Ryan Seacrest Calls Out ‘Wheel of Fortune' Contestant-Result Shocks Viewers
Wheel of Fortune viewers were left stunned after host Ryan Seacrest openly prompted a contestant to make a different move during a recent episode, only for the moment to end in a costly outcome that fans say was “mind-blowing.”
The moment unfolded during the April 15 episode of the game show's Spring Forward champions tournament, when contestant Terry Smith declined an opportunity to increase his earnings before solving a puzzle. The decision ultimately cost him tens of thousands of dollars and sparked a wave of reactions from viewers watching at home.
What To Know
Smith, from Harleysville, Pennsylvania, competed against returning champion Heidi Edwards, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Heather Viana, of Rockland, Massachusetts. Edwards entered the episode with a one-day total of $26,390 after winning the previous night.
During the final puzzle, Viana incorrectly guessed “Hitting a Grand Ball.” Edwards then guessed two “G"s but did not attempt to solve. When control moved to Smith, he announced he wanted to solve the puzzle.
Seacrest paused him. “Are you sure you don't want to call a letter first?” the host asked, noting that the vowel was worth $1,700 and that Smith was fighting for first place.
Smith declined, replying, “Nah. I'll just solve it.”
He correctly solved the puzzle-"hitting a grand slam”-earning $5,100 and advancing to the Bonus Round with a final total of $12,200. However, viewers immediately pointed out that calling a letter first could have significantly increased his winnings.
Fans React
Fans watching the episode shared their disbelief on Reddit, with many questioning why Smith passed up the extra money.
“‘Do you want some extra money?' ‘No thanks. I'll just solve.' At least Ryan tried…,” one Reddit user wrote.
Another added, “Bye bye $1,700,” while a third argued it was even worse: “More like bye-bye $3,400. There were two n's left.”
Others described yelling at their televisions as the moment unfolded. “I am watching it by myself and screaming at the TV. Why???,” one fan said.
What Happened Next
Smith advanced to the Bonus Round, choosing “Place” as his category. After selecting additional letters, the puzzle appeared as “EH _ _ _ N.”
He did not attempt a guess. The correct answer was revealed as “Beach Cabana.”
Inside the bonus envelope was $45,000-money that would have brought Smith's total to $57,200.
Edwards finished the episode with $8,000, giving her a two-day total of $34,390, while Viana left with $3,800.
Newsweek's reporters and editors used Martyn, our Al assistant, to help produce this story. Learn more about Martyn.
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This story was originally published April 17, 2026 at 7:36 AM.