paula Deen wishes the show a happy 25th anniversary during the intro.
  • During the closing chat, Vanna shows footage of her making pizza at Gino's East in Chicago, after which she and Pat eat pizza.
• During the week of October 26, in what may be a unique occurrence, two contestants call U in the Bonus Round.
• October 29 is VIP Week.

The second Big Money Wedge.

• On October 29:
  • For unknown reasons, Pat does not do the "I got a message for you" joke before the Prize copy.
  • The Prize copy includes a trailer for Spider-Man 3.
  • The flashback clip after Round 1 is Pat and contestant Gervy slapping each other's butts (May 7, 2003).
  • The bonus puzzle RUGBY is the first five-letter bonus puzzle since September 26, 2006.
  • Contestant Amy solves the above puzzle despite getting no help from her extra letters.
  • During the closing chat, Pat and Vanna show the advertisement featuring a man dressed as the letter Z.
• On October 30:
  • The $1,000 Toss-Up is Song Title and Round 1 is TV Title.
  • After the Round 1 puzzle THE SINGING BEE, Joey Fatone wishes the show a happy 25th anniversary from the set of The Singing Bee.
• On October 31:
  • The flashback clip is contestant Kara breaking her Toss-Up buzzer (May 1, 2003).
  • The category strip disappears after the first spin of Round 4 and does not re-appear until the fourth.

November 2007

• On November 1, Rebecca Romjin wishes the show a happy 25th anniversary during the intro.
• On November 2:
  • The Round 2 Prize Puzzle THE WARMTH OF THE SUN is categorized as Song Title instead of Thing or Phrase (which is used in Round 4).
  • During the closing chat, Pat and Vanna show footage from the first road shows at Radio City Music Hall in 1988.
• The weeks of November 5-19 are taped at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
• Around this point, one of the promotional consideration sponsors is Mama Lucia meatballs; for the first few weeks, the closed captioning incorrectly identifies the first line of their jingle as "Mama Lucia on the road" instead of "Mama Lucia on a roll".
• For the weeks of November 5-26, Pat does not do the "I got a message for you" joke.
• November 5 is Best Friends Week. During this week:
  • There is a cold open where Vanna promotes the theme from in front of a New York City landmark.
  • The double-width $2,500 space is used, sponsored by Febreze.
  • The bumper after Round 2 is a graphic of fictional characters who are friends.
  • Febreze also sponsors the Mystery Round cash.
• On November 5:
  • A new road show theme is introduced.
  • Contestants Fulton and Robert hit the double-width $2,500 four times in Round 1, but later lose their turn to a wrong letter.
  • Contestants Geraldine and Rita solve the bonus puzzle BOTH OF US before the timer can start.
• On November 6, after Round 1, there is a bumper where Vanna starts to promote New York but is interrupted by Pat and Maggie.
• On November 7, the Prize is an $8,000 Macy's shopping spree sponsored by Febreze.
• November 12 is People Celebrity Week. This is the only Celebrity Week since Season 15 not to pick from just one type of celebrity (soap opera stars, athletes, musicians, etc.), and the last time celebrities play the game at all, until Celebrity Wheel of Fortune reinstates both in January 2021. It is also the last set of celebrity/civilian matches until March 2023. During this week:
  • The celebrities are Neil Patrick Harris, Diane Neal, and Robert Gossett on Monday; Paula Deen, Steve Schirripa, and Sherri Shepherd on Tuesday; Sandra Lee, Montel Williams, and Kristan Cunningham on Wednesday; Jeff Probst, Paige Hemmis, and Alison Sweeney on Thursday; and Gina Tognoni, Jacob Young, and Robin Strasser on Friday.
  • During the intro, Charlie introduces each celebrity over a photo of him or her against a graphic of Radio City Music Hall, before the shot cuts to the celebrity walking onstage.
  • During the interviews, each celebrity's name and a work they are known for appears on a red strip with a golden star at the left.
  • The double-width $2,500 is used for the last time, sponsored by Maxwell House.
  • Some of the bumpers feature Charlie asking trivia questions about People magazine.
  • Maxwell House also sponsors the Mystery Round cash. For every episode this week, that company also donates $10,000 to Second Harvest.
  • On Monday-Thursday, before the closing chat, Charlie announces the next day's celebrities over photos of them on a graphic of a theater marquee.
