*Wheel of Fortune* is preparing for a major makeover, but not everyone is happy about it. The popular game show is teaming up with Coca-Cola and America250 to celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday with a special event called “Drink in America.” Beginning June 1, the celebration will run for two non-consecutive weeks, transforming the familiar stage with red, white, and blue decorations and plenty of branding.
The special event will feature host Ryan Seacrest and longtime co-host Vanna White as contestants compete for exciting prizes. These include trips to Los Angeles, New York City for the Times Square ball drop, and Atlanta, Seacrest’s hometown. A Coca-Cola-branded wheel wedge and a Jeep bonus-round prize will also be part of the festivities, while a nationwide giveaway will offer vacations to national parks and Universal Studios Florida.
However, the patriotic celebration has already sparked criticism among longtime viewers. Some fans believe the partnership puts too much emphasis on advertising, making the show feel more like a commercial than the familiar game show they have enjoyed for years. Discussions on Reddit reveal concerns that the growing number of sponsors is changing the program’s traditional atmosphere.
While producers present “Drink in America” as a special tribute to the country’s history and stories, some viewers are less enthusiastic. They worry that the sponsorships and promotional opportunities are taking attention away from the puzzles and entertainment that made *Wheel of Fortune* a television favorite. For these fans, the celebration may be meaningful, but they would prefer the show to keep its classic charm without so much branding.
