Wheel of Fortune viewers were surprised when the puzzle creators unveiled a controversial solution to one of the puzzles. While the puzzle earned contestant Adam Goodell a hefty $2,450 in just a few minutes, the solution sparked mixed reactions among viewers, ranging from laughter to frustration. Goodell’s successful solve allowed him to advance to the bonus round, but many viewers were fixated on the puzzle’s eyebrow-raising solution, which seemed out of place for the typically family-friendly game show, known as America’s Game.
So, what was the puzzle solution that caused a stir? Goodell correctly guessed “brushing up on my Italian sausage.” The puzzle fell under the category of “before and after,” combining two phrases with the word “Italian” bridging them together. While some found the solution clever, others deemed it inappropriate for the show’s audience.
Twitter exploded with reactions from Wheel of Fortune fans. The episode aired in February 2020, and viewers took to social media to express their thoughts. Some labeled the puzzle as “kinky,” while others found it downright amusing.
One Twitter user shared a screenshot of the puzzle solution, commenting, “Yeah, I don’t know about this one #wheeloffortune #ohvannapickmealetter.”
Another viewer wrote, “I found the ‘Brushing up on my Italian sausage’ puzzle on #WheelofFortune tonight hilarious for some reason!”
Others joined in the conversation, with one tweeting, “Bruh, what intern must have made the puzzle ‘brushing up on my Italian sausage’ I’m dead.”
Despite the mixed reactions, the puzzle became a topic of online discussion. Some joked about its lurid implications, while others questioned its suitability for a family-friendly show like Wheel of Fortune.
Even host Pat Sajak couldn’t resist poking fun at the puzzle solution. After Goodell’s successful solve, Sajak jokingly remarked, “Uh… it’s a grilling expression.”
Wheel of Fortune, hosted by Pat Sajak and Vanna White, has entertained American audiences for forty seasons. While the show continues to be a favorite among families, occasional controversial moments like this puzzle keep viewers on their toes.