• On November 12, Maxwell House sponsors the Prize.
• On November 13, contestant James and Steve Schirripa use the Wild Card on the Big Money wedge while it is showing $7,500, but call a wrong letter.
• On November 14, during the interviews, Pat shows footage of Kristan Cunningham competing as a contestant in November 3, 2000.
• On November 15:
  • During the interviews, Jeff Probst shows an image of him on the cover of People magazine.
  • After Round 2, there is a bumper of Pat and Maggie overlooking Long Island Sound.
  • Before contestant Nick calls A in the Speed-Up, there is a jump cut to Pat, after which the board is shown with the first A in the puzzle already lit up. The jump cut was likely the result of a temporary pause in recording while the judges verified what letter Nick called.
  • For the first time, a contestant or team who takes the Wild Card to the Bonus Round still fails to get any help from their extra letters.
• On November 16, the slide whistle does not sound on a Bankrupt in Round 1.
• November 19 is Heroes Week, which consists of contestants who have "done good" to New York City.
• On November 19, during the closing chat, Pat shows footage of him getting a backstage tour of a Broadway production of Wicked.
• On November 20:
  • After Round 2, fashion designer Nicole Miller is shown in the audience, saying that she provided Vanna's wardrobe.
  • Although contestant Anthony loses the Bonus Round, Pat has his family come onstage anyway.
• On November 21:
  • After Round 2, Pat and Maggie do a bumper from a boat overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge.
  • Maggie joines Pat and Vanna during the closing chat to show footage of her and Pat eating and shopping around New York.
• On November 22, during the closing chat, Vanna mentions Nicole Miller, who is once again shown in the audience.
• On November 23:
  • There is a $11,500 Jackpot win.
  • For this episode only, V8 sponsors the Mystery Round cash.
  • Round 3 is the last appearance of the People magazine category.
  • Nobody solves the $3,000 Toss-Up, ROBIN REDBREAST. The cameras cut to Pat after the time's-up buzzer, and unusually, back to a full shot of the puzzle board with the answer still on it.
  • The second-place contestant has $21,250.
• November 26 is Holiday Movie Magic. During this week:
  • The Prize copy includes a trailer: The Golden Compass on Monday, P.S. I Love You on Tuesday, Surf's Up on Wednesday, National Treasure: Book of Secrets on Thursday, and The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep on Friday.
  • The order of the clips is changed. From this point to the end of the season, unless noted otherwise, the flashback clips appear on Monday and Wednesday, and the celebrity greetings on Tuesday and Thursday.
• On November 26:
  • The "regular" People category returns in Round 1.
  • The flashback clip after Round 1 is Pat discussing his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (May 29, 2002).
  • No vowels are bought in Round 4.
• On November 27:
  • Kelly Ripa wishes the show a happy 25th anniversary during the intro.
  • The flashback clip after Round 1 is contestant Joe guessing A GROUP OF PILL-PUSHERS for the Speed-Up puzzle A GROUP OF WELL-WISHERS (November 11, 1999). Unlike most other airings of this clip, Pat's comment of "Good night, everyone!" is not edited out. This airing of the clip also includes contestant David giving another wrong answer with only vowels remaining, and contestant Chandra giving the right answer, each preceded by a white flash.
  • The Prize Puzzle SHOOTING ON LOCATION (Round 3) offers a trip to Mexico, the second of five instances prior to Season 41 of the puzzle not being themed to the trip.
• On November 26 and 27, during the closing chats, Pat and Vanna show behind-the-scenes footage of the Radio City Music Hall tapings.
• On November 28:
  • The Prize is an electronics package consisting of an HDTV, stereo system, DVD player, and Blu-Ray player, plus DVD and Blu-Ray copies of Surf's Up.
  • The flashback clip is not from the show itself; instead, it is a clip of Vanna's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame being revealed in 2006.
• On November 29, Rob Reiner wishes the show a happy 25th anniversary during the intro. His greeting is done from the set of Jeopardy!, likely due to him being on-set to read clues for the episode airing December 20.
• On November 30, Fictional Family debuts in Round 2.

