After choosing his usual letters, the final puzzle appeared:
TAK_NG A _ _ _ _
He quickly guessed “Taking a…” but couldn’t land on the last word.
The correct answer was “Taking a whiff.”
Host Ryan Seacrest revealed the missed $40,000 prize, and Gallagher laughed it off in good spirits—but viewers weren’t nearly as amused.
Online reactions came pouring in
“At this point, just let someone win already.”
“Who even uses the word ‘whiff’ anymore?
The Bonus Round loss marked the show’s eleventh consecutive miss—something fans have been quick to point out as frustration grows over increasingly tricky puzzles
Despite the Bonus Round Shock, Fans See Promise in the New Era
Still, even with the disappointing ending, fans celebrated the episode’s experimental feel. Between the revived Jackpot round, the possible Million Dollar prize, and the new contestant format, viewers felt the show was taking bold steps to keep things fresh.
The chemistry among the firefighter friends, combined with the familiar charm of Vanna White and the upbeat hosting of Ryan Seacrest, made this episode stand out—proof that after decades on air, Wheel of Fortune still has room to surprise
And if the online conversation is any indication, viewers are more than ready for this new
