“Wheel of Fortune” Breaks Tradition with Firefighter Face-Off

“Wheel of Fortune” took a bold turn this week, surprising fans with a brand-new format that ditched the usual strangers-for-contestants setup. Instead, three longtime Rhode Island firefighters — Melissa “Missy” Porter, Darrin “Poppa” Gallagher, and Tim Stebenne — went head-to-head for pride, cash, and bragging rights.

For over two decades, the trio has worked side by side, and their camaraderie brought humor and heart to the show. Porter joked about her “meatball rule,” Gallagher leaned on his seniority, and Stebenne playfully dubbed himself the “David” among Goliaths.

Fans raved online, calling it “the most fun format yet” and praising the human connection. The episode also reintroduced fan-favorite twists like the Jackpot Round and the $1 Million wedge, while host Ryan Seacrest kept the energy high.

Gallagher dominated with multiple puzzle wins, a $20,150 cash prize, and a trip to Panama — though he fell short in the Bonus Round, missing “Taking a Whiff.” Despite that heartbreak, fans agreed: “Wheel of Fortune” just spun its way into a fresh new era.