December 2007

• The week of December 3 is Wheel Across America. During this week, bumpers are added:
  • On Mondays, the promo ad featuring "$5K" and "G" is used as a cold open.
  • On Tuesdays and Thursdays, "$5K" does a bumper from the audience before the $3,000 Toss-Up.
  • On Wednesdays, the promo ad featuring "$5K" asking Pat to land on him on every Final Spin is used as a cold open.
• On December 3:
  • Pat reinstates the "Hey Charlie, I got a message for you" gag.
  • After the Round 1 puzzle ACTRESS CHRISTINA APPLEGATE, there is a bumper of Christina Applegate wishing the show a happy 25th Anniversary.
  • The flashback clip after Round 2 is Pat and Vanna trading places during the Bonus Round (November 21, 1996).
  • Although contestant Stacey loses the Bonus Round, her husband comes onstage anyway.
• On December 4:
  • After the Round 1 puzzle COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS SHOW, there is a bumper of Taylor Swift wishing the show a happy 25th Anniversary.
  • There is a $7,200 Jackpot win.
  • Round 5 and the Bonus Round are Place.
  • Some audience members can be heard applauding a wrong answer in the Bonus Round.
• On December 5, the flashback clip after Round 1 is Pat standing in a way that horns appear to becoming out of his head (May 4, 1998).
• On December 6:
  • Elmo from Sesame Street wishes the show a happy 25th anniversary during the intro.
  • Pat changes ties after Round 1 due to his original tie creating a moiré effect.
  • Rounds 1-3 are played entirely by the contestants who began them.
• On December 7, the bonus puzzle HIGH-AND-MIGHTY is only the fourth known bonus puzzle to have more than one punctuation mark.
• December 10 is Choose Your Own Vacation. During this week, the Prize is a $7,000 gift certificate to American Airlines, and the value appears in the center of the screen instead of the bottom.
• On December 10:
  • Pat drops the "I got a message for you" gag by telling Charlie "nobody called".
  • The bonus puzzle WIVES is the second five-letter bonus puzzle of the season.
  • During the closing chat, a clip is shown of Patrick and Maggie doing the closing chat on September 25, 2000, before cutting back to the studio to show them.
• On December 11, Brad Garrett wishes the show a happy 25th anniversary during the intro.
• On December 12:
  • The flashback clip after Round 1 is a closing chat where Pat "opens up" and shows pictures of his lamp (June 2, 1999).
  • During the Bonus Round, the camera stays on the angled shot of the contestant area while Vanna reveals RSTLNE, instead of showing a full shot of the board with the category strip.
  • Contestant Anita solves the bonus puzzle EGO BOOST before the timer can start.
• On December 13, Jacob Young wishes the show a happy 25th anniversary during the intro.
• On December 14:
  • Contestant Sam solves the Speed-Up puzzle COUNTRY ROADS TAKE ME HOME with only the N and T's showing.
  • Sam solves the bonus puzzle PISTACHIOS before the timer can start.
• December 17 is Great Outdoors.
• On December 17:
  • The flashback clip after Round 1 is Vanna revealing FOR SALE on the trilon board and Pat introducing the first electronic puzzle board (February 21 and 24, 1997).
  • In Round 3, contestant Candace lands on a Mystery Wedge, calls a letter that fills in the puzzle completely, and flips over the wedge to find a Bankrupt.
  • Contestant Dave wins despite failing to claim $19,950 in Round 3.
  • Dave solves the bonus puzzle OH MY GOSH before the timer can start.
• During the weeks of December 17 and 24, the set uses decorations which were previously seen on the Denver episodes in 2006.
• On December 18:
  • Judge David Young gives 25th Anniversary greetings before the intro.
  • Round 5 (NAIL SALON) is shorter than ten letters and has only three unique consonants.
• On December 19:
  • The flashback clip after Round 1 is Pat noticing that he and contestant Lou are wearing the same suit (May 31, 2001).
  • Six rounds are played.
• On December 20, Montel Williams gives 25th Anniversary greetings before the intro.
• On December 21, there is a $100,000 win.
• December 24 is Happy Holidays. During this week:
  • A rock version of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" plays during the credits, a tradition which continues for every subsequent Christmas week through Season 30.
  • The Prize is $5,000 cash sponsored by a different company every day: creditcards.com on Monday, lowermybills.com on Wednesday, pricegrabber.com on Thursday, and Michael C. Fina on Friday. (The Tuesday episode does not circulate, so it is not known what Prize was offered on that day.)
  • Two of the bumpers are switched: the one with "$5K", Pat, and Vanna now airs on Monday, while the one with "$5K" and "G" on Wednesday. Also, the bumper with "$5K" in the audience before the $3,000 Toss-Up is not used at all.
• On December 24:
  • The Prize is $5,000 credit to creditcards.com.
  • Rhyme Time makes its eighth of nine appearances in the Bonus Round.
  • The final segment is a reunion of the three contestants who appeared on Pat's first show (December 28, 1981), with clips shown from that episode.
• On December 26:
  • The puzzle board refuses to activate for several seconds during the $1,000 Toss-Up.
  • The Prize is $5,000 credit to lowermybills.com.
  • The flashback clip after Round 1 is Vanna giving contestant Doc a set of keys which Pat claims are the keys to her apartment after he loses the Bonus Round (circa January 1985).
  • Neither Bankrupt nor Lose a Turn is hit.
• On December 27:
  • Dylan McDermott gives 25th Anniversary greetings before the intro.
  • There is a $100,000 loss.
• All five Bonus Rounds are lost on the week of December 24.
• December 31 is Broadway Week. During this week.
  • The "$5K" bumpers are not used during the open; instead, Vanna does a cold open where she says "I love New York!" while in New York City, except on the days where celebrity greetings are used.
  • The bumper with "$5K" in the audience before the $3,000 Toss-Up airs on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
  • The "I got a message for you" gag is reinstated once more.
  • The Prize is a trip to New York City with tickets to a Broadway musical: Young Frankenstein on Monday, Legally Blonde: The Musical on Tuesday, Grease on Wednesday, Jersey Boys on Thursday, and The Little Mermaid on Friday.
  • The Mystery Round "$10,000" graphic is shown on a monitor in Times Square.
• On December 31:
  • The flashback clip after Round 1 is Pat walking out by himself to reveal Vanna's new haircut (December 4, 1995).
  • Contestant Clementine mispronounces the last word of the Round 2 Prize Puzzle TUNING A UKULELE, but her answer is still accepted. This does not affect the outcome, as she does not win.

