Contestants who land on Buy a Vowel and do not have $250 lose their turn (a rule that was likely in place since at least the second pilot, but this is not certain).

In addition, the largest and smallest values are no longer always placed adjacent to a penalty wedge.

The placement of the special spaces still follows a certain pattern, but the pattern is noticeably different compared to that of the 1974 pilots.

The number of $50 spaces is two in Round 2 and only one in Round 3. The minimum value for Round 1 is still $25 (with only one space offering such a value) with $50 being the minimum afterwards. Also, the serifs at the top of each '1' move from the top to a slightly lower position, with the 1 of the $1,000 space having a noticeably flatter base than those of the three-digit values. A second Lose a Turn and a second Buy a Vowel are added in Round 3 while Free Spin is removed. The other values are also moved around a bit, with $225, $325, $375, and $425 being retired and Buy a Vowel now available from Round 1. The number of special spaces now starts at four and increase by one each round until Round 3.

The format is slightly altered to use three Wheel templates, with the top values now being $500 in Round 1, $750 in Round 2, and $1,000 thereafter.

Jeff Goldstein replaces Marty Pasetta as director.

The show's theme is changed to 'Big Wheels' by Alan Thicke, who also supplies the show's other music cues.

Chuck Woolery and Susan Stafford are the hosts.

The show replaces Jeopardy! as per contract in the 10:30 AM slot formerly held by Winning Streak.

On January 6, Wheel airs its first episode.These are just some of the many exciting prizes available! For further information, see Pilot episodes. The show held a number of pilots and runthroughs prior to its 1975 debut. 20 Celebrity Wheel of Fortune (2021-Present).

Wheel of fortune 1986 logo