While I've harbored a distaste for the show for years, I can think of one thing that's not entirely terrible. The only real bright spot, in my opinion, is Vanna White's charming presence and sensational gowns. If it weren't for White, the show would have no hope. Regardless, there are far more negatives than positives about the show.
Pat Sajak gives me the heebie jeebies.
It's no secret that Pat likes to act extra friendly with certain contestants. It seems like episode after episode he finds himself inching over to the young, pretty women there to compete. Does he think he's part of the prize puzzle package? Personal space seems to be an unknown concept for Pat when it comes to these specific contestants.
The puzzles can be outrageous and completely nonsensical.
I understand that the puzzles need to meet a certain level of difficulty in order to make for good television and entertaining competition. However, I question the legitimacy of some of the phrase choices. Like, can someone tell me who refers to a stroller as a “new baby buggy?” While the major component of the show is its ability to challenge contestants, creating far-fetched phrases that are uncommon in any region of the country is absurd.
Contestants buy all of the vowels. WHY?
Yes, buying vowels can very much help in solving the puzzle. One or two may really move things along, but do you have to buy ALL of them? Buying up all the vowels is a free ride for other contestants. Why not make them throw their money at the puzzle, too? Also, consonants don’t cost, and you rack up money guessing them. There are more of them, too.
The contestants get greedy and immediately hit “Bankrupt,” when they could’ve just solved.
I know the one with the most money at the end of the regular rounds goes on to the final round, but there's got to be some strategy. If you absolutely know the puzzle, is it really worth risking all the money you just earned for an extra $600? Without fail, contestants get down to the last two letters and still decide to spin! Without fail, they hit bankrupt. Just solve!
The categories are bland.
I understand that the categories need to be practical. Traditional categories are a mainstay for the show. However, could there not be a little excitement and adventure in coming up with new categories? I know this isn't "Jeopardy," but could we get a little variation? It could be as simple as bringing back the “Decade” category from the 90s that almost doubled as history trivia. Even making the categories more specific, like a “Viral Trends” or “Vine References” category. Considering the show reaches a very broad age range for its audience, diversifying the categories would appeal to this wide-ranging base.
It’s the longest thirty minutes of my life till my seven o’clock shows.
I can't tell you how many times I've had to sit through the last few minutes of "Wheel is Fortune" in anticipation of the seven o'clock show. My disdain for the show makes its thirty-minute run seem about quadruple the time. The 6:30 p.m. slot also seems like THE prime spot, which I feel could be better occupied. Again, I'll admit bias, but I doubt I'm the only one pining for better programming.
“Family Feud” is way better.
For many reasons, "Family Feud" is the superior game show. Firstly, Steve Harvey is a sensational host! To be honest, Harvey brings the show to life and is the very glue holding it together. The families also do their part, though. Which leads into my second reason, the humor. "Family Feud" is more often than not a laugh riot. Between the quirky, provocative answers and Harvey's unpredictable commentary, there's never a dull moment.