January 2008

• On January 1:
  • Laura Bell Bundy gives 25th Anniversary greetings before the intro. Her greeting is from the audience of the Tony Awards ceremony at Radio City Music Hall, where she was nominated for her role in the aforementioned Legally Blonde: The Musical.
  • For the first of only two times, the theming of a Prize Puzzle is factually incorrect. The puzzle GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE offers a trip to Germany; German chocolate cake is named for a brand of chocolate and not for Germany.
• On January 2:
  • Pat's "I got a message for you" joke is edited out; Pat can be seen holding the piece of paper and saying "Charlie", followed by an obvious edit and Charlie laughing as he begins the Prize copy. It is not known if this was due to timing issues or the joke being considered in poor taste.
  • The flashback clip is Pat claiming to have an identical twin in the audience (November 17, 2000).
  • During the closing chat, Pat and Vanna show off their ceramic Dalmatians which they retained from the shopping era, as well as a ceramic Dalmatian bobblehead available to Wheel Watchers Club members.
• On January 3:
  • Neil Patrick Harris gives 25th Anniversary greetings before the intro.
  • Pat and Vanna only say "we'll see you tomorrow" during the closing chat, suggesting the episode ran long and most of the chat was edited out.
• On January 4, the "I got a message for you" joke is Pat saying Chuck Woolery called.
• January 7 is B & B Week. During this week:
  • There is a bumper after Round 2 for the upcoming Thanks a Million sweepstakes. Two different ones are used: one with Pat narrating over footage of him, Vanna, and "$5K", and another featuring just "$5K", who taps the screen before addressing the viewer.
  • Likely because of the above, none of the other promotional bumpers in place at the time are used.
• On January 7:
  • Pat once again stops the "I got a message for you" jokes.
  • The flashback clip after Round 1 is a closing chat where Vanna says she is secretly wearing a foundation (September 16, 1997).
  • No vowels are bought in Round 5.
  • For only the third time, a "null" cycle is edited out of the Speed-Up.
  • Six rounds are played.
• On January 8:
  • Lorenzo Lamas gives 25th Anniversary greetings before the intro.
  • Contestant Carolyn wins $53,200 despite losing the Bonus Round.
• On January 9:
  • The flashback clip after Round 1 is Pat asking Vanna to stick out her tongue to show that it turned red from candy she ate backstage, followed by both of them doing the same after eating more of the candy (October 20, 1998).
  • What Are You Doing? appears in the Bonus Round for the first time.
• On January 10:
  • Vanna wears a suit.
  • After the Round 1 puzzle SCORING A TOUCHDOWN, there is a clip of Tiki Barber and Jerome Bettis giving 25th Anniversary greetings.
• On January 11, there is a rare instance of a contestant losing their turn with only vowels remaining in the Speed-Up.
• January 14 is Desert Passage.
• On January 14:
  • The flashback clip after Round 1 is Vanna asking Pat to do endorsements and Pat declining, only to reveal he has milk on his upper lip in the style of "Got Milk?" advertisements (October 9, 1997).
  • Contestant Jill claims $25,000 from the Big Money Wedge, but later loses $26,950 to Bankrupt in Round 3.
• On January 15:
  • Tori Spelling gives 25th Anniversary greetings before the intro.
  • Round 5 (THUMBTACK) is shorter than ten letters.
• On January 14 and 15, two contestants in a row solve their bonus puzzles before the timer can start.
• On January 16:
  • The $2,000 Toss-Up MAN'S BEST FRIEND is a rare instance of Living Thing consisting solely of a descriptive term.
  • There is a $10,950 Jackpot win.
  • In Round 3, Charlie once again announces the Rock On! category.
  • Rounds 3-5 are played entirely by the contestants who began them.
  • Six rounds are played.
  • Round 6 (HURRY-SCURRY) has only one vowel.
• On January 17:
  • Sherri Shepherd gives 25th Anniversary greetings before the intro.
  • The $2,000 Toss-Up and Round 1 are Thing(s), suggesting one of the two may have been thrown out and replaced.
  • What Are You Doing? appears in the Bonus Round for the second time; it does not reappear there until December 2010.
• On January 18:
  • All of the cardboard is claimed; however, the Gift Tag is not won, and the Prize and Wild Card (claimed by different contestants) are both lost to Bankrupt.
  • Round 3 and the Bonus Round are Food & Drink.
  • Contestant Cristi solves the bonus puzzle KETCHUP before the timer can start.
• January 21 is Winter Hideaways.
• On January 21:
  • There is a $6,100 Jackpot win.
  • The flashback clip after Round 1 is outtakes of Vanna attempting to say "highlight your night life" when shooting bumpers in San Francisco (May 2004).
• On January 22:
  • Diane Neal gives 25th Anniversary greetings before the intro.
  • Contestant Mary Beth says both "boxing" and "fan" at various points during the Bonus Round, but never says the right answer of BOXING FAN.
  • During the closing chat, Pat and Vanna show a clip of Pat asking Harry Friedman to give him a massage chair next season after a contestant solves the Toss-Up MASSAGE CHAIR on May 31, 2007. This is followed by Vanna bringing out a massage chair for Pat to sit in.
• On January 23:
  • The flashback clip after Round 1 is Pat and Vanna opening fortune cookies together on a 1980s episode.
  • Six rounds are played.
  • During the closing chat, Vanna shows off home videos of her cat, Stella.
• On January 24, Alan Dale gives 25th Anniversary greetings before the intro.
• January 28 is Teen Best Friends Week.
• On January 28, the flashback clip after Round 1 is Pat talking to Vanna during her first audition episode (1982).
• On January 29, Julie Chen gives 25th Anniversary greetings before the intro.
• On January 30:
  • Round 1 (a Slogan puzzle of EAT FRESH {Subway}) is shorter than ten letters and uses only one line. It is also the last appearance of a "bonus" category in Round 1.
  • A cycle of three lost turns is edited out of Round 1 despite not being "null", as it includes an incorrect or repeated vowel from the yellow team, evidenced by their score instantly changing from $500 to $250.
  • After the above puzzle is completely filled in, contestant Kelsey says "Subway" (the company to whom the slogan belongs) before solving. There appears to be an edit before her answer is ruled correct, and she receives the $3,000 bonus for identifying the product. This goes against precedent that puzzles have to be solved exactly as they appear on the board. This does not affect the outcome, as they finish in a distant third place. However, it does result in Slogan being retired (as its only subsequent appearance is on an episode which was taped earlier), and it likely contributes to the decline and gradual removal of the "bonus" categories.
  • The flashback clip after Round 1 is a compilation of jokes made by Pat during Live Like a Star Week (week of October 10, 2005).
• On January 31:
  • Tina Fey gives 25th Anniversary greetings before the intro.
  • The bonus puzzle HAPPY & GRUMPY is a rare instance of an ampersand in the Bonus Round.

