Wheel of Fortune, a beloved game show, took a unique turn in the late ’90s with the introduction of Wheel 2000, a children’s version with a horror twist. The show, hosted by David Sidoni and announced by Tanika Ray, aired from September 13, 1997, to February 7, 1998. The horror element was injected into the classic format, making it stand out from the original. One of the most memorable aspects was the addition of “The Creature,” a monster lurking under the wheel that would devour a contestant’s points if they landed on the bankruptcy space. This added a dramatic and suspenseful element to the show, making it a memorable character and an unforgettable variation of the iconic game show.
The game show structure remained the same, with points replacing cash, and exciting prizes added to the game. When a contestant landed on the penalty spot for bankruptcy, smoke filled the room, and creepy laughter played, making the moment theatrical and adding suspense, humor, and mild horror to an otherwise sad situation. If a contestant didn’t have points for the Creature to consume, they would be eaten and have to sit out for the remainder of the round.
The Creature was not the only horror-themed element in Wheel 2000. Multiple challenges kept the contestants engaged with a spooky twist. One of the standout challenges was Monster Heads, where contestants suited up in aprons, gloves, and goggles before go into a slimy basket to retrieve heads. Other show segments also featured similar eerie vibes, like the Alien Toss, where kids threw foam at aliens to score points for their chance at victory. These creepy and interactive tasks complemented the Creature and made the ordinary gameplay memorable and unique.
Pats Sajak’s Wheel of Fortune Delayed Until 2025 (Image via Getty)
The show’s spooky, yet playful format drew in its young audience, and although Wheel 2000 had a short run, its impact went beyond the American borders. The show’s success inspired international adaptations, such as La Ruleta de la Fortuna Junior in Spain and Çark 2000 in Turkey, which brought a localized twist to the concept while keeping the core excitement of spinning the wheel and embracing the kid-friendly, horror-inspired elements that made Wheel 2000 stand out.
Wheel 2000, with its unique blend of horror and fun, took the classic Wheel of Fortune format and turned it into an unforgettable and beloved game show for children.
