A Wheel of Fortune contestant faced heartbreak this week after missing out on a brand-new Toyota in the final round — but it wasn’t just the big loss that had viewers buzzing. The long-running game show unveiled a major change to its set, and fans can’t stop talking about it.
“This is one of the most colorful, fun sets we’ve ever had,” Vanna White exclaimed as the cameras panned across a candy-themed wonderland. “Beautiful!”
Host Ryan Seacrest, who joined White at center stage, joked, “It looks delicious, actually.”
And he wasn’t kidding. This week’s “Living the Sweet Life” theme turned the Wheel of Fortune studio into a sugar-coated dreamscape — complete with gummy bears, Twizzlers, lollipops, and even an ice cream stand. The floor itself featured the Wheel of Fortune logo made entirely of gummy candy surrounded by Swedish Fish.
Fans online were quick to weigh in on the vibrant setup. “I like the candy-themed set!!!” one YouTube viewer wrote. Another added, “I love this week! All about candy! I could just eat the stage!”
But amid all the fun and color, one contestant’s heartbreaking moment stole the show.
Wendell Hundall of Aurora, Colorado, came out swinging in the early rounds, buzzing in on the very first toss-up with just two letters revealed to correctly solve “I Want Candy,” earning $1,000. His quick thinking and confidence made him an early favorite.
But it was Rob Schwandt, a teacher from Riverside, California, who ultimately dominated the game — even after a few lighthearted missteps. During one toss-up, Schwandt incorrectly guessed “Banana Dress” for the puzzle “What Are You Wearing?” The audience laughed, and even Reddit users couldn’t resist poking fun. “Banana Dress. I don’t feel too bad about laughing — Rob ended up the big winner anyway,” one fan wrote.
Schwandt regained his footing fast. He solved “Wanderlust-Worthy” during the Prize Puzzle, earning a trip to Spain and a major payday — $18,598. He followed that up by sweeping all three Triple Toss-Ups and finishing with a total of $30,298. Hundall finished the night with $12,900, and Emily Wong — a twin mom from Fresno — received the standard $1,000 consolation prize.
The night’s biggest drama came in the Bonus Round. Schwandt, joined by his wife, mother, and two kids, chose “Person” as his final category. After the standard letters appeared, he added “H, M, C, and A” — but the puzzle “VISIONARY FILMMAKER” left him stumped.
As the clock ticked down, he guessed desperately: “Visionary… not commander. Mayor?” But time ran out. The answer was revealed, and Schwandt let out a groan when he realized he had just lost out on a brand-new Toyota.
Ryan Seacrest gave him a reassuring tap on the arm, smiling as he said, “Hey, you still walk away with over $30,000.”
Fans may have been disappointed for the teacher, but the candy-coated set — and the lighthearted energy of the night — left everyone with a sugar-sweet taste.
