Note: we are reissuing this story that first made headlines in January 2025.
Fans were left puzzled after Friday night’s episode of Wheel of Fortune when a contestant received credit for a correct answer, even though she included extra words in her response. This incident has reignited conversations about the show’s established rules and their enforcement.
The contestant involved in this controversy was Kiana Moreland, a recent graduate from Grand Terrace, California. During the Express Round, in the category of “Living Things,” the puzzle displayed: “A A R D V A R K S / A N D / A N _ E _ _ _ E S.”
Moreland responded with, “Is it aardvarks and antelopes?” Host Ryan Seacrest paused briefly before declaring her answer correct, despite the inclusion of the phrase “Is it?” at the beginning.
Fans Question Ruling Online
After the episode aired, the unexpected ruling ignited a lively debate on Wheel of Fortune’s Reddit forum. One viewer commented:
“So on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, a contestant solved a puzzle, but she said, ‘Is it aardvarks and antelopes?’ I was convinced the judges would deem it incorrect, but after Ryan’s longer-than-usual pause, he announced she got it right!”
Other commenters quickly joined the discussion, questioning if the decision followed the established rules.
One user suggested, “Saying ‘Is it’ might be acceptable since it doesn’t alter the actual puzzle—it’s merely a preface to a guess.”
However, another user highlighted inconsistencies, recalling previous decisions where additional phrases resulted in disqualifications: “I remember a contestant losing for saying, ‘I’m so excited’ before the actual answer, ‘I’m excited.’”
Rules Under Scrutiny
The discussion also brought back memories of other contentious moments on the show. One notorious instance involved a contestant who lost after saying “I’d like to solve” followed by “A frozen concoction,” instead of just “frozen concoction.”
Despite the commotion, some fans referred to Wheel of Fortune’s official rulebook, which allows for some flexibility in such cases. According to the rules for the live show:
“Judges will give the benefit of the doubt to contestants, considering factors like speech impediments, regional dialects, nervousness, and studio conditions. Each case is evaluated individually, and the decision is final.”
A More Lenient Approach with New Leadership?
Some fans speculated that rulings might have become more lenient under the show’s new leadership. “I’ve noticed the judges appear more forgiving since Ryan and the new producers took over,” one viewer remarked. “Perhaps they’re aiming to create a more positive atmosphere.”
Moreland ultimately triumphed in the episode but fell short during the Bonus Round, missing the chance at the $100,000 grand prize. Nevertheless, her success in the main game continues to fuel discussions about whether the show’s rules are consistent or in need of a modern update.
As one viewer put it: “We all enjoy watching people win, but the rules should apply equally to everyone.”
