August 2008 Newsletter

We’ve begun taping shows for our 26th season, and things have been pretty exciting so far. The biggest change has been the addition of our Million Dollar Wedge, and, I have to admit, it’s been a fun addition to the show. I say “I have to admit” because I confess that I had mixed feelings about the addition of a potential million dollar prize. I was afraid it would look as if we were responding to other shows, something we’ve never done. The real reason behind the move was simply to add an exciting new wrinkle to the show (something we try to do every season), but, again, I was concerned about the perception. I was also afraid that the size of the prize would be a distraction to the players and even detract from the game.

Well, as usual, I was wrong and our Executive Producer, Harry Friedman, was right. It’s been great fun, and it doesn’t seem to get in the way of the proceedings. Actually, it’s a real long shot, so the players don’t focus on it that much. Of course, since the shows haven’t aired yet, I can’t talk about any of the specifics. I’ll just say that I think you’ll enjoy the feature.

Speaking of million dollar prizes, they’re always long shots, even when they’re the focus of a show. No one has won the million dollars since 2003 on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? And, I don’t think the million has ever been given away on Howie Mandel’s briefcase show. Will it happen on Wheel? Stay tuned.