February 2008

• On February 1:
  • In Round 3, Pat does not prompt the blue team to use their Wild Card on $3,500 despite having picked it up only one turn prior. This arguably affects the outcome, as the team loses by $9,200 and the puzzle has a letter occurring three times which could have been called.
  • The bonus puzzle ICING is the last five-letter bonus puzzle until November 28, 2011.
  • Contestant Katrina and Shannon solve the above bonus puzzle before the timer can start.
• The weeks of February 4-25 are the Thanks a Million! Sweepstakes. During these weeks:
  • All episodes are sixth episodes.
  • The flashback clips and bumpers with "$5K" are not used.
  • The celebrity greetings break from the pattern of usually being on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
  • After the first commercial break (or the second if Round 1 is a Prize Puzzle) and Bonus Round, a SPIN ID is drawn, and the owner of that SPIN ID wins $25,000 (i.e., 40 drawings of $25,000 each for a total of $1,000,000). During these SPIN ID draws, Charlie says, "Here's tonight's [first/second] $25,000 winner in our Thanks a Million! Sweepstakes, brought to you by Sony Card. If this is your SPIN ID number, [number], you're a winner! Log on to wheeloffortune.com now. You have 24 hours to claim your $25,000!" After the first draw, he also says, "Stay tuned, we're giving away another $25,000 later in the show." After the second, he says "Tune in every weeknight for a chance to win your share of $1,000,000!" The SPIN ID zooms into place, one letter at a time, against a graphic of a Sony Card on a black starry background.
  • The center-stage video wall displays the Season 25 logo during the opening and closing.
  • Pat does not do the "I got a message for you" jokes, even if the other episodes from that week used it.
  • The Mystery Round cash is sponsored by ActivOn except for the week of the 18th, where it is sponsored by Norwegian Cruise Line instead.
• On February 4:
  • As it is the sixth episode from the season premiere week, the original scoreboards and Big Money Wedge are used, and the 25 Wedge is present in Round 1.
  • Vanna wears a sleeveless top and pants.
• On February 5, for only the fourth time, a "null" cycle is edited out of the Speed-Up.
• On February 6:
  • Susan Flannery gives 25th Anniversary greetings before the intro.
  • As it is the sixth episode of Casino Night, the slot machine backdrop is used.
  • Charlie does not announce the Rock On! category in Round 1.
• On February 7:
  • Il Divo gives 25th Anniversary greetings before the intro. This clip was likely recorded during their previous appearance on January 4, 2007, as they are standing in front of the puzzle board (which reads IL DIVO on the top row) and wearing the same clothing as they did in that performance.
  • Round 4 and the Bonus Round are Food & Drink.
• On February 8:
  • There is a $6,700 Jackpot win.
  • Rounds 1 and 2 are played entirely by the contestants who began them.
  • Contestant Margie only spins twice the entire game, but still wins $5,000 in Round 4.
• All five Bonus Rounds are lost on the week of February 4.
• On February 11:
  • As it is the sixth episode from College Road Trip, three college students play. Unlike the rest of said week, the double-width $2,500 wedge is not used.
  • Despite the original Big Money Wedge being used at the time of taping, some overhead shots in Round 3 are re-created to show the second design.
  • Round 3 (ATTENDING A FIESTA) is categorized as Event instead of What Are You Doing? due to the latter being used as the $1,000 Toss-Up.
  • When contestant Jessica lands on the Mystery Wedge between $900 and $300, an overhead shot of the other Mystery Wedge (obviously recorded in post-production, as the second Bankrupt is missing in this shot) is shown instead. Just before she flips it over, the overhead shot goes back to showing the correct wedge. This is likely due to the above-mentioned re-creations of overhead shots to obscure the original Big Money Wedge.
  • Six rounds are played.
