“Wheel of Fortune” introduced some new features for its Season 44, and it appears to be paying off with viewers. The long-running syndicated game show is averaging 8.59 million viewers in linear this year, up 17% from last year, while its household rating is a 4.8, up 16% from last year.
\n\nMeanwhile, producer Sony Pictures Television also reports that “Wheel of Fortune” on streaming is up 78% with total viewers and up 29% with adults 25-54. (“Wheel of Fortune” streams on Peacock, Hulu and Hulu on Disney+). Sony said the show reaches a total of nearly 37 million total viewers so far this season and says “Wheel” is the No. 1 entertainment program on TV.
\n\nIn Season 44, “Wheel of Fortune” gameplay added a new opening round, dubbed “Fortune Frenzy,” which follows contestants as they’re given 30 seconds to solve as many puzzles as possible. That means more puzzles at the start of the show.
\n\nSony said the ratings increase also comes as it assumes marketing, promotions and affiliate relations for “Wheel.” A year ago, CBS Media Ventures and Sony Pictures TV settled their long-running battle over the distribution of “Wheel” and “Jeopardy.” As part of their settlement, Sony took…
Original source: https://variety.com/v/tv/