Please note: This story was originally published in January 2024 and is now being republished due to renewed public interest.
A recent episode of Wheel of Fortune has sparked a wave of frustration among viewers after a contestant, Megan, was believed to have been wrongfully denied a $40,000 prize during the bonus round.
Megan, a high school choir director from California, had made it to the final round, where she was given a two-word puzzle under the category “Living Thing.” After choosing her bonus letters, the board revealed the phrase as “P_N_ RC _D.” With just 10 seconds to solve the puzzle, Megan appeared to say “Pink Orchid” right out of the gate—what turned out to be the correct answer.
However, the show’s judges ruled that her response was unclear or incorrect, and she walked away without the bonus prize.
The decision quickly stirred outrage online, with fans arguing that Megan had clearly solved the puzzle and should have been awarded the prize money. Social media posts flooded in, with many accusing the show of being too strict or dismissive. Some viewers even reviewed the footage frame by frame, insisting she said the correct phrase.
Megan later clarified that she had actually said “Something Orchid,” and not “Pink Orchid” as many believed—though she admitted the moment still haunts her. She’s taken the loss in stride, but fans haven’t let it go so easily.
The debate continues, with many saying the situation highlights just how unforgiving game show rules can be—even in cases where the answer seems obvious.
🎥 Watch the video clip of the moment at the end to decide for yourself whether she got it right.
