Wheel of Fortune contestants have been gaining big wins during the final puzzles in recent weeks, with many walking away with $40,000 or more after quick guesses.

However, for some loyal viewers, it is is a sign that the puzzles are no longer as difficult as they once used to be.

After a steady stream on complaints on social media, Thursday’s episode led to a new slew on criticisms after player Denise Robinson became the latest to bag $40k.

The Hawaii-based contestant had been competing against Marilyn Harrod from Louisville, Kentucky, and Shaun Terbeest from Waupun, Wisconsin, when she worked her way to the Bonus Round.

She selected the Place category and had to guess a two-word puzzle which read:  ‘_ A N _ / V A _ L T.’

Robinson correctly guessed Bank Vault and walked away with an incredible grand total of $87,898.

Wheel of Fortune contestants have been gaining big wins during the final puzzles in recent weeks, with many walking away with $40,000 or more after quick guesses

For some loyal viewers, it is is a sign that the puzzles are no longer as difficult as they once used to be

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, one fan lamented: ‘That was literally the easiest final #WheelOfFortune I’ve ever seen in my life.’

Elsewhere, fans left similar complaints on YouTube as another stated: ‘I got that without needing any letters which never happens for me so it was an easy one. I’m very happy for her but they need to step it up.’

Indeed, the week prior, there were five days in a row where the players won the bonus round – a moment which caused fans to start paying closer attention.

Meanwhile, other fans were starting to question why the $40,000 prize money was coming up so often.

‘Why has it always $40,000 in the bonus round? When was the last time the big prize was more than that?’ one fan commented on YouTube.

‘$40,000 are we surprised,’ one fan remarked, while another wrote: ‘Always $40,000, but congrats Denise!’

Another asked: ‘Is it very common for a contestant on this show like Wheel of Fortune to earn $40,000 in the bonus round when they solve the puzzle? I am not very sure. But if someone knows the answer, I’d like to know more about what money amount envelope is housed on the Bonus Round wheel on what location.’

However, most viewers appear to be happy to see so many players walking away with great puzzle wins since host Ryan Seacrest took over from Pat Sajak.

Player Denise Robinson selected the Place category and had to guess a two-word puzzle which read: ‘_ A N _ / V A _ L T’

Robinson correctly guessed Bank Vault and walked away with an incredible grand total of $87,898

Fans started to vocalize their annoyance at some of the recent puzzle solves being too easy

Some fans have been slow to warm to host Ryan Seacrest, but adding him to the game show has been good for ratings.

Wheel of Fortune averaged 7.99 million viewers during Seacrest’s first month, and during that time, the show was ‘the most-watched entertainment series across broadcast, cable, and syndication,’ according to Nielsen data per Newsweek.

In January, it was revealed that the show only saw a slight drop in audience numbers by the end of 2024.

Per The Los Angeles Times, Nielsen data showed WoF earning an average of 7.9 million viewers through December 1, 2024 – which was an increase of three percent from the prior year.

Lately some viewers have been sharing their frustrations about the new host Ryan Seacrest online – with some slamming his ‘annoying’ failures and labelling him as ‘irritating.’

In a recent Reddit post, one fan kicked off the complaints and argued about the way Seacrest was failing to properly guide contestants about the rules.

‘Ever since Ryan Seacrest took over for Pat Sajak, in recent episodes I’ve been watching, I’ve been discovering that Ryan has been forgetting to remind the player to dump the wild card after landing on bankrupt,’ the Reddit user noted on Monday.

They continued: ‘I’m not sure if he’s been forgetting too much or he’s just being lazy to remind the player.’

Thursday’s episode led to a new slew on criticisms after player Denise Robinson became the latest contestant to bag $40k

Other fans were starting to question why the $40,000 prize money was coming up so often

Viewers took to Reddit and YouTube to share their thoughts about the matter

Elsewhere, another fan of the show revealed their ire about the way Seacrest plugs his other presenting jobs as they wrote: ‘I find Ryan to be very self promoting about his other gigs and his other sponsorship deals in the WOF show.

‘I’m at least glad Vanna White is getting to say more, but you can’t convince me that they’re actually buddies even though he keeps commenting on it and calling her a nickname. She’s a pro and plays along.’

The fan continued: ‘I just don’t believe that he actually loves the game itself. And as the host, he should be pointing out to the players when they have the clock ticking or “don’t want to guess a letter first?” — it shows he cares about everyone doing well.’

However, there were several fans who spoke out in defense of Seacrest and praised his time as host so far.

‘Get off of Ryan’s back. He is a delightful host,’ one fan stated. ‘He makes Pat Sejak look like an ogre. He and Vanna are a perfect duo for Wheel. I enjoy the show now more than ever.’

Another commented: ‘I really enjoy how Ryan hosts the show. He’s enthusiastic and really cheers the contestants on. I never cared for Pat’s snarky comments.’

A third added: ‘I do like how he is more engaging but he is shortcoming sometimes. pat was… demeaning.’