Fans of Wheel of Fortune were left disappointed after a glaring editing mistake gave away the episode’s winner before the game had even concluded.
The blunder, which aired on Friday night, revealed contestant Nekeia Borders spinning the final prize wheel while she was still in last place.
Viewers were quick to notice the spoiler and took to social media to express their frustration.
Editing Mishap Ruins the Suspense
The editing error occurred during the trip montage, a segment that typically showcases potential travel prizes contestants can win.
However, instead of simply highlighting luxurious destinations, the montage accidentally included footage of Nekeia Borders spinning the final prize wheel—a clear indication that she would be the night’s big winner.
At the time the clip aired, Borders was significantly trailing behind her competitors, having earned only $2,000. This made it immediately obvious to observant viewers that she was destined for a major comeback.
Fans quickly turned to social media to see if others had caught the mistake. One Reddit user wrote, “During the trip montage, they showed the winner spinning the final wheel. That happened, right?” Another replied, “Yep, and it was a huge spoiler since she was in last place when it was shown.”
One particularly frustrated viewer posted, “Literally came here to see if anyone else noticed!! I’m so annoyed.”
Another fan shared their reaction: “I told my husband, ‘Wait, I think the gal in the middle is going to make it to the bonus round?? They just showed her.’ That was so weird and lame.”
As the game played out, Borders indeed staged an incredible rally, eventually securing her spot in the final round. One viewer on X (formerly Twitter) ranted, “Nice editing!! Come on. Do better than this.”
A Rollercoaster Night for Borders
Despite the unfortunate spoiler, Borders’ journey in the episode was an exciting one. After the premature reveal, many viewers speculated on how she would make her comeback. One fan even predicted that she would land on the coveted $5,000 wedge, which could catapult her to victory. Sure enough, that’s exactly what happened.
Her late-game success ultimately secured her a spot in the bonus round, where she had the chance to win a $100,000 prize. Unfortunately, her luck ran out when she was unable to correctly solve a difficult “bones” puzzle, costing her both the grand prize and a dream trip to India.
Still, Borders walked away with an impressive $34,000 in winnings and was all smiles as she shook hands with host Ryan Seacrest.
Fan Reactions to the Editing Blunder and Gameplay
While some fans were frustrated by the spoiler, others focused on Borders’ impressive comeback. However, the mistake added to ongoing complaints about Wheel of Fortune’s production quality.
Many longtime viewers have also criticized recent changes to the game’s difficulty, with some arguing that puzzles have become too easy. Borders’ final round loss, however, suggested that the show still offers its fair share of challenges.
One fan summed up the mixed reactions: “I was annoyed by the spoiler, but I have to admit, watching her come back and win was exciting!”
Ryan Seacrest’s Hosting Era and Ratings Success
Since taking over hosting duties from Pat Sajak, Ryan Seacrest has been met with mixed reactions from fans. While some viewers have been slow to embrace him as the new face of the show, his presence has undeniably boosted Wheel of Fortune’s ratings.
During his first month as host, the game show averaged 7.99 million viewers, making it the most-watched entertainment series across broadcast, cable, and syndication, according to Nielsen data reported by Newsweek.
Even as 2024 progressed, Wheel of Fortune remained a ratings powerhouse. The Los Angeles Times reported that the show was averaging 7.9 million viewers as of December 1, 2024, marking a 3% increase from the previous year.
While Wheel of Fortune continues to thrive under Seacrest’s leadership, production blunders like the recent spoiler risk frustrating its loyal audience. Many fans hope that future episodes will avoid similar editing mistakes to keep the game’s suspense intact.
Final Thoughts
For a show that has captivated audiences for over four decades, Wheel of Fortune thrives on suspense and competition. However, Friday’s editing error dampened the excitement by revealing the winner too soon. While Nekeia Borders’ comeback was still entertaining to watch, the premature reveal took away the thrill of the unknown.
Moving forward, fans are hoping for more attention to detail in editing—and fewer spoilers before the final wheel is spun.
