‘Wheel of Fortune’: The Game Show by the Numbers

Wheel of Fortune fans have been celebrating the run of longtime host Pat Sajak who served in the role for several decades. But when it comes to numbers, there are quite a few associated with the game. Below, we break down some of the big ones ranging from the largest prize awarded to the average amount of viewers who tune into the TV favorite.

$1,030,340

The largest-ever prize, awarded to Autumn Erhard (above) on May 30, 2013.

41

Seasons that Pat Sajak has hosted. He’s the Guinness World Record holder for “longest career as a game show host for the same show.”

6

Episodes that are filmed in a single day, taking roughly 30 minutes each.

24

Wedges on the Wheel. Players have a 1-in-72 chance at the $1 million spot, which resides on the middle third of a wedge.

26,000,000+

Viewers that the game show averages every week.

1983

The year this current iteration of the show premiered, following a daytime version of the series that began in 1975.