The Wheel
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The Wheel
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Wheel is a fun competition adapted from a popular British game show that features folks randomly being selected to answer trivia questions for cash. Many of the questions are about popular culture, and as a result popular brand names, films, etc. are frequently referenced. Most questions easy for young kids to answer, and some of them contain mildly suggestive references or brief discussions about a person's legal woes, which will go over their heads. Nonetheless, it's a family-friendly show.
What's the Story?
Adapted from the British game show of the same name, THE WHEEL features contestants spinning a giant wheel populated by celebrity exports to help them win major cash. Each episode, which is hosted by British comedian Michael McIntyre, features three contestants who hope to be randomly selected to sit in the middle of a huge spinning wheel, where they get to answer questions from specific categories with the help of one of seven celebrity experts. If they miss the question, they lose their spot on the wheel and hope to be randomly selected again. If they get it right, money gets added to the pot. The contestant who remains on the wheel and answers the final question correctly walks away with the cash.
Is It Any Good?
The fun series is filled with laughs and suspenseful moments as contestants and celebs try to answer trivia questions and load the bank with cash for a lucky player to win. Adding to the excitement is watching folks get randomly selected by the wheel, and watching players choose which experts they want, and don't want, to work with. The banter between Michael McIntyre and everyone on the wheel, including celebs like Iron Chef Cat Cora, actor Taye Diggs, and actress Christina Ricci, is also part of the fun.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the popularity of game shows. What makes them so entertaining? Competitors can win prizes, but what do celebrities get for appearing on them?
What are some of the changes that had to be made to the British version of The Wheel to make it more suitable for U.S. audiences? Why did they have to be adapted?
TV Details
- Premiere date: December 19, 2022
- Cast: Michael McIntyre
- Network: NBC
- Genre: Game Shows
- Character Strengths: Teamwork
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: January 18, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
-
Wheel of Fortune
Classic word-puzzle game show still offers family fun.
-
Spin the Wheel
Positive, simple game has trivia, big cash prizes.
-
The $100,000 Pyramid
Modern take on classic game show is the same old silly fun.
For kids who love game shows
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