  • The players' totals are still displayed during the Final Spin at the start of Round 6. The scoreboards are cleared before the Wheel stops.
• On February 12, Jerry O'Connell gives 25th Anniversary greetings before the intro.
• On February 13:
  • The $1,000 Toss-Up is BUYING A VOWEL.
  • Contestant Jasmine solves Round 1 with only the $10,000 Wedge.
  • After Round 3's Prize Puzzle HISTORIC OPERA HOUSE, Pat accidentally tells Jasmine that she is going to Sydney, Australia instead of Vienna, Austria, but corrects himself after Charlie reads the copy. After this, Jasmine's scoreboard shows $13,550 instead of $18,550 due to the value of the trip not being added.
  • Before the $3,000 Toss-Up, Pat corrects Jasmine's score then points out that the off-screen scoreboard displays her Prize Puzzle trip as Jamaica. This results in the first instance of said scoreboard being shown on camera.
  • There is a $100,000 loss.
• On February 14:
  • Jeff Probst gives 25th Anniversary greetings before the intro.
  • As it is the sixth episode of Broadway Week, the Prize is a trip to New York City with tickets to Avenue Q.
• On February 15:
  • Oscar the Grouch gives 25th Anniversary greetings before the intro.
  • A "null" cycle is edited out of the Speed-Up.
  • There is a rare instance of a contestant losing their turn with only vowels remaining in the Speed-Up.
• On February 18:
  • Against normal practice, the buzzer sounds on a wrong answer in Round 2.
  • The Round 3 puzzle I LIKE IT I LOVE IT I WANT SOME MORE OF IT is categorized as Rhyme Time instead of Song Lyrics.
  • The bonus puzzle PHONE JACK is categorized as Thing; the last time this answer was used (May 22, 2001), it was categorized as Around the House.
• On February 19:
  • Although it is the sixth episode of Choose Your Own Vacation, the Prize is a standard trip.
  • Round 2 is the last aired (and next-to-last taped) appearance of Slogan.
  • Before Round 2, Pat becomes amused by some of the offstage crew eating. As a response to this, he eats a piece of cake throughout Round 3 and occasionally addresses the contestants with his mouth full.
  • Following the Round 3 puzzle GRAMMY WINNER TRISHA YEARWOOD, Trisha Yearwood gives 25th Anniversary greetings before the $3,000 Toss-Up.
• On February 20, contestant Stephanie loses $32,429 (including the Prize and $25,000 from the Big Money Wedge) to Bankrupt in Round 3, but turns in her Free Spin and later solves the puzzle for $10,650 (including $10,000 from the Mystery Wedge).
• On February 21, Larry King gives 25th Anniversary greetings before the intro.
• On February 25:
  • Round 2 is the last instance until June 2012 of Author/Title being used instead of Title/Author.
  • In Round 3, contestant Shannon claims $25,000 from the Big Money Wedge, but does not solve the puzzle and finishes in third place.
• On February 26, Michael Vartan gives 25th Anniversary greetings before the intro.
• On February 27:
  • As it is the sixth episode of Teen Best Friends week, three teams of teenagers play.
  • Round 2 is only the third known instance of Star & Role using a descriptive phrase, and the first of only two instances of it being used for a voice acting role (EDDIE MURPHY AS THE VOICE OF SHREK'S PAL DONKEY).
  • The slide whistle does not sound when the blue team hits Bankrupt in Round 3.
  • Against normal practice at the time, the buzzer sounds on a wrong answer in Round 3.
  • Pat is visible in the shot of the board during the Bonus Round.
• On February 28:
  • Contestant Hannah is brought back due to an incorrect answer being accepted from one of her opponents on her original episode (October 5, 2004). This is the last known instance until November 2018 of a contestant being brought back.
  • After the Round 2 puzzle LEADING LADY OF DAYTIME TELEVISION, there is a clip of Robin Strasser wishing the show a happy 25th anniversary.
• On February 29, Charlie announces the Rock On! category in Round 3.
• February 28 and 29 are the sixth episodes of Ticket to Ride and QVC Shopping Spree Week, respectively, making for two consecutive rare instances of sixth episodes airing before their corresponding week.

