Wheel of Fortune” threw the rulebook out the window this week — and fans are loving it. In a first for the iconic game show, Monday night’s episode didn’t pit strangers against each other. Instead, three longtime friends and colleagues from a Rhode Island fire department took the stage to battle it out for cash, bragging rights, and the ultimate title of “Best Wheel of Fortune Contestant.”

Melissa “Missy” Porter, Darrin “Poppa” Gallagher, and Tim Stebenne—who have worked side-by-side for over 20 years—weren’t just playing for money. They were playing for pride. And the friendly competition between them was front and center. Porter joked about only making meatballs when the show’s on, Gallagher brought years of station seniority, and Stebenne compared himself to “David” taking on Goliaths.

Show hostess Vanna White in a ‘Wheel of Fortune’ episode, Photo Credit: Wheel Of Fortune/YoutubeViewers took to social media to praise the new format. One Instagram user raved, “This is so much better than playing in teams.” Another added, “I’m confused but obsessed with this dynamic.” The twist sparked conversations across Reddit and Twitter, with many saying the camaraderie added a refreshing, human element to the high-stakes game.It wasn’t just the players who made the episode unique—some fan-favorite twists returned as well.
The Jackpot round made a comeback, starting at zero and climbing $500 with each spin. Whoever solved the puzzle would take the full amount, provided they avoided the dreaded “Bankrupt.” The coveted $1 Million wedge also made an appearance, with host Ryan Seacrest keeping it in play for the Bonus Round if no one hit Bankrupt during the round.