Gena L.

When I found out I made the show, I started jumping and running around my house. My family had no clue what I was doing, or why I was celebrating, but when I finally calmed down to tell them, we ALL jumped around together! To get ready, I practiced by watching the show like I usually do, and I practiced on the app. We even downloaded the Wheel of Fortune PlayStation game so we could play  as a family! 

Actually being on the show was the BEST experience ever! Everyone that I met from start to finish were all really nice and extremely supportive. From casting, to Pat and Vanna, the excitement and enthusiasm was incredible. Alex and Shannon [the contestant producers] were the best cheerleaders, and every contestant that was on set and that I taped with was so nice. I loved getting to know everyone, and listen to everyone’s backstories about how they got there. We truly formed a bond that you really don’t get to experience unless you do something like this!  

Thankfully there were not a ton of surprises with the puzzles, although solving at home is soooo much easier! I just wish I had more of a chance to land the Prize puzzle! When my show airs I’m planning on having a watch party at my house with my family. We are going to have a bunch of apps and snacks and I’m having everyone wear “money green” 😂 I’ll probably make a charcuterie board representing the wheel, too!

Wheel of Fortune has been a part of my life since childhood! I remember watching with my great-grandma and grandma and a fresh bag of stove-popped Jiffy Pop! Now I watch it with my kids every night — it’s a family event! My kids love solving the puzzles, and if they can’t get something they scream, “Mom! Tell me what it is!”  It’s a half hour that has been with me since I was a kid, and now I get to carry it on to my kids! Best. Show. Ever.