March 2008

• March 3 is Ticket to Ride.
• On March 3:
  • Round 3 is the last instance of Artist/Song being used instead of Song/Artist.
  • The bonus puzzle BUYING POWER is categorized as Thing; the last time this answer was used (April 13, 2004), it was categorized as Phrase.
• On March 4, the $1,000 Toss-Up is Movie Title, and Round 4 is Song Title.
• On March 6, Lesly appears in the final segment to promote a line of Wheel-themed jewelry that she designed.
• On March 7, a contestant exceeds $100,000 without hitting that amount: after winning a Winnebago in the Bonus Round, they leave with $102,864.
• March 10 is Cruise Week.
• On March 11:
  • Vanna wears a shirt and pants.
  • Six rounds are played.
  • Round 6 (SOLITAIRE) is shorter than ten letters.
  • There is a $100,000 loss by a contestant who says the answer just after the buzzer.
• On March 14, six rounds are played.
• The week of March 17 is QVC Shopping Spree Week. During this week, the Prize is $5,000 towards the purchase of QVC merchandise.
• On March 19:
  • The Round 1 puzzle COUNTRY & WESTERN BALLADS is a rare instance of a puzzle using obsolete terminology.
  • Contestant Scott fills in the entire aforementioned puzzle by himself.
• On March 20, there is an $8,800 Jackpot win.
• All ten Bonus Rounds are lost on the weeks of March 10 and 17. The latter week is particularly notable, as any Bonus Round win that week would have offered $10,000 in QVC merchandise on the contestant's birthday.
• March 24 is Hawaii's Big Island.
• On March 24, there is a $100,000 win.
• On March 25, contestant Steve wins despite failing to claim $22,550 in the Round 2.
• The week of March 31 is Wheel Around the World. Respectively, brief clips of the versions of France, Turkey, the Philippines, Spain, and Italy are shown.
• On March 31, there is a $100,000 loss.
• Only three Bonus Rounds are won in the entire month of March, tying with May 2003 for the month with the fewest known wins. This record stands until May 2019.

April 2008

• On April 1, as an April Fools' Day gag during the closing chat, Pat tricks Vanna into thinking he is actually bald by wearing a real wig over a bald wig. The prank is removed when the episode is rerun in July, although clips of it later appear in various retrospectives.
• On April 2, there are two sets of duplicate categories: the $1,000 Toss-Up and Round 3 are Fun & Games, while Round 4 and the Bonus Round are Phrase. This may suggest that one of the former two was thrown out and replaced.
• April 7 is the first Going Green Week. This is a recycling-based theme which occurs around this time every season until Season 28.
• By April 9, contestants can no longer use the Wild Card on any of the Big Money Wedge's cash amounts except for the regular $1,000.
• Between April 7 and 10, the contestant in the blue position is the top winner for four days in a row.
• On April 11, Round 5 (LOYAL FANS) is shorter than ten letters.
• April 14 is the first Pet Lovers Week. During these weeks, contestants show pictures of their pets during the interviews.
• On April 14:
  • There is a cold open where Vanna and her children promote the theme from Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago.
  • The post-Round 2 flashback clip is Pat saying "Can we get a witness?" after contestant Cloretta solves the puzzle CINEMATOGRAPHY (November 8, 2002)
  • After the Round 2 puzzle FUNNY LADY TINA FEY, a clip is shown of Tina Fey wishing the show a happy 25th anniversary.
  • After Round 3, a picture is shown of Snoopy and Woodstock.
  • Rounds 3 and 4 are played entirely by the contestants who started them.
  • Neither Bankrupt nor Lose a Turn is hit.
• On April 15:
  • Allison Sweeney wishes the show a happy 25th anniversary during the intro.
  • After Round 2, a picture is shown of Garfield and Odie.
• On April 16:
  • The Prize is $5,000 credit to Petco.
  • The post-Round 1 flashback clip is Pat and Vanna discussing the bonus puzzle NIGHTGOWN (September 9, 1999); it is erroneously dated to 2003.
• On April 17:
  • Big Bird wishes the show a happy 25th anniversary during the intro.
  • The post-Round 1 and post-Round 2 bumpers are results from the 2008 National Pet Owners Survey (conducted by the American Pet Products Association), stating how many dogs and cats, respectively, are owned in the United States.
  • Round 3 is the last appearance of Next Line Please.
  • The bonus puzzle TAX & GRATUITY is a rare instance of an ampersand in the Bonus Round.
• On April 18:
  • The post-Round 1 bumper is a picture of Snoopy and Charlie Brown.
  • In the closing segment, Pat takes off his suit jacket and puts on a jacket with the logo of every NHL team.
• In the six weeks of episodes between March 10 and April 18, only four Bonus Rounds are won.
• April 21 is Mexico Week.
• On April 21, Jacqueline wins by $50.
• On April 22:
  • Maria Lopez wishes the show a happy 25th Anniversary in Spanish during the intro.
  • After contestant Audra wiggles her ears, Pat asks for a close-up shot of himself to demonstrate that he can do the same. There then appears to be an edit before the $2,000 Toss-Up begins.
• On April 23:
  • Round 3 is the last appearance of Who Is It?
  • Contestant Trashawna loses $35,000 (the $10,000 Mystery Wedge and $25,000 from the Big Money Wedge) to Bankrupt, which may be a record.
• On April 24, contestant Kim tries to turn in her Free Spin while the Final Spin bells sound. Pat declines, noting that the bells sounded first.
• On April 25:
  • Round 1 (DR. SEUSS' HORTON HEARS A WHO!) is incorrectly categorized as Movie Title instead of Author/Title.
  • Six rounds are played.
  • Round 6 (SISTER ACT) is shorter than ten letters.
  • Contestant Mary Katherine solves the above puzzle with only the S's showing.
• The weeks of April 28-May 12 are taped at Navy Pier in Chicago. During all three weeks:
  • The on-screen bug says "Chicago" with a portion of the Wheel forming the first C.
  • For the first time since 1997, "Maximum Drive" is used as the opening theme during a road show.
• April 28 is College Week. During this week:
  • For the only time since 1999, the audience does the opening chant.
  • The Northwestern University marching band plays music going into and out of commercial breaks.
• On April 28:
  • Contestant Erika solves Round 1 with only the $10,000 Wedge.
  • Erika says "mytholo-" in the Bonus Round, stops, then appears to say the answer MYTHOLOGY on the buzzer. After an obvious edit, Pat says that the buzzer beat her. Unusually, a long shot of the set (from over Pat's shoulder) is used as the answer is revealed.
• On April 29, the second-place contestant has $20,350, won entirely in Round 4.

