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PICTURE OF THE WEEK: The Wheel Approaches a Fortunate Milestone

In 1975, network television would undergo a revolution. In a programming era saturated with new features, films, and game shows, NBC took a chance on an odd game of probability developed by Merv Griffin. Griffin, merging parts of hangman and roulette, eventually developed a game designed to test the minds of individuals while courting the infinite entertainment of chance: the Wheel of Fortune was born.

Television's top-rated syndicated series for decades, the Wheel will be airing from Radio City Music Hall, in New York City, for the next three weeks. Fast approaching its 4,000th show, a special half-hour of commemorative highlights is being prepared, and will be aired nationwide in the days leading up to the landmark event.

Unlike many game shows prevalent in American lore, Wheel of Fortune has had but two hosts: Chuck Woolery, who manned the post from 1975 to 1981, and Pat Sajak, who assumed the reins in 1981. A year later, Vanna White would replace Susan Stafford as the show's co-host, and one of TV's most venerable duos was born.

"It's the kind of family thing that people don't do enough of," Vanna White once commented. "Even babies like to watch the wheel go around." Indeed, from the youngest of children to the oldest great-grandparents, the Wheel appeals to everyone. Innumerable pets have even been noted staring, entranced, at the Wheel. White, who auditioned for the co-host position in 1983 had always though of the post as a "stepping-stone to stardom", she would have never guessed stardom would find her there.

Today, television syndication meets network-funded series, cable, and various other ratings barriers. Few series show longevity beyond a few seasons: those that do are usually around because of their constantly changing drama. The Wheel, unchanged in twenty-five years, save for minor technological improvements, may yet be around another twenty-five, just as the world will always keep on spinning.

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