Wheel of Fortune has once again sparked backlash after a controversial episode left fans outraged — and one contestant out $56,000. Viewers blasted the show and host Ryan Seacrest for enforcing what they called an “unfair” rule during a crossword round and featuring a “nonsensical” bonus puzzle.

The drama began when Todd Meyer of Las Vegas correctly solved a “Party”-themed crossword with answers like “Party Time” and “Party Bus.” However, Seacrest ruled it incorrect because Meyer included the word “party” each time — instead of saying only the displayed words: “Time, Animal, Decorations, Bus.” The ruling cost Meyer the round and sparked immediate outrage online.

“That’s the rule — you must say exactly what’s on the board,” Seacrest explained, while visibly sympathizing with the contestant. But fans weren’t convinced. “He never reminds players of that rule!” one Reddit user fumed. “It’s completely unfair.”

The controversy didn’t end there. Finalist Sheree Corder reached the bonus round, where she faced the phrase “_ _ _ _ P IT _P.” The correct answer — “Whoop It Up” — stunned audiences. “Who even says that?” one viewer wrote. Another added, “That’s one of the worst bonus phrases I’ve ever seen.”

Corder walked away with $16,600, while Meyer and Randolph earned $10,000 and $12,190 respectively. Yet the real takeaway for fans was frustration. As one viewer summed it up: “Wheel of Fortune needs clearer rules — and better phrases.”