May 2008

• On May 1, Round 1 is a Before & After of HAMSTER WHEEL OF FORTUNE.
• On May 2:
  • There is a $7,500 Jackpot win.
  • Fictional Character appears in the Bonus Round for the last time until September 20, 2017.
• May 5 is Family Style.
• Between May 6 and 13, the car is hit six times in a row in the Bonus Round.
• On May 5, Vanna reads part of the Prize copy to promote National Train Day, which occurs on the 10th.
• On May 6:
  • Round 4 is the last appearance of Classic TV until April 2, 2010.
  • The bonus puzzle OPINIONS & ADVICE is a rare instance of an ampersand in the Bonus Round.
• On May 8:
  • Pat tells the red team in Round 1 that T has already been called despite the only prior aired calls being N and M, indicating that a "null" cycle including a T was edited out.
  • All of the puzzles are very short, with Round 2 (EXPERIMENTAL THEATER) being the longest at only 19 letters.
  • A team exceeds $100,000 without hitting that amount; after winning a pair of Buick Enclaves in the Bonus Round, they leave with $100,304.
• On May 9:
  • The Round 3 puzzle CHICAGO'S OWN JOHN & JOAN CUSACK is the second of only three known instances of Family adding a descriptive term.
  • Once again, a team exceeds $100,000 (specifically, $116,358) by winning a pair of Buick Enclaves in the Bonus Round.
• May 12 is Get in the Game, taped March 9, themed to Chicago sports teams.
• On May 13:
  • Contestant Kevin gives incorrect answers to Rounds 2, 3, and 4.
  • Contestant Megan finishes with only $8,750.
• On May 15, contestant Sam sweeps the game and wins $25,000 in the Bonus Round.
• At some point on one of the Chicago tapings, an Eli's cheesecake is brought out. Unlike its Season 19 predecessor, the layout is the same as the show's layout with two double-sized "25" Wedges on opposite sides and two red Eli's wedges.

  

• May 19 is The Caribbean.
• On May 19:
  • Round 4 (SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER) is the longest puzzle. It is not known why shorter puzzles were used in Rounds 1-3, as the game did not run overly long and a fifth round was played.
  • Contestant Mandi wins no cash, as she solves Round 3 with only the Gift Tag, and no other puzzles.
• On May 25, in the closing segment, Pat mentions his wig prank from April Fool's Day and then shows a montage of the makeup department fitting him with the wig.
• May 26 is Dads & Grads Week.
• On May 29, Round 4 (DICTIONARY & ENCYCLOPEDIA) is the longest puzzle.

June 2008

• June 2 is Destination Relaxation.
• On June 6:
  • The Prize copy includes a trailer for Kung Fu Panda.
  • Six rounds are played.

Post-Season

• During the week of August 25, the reruns of College Week omit the Monday episode due to it containing a Before & After puzzle of BERNIE MAC AND CHEESE following Bernie Mac's death on August 9. This is the second of only two known instances before Season 28 of a rerun being skipped over during the Summer.