A simple yet perplexing “Wheel of Fortune” puzzle had people across the country scratching their heads in May 2017. Recently resurfacing online, the puzzle sparked a frenzy of guesses, jokes, and debates after a podcast host shared a screenshot on Twitter. The tweet, which quickly went viral, amassed over 40,000 likes and 13,000 retweets, drawing attention from fans of the show and casual observers alike.

The puzzle in question presented a partially solved phrase that seemed straightforward but managed to stump viewers. Social media users flooded Twitter with their attempts to crack it, resulting in a mix of clever, absurd, and even inappropriate guesses. Some of the most notable submissions included “Suck it dork,” “Duck at work,” “Lick it fork,” “Pick at pork,” and the entirely nonsensical “Return to Zork.”

Social Media Has a Field Day

As the guesses rolled in, observers couldn’t help but be entertained. The tweet gained traction far beyond the usual “Wheel of Fortune” fanbase, with people who had never watched the show chiming in just for the laughs. The podcast host who initially shared the image was thrilled by the response.

“I really appreciate all the replies and quote tweets of this with alternate jokes,” the host wrote. “Can’t get enough of it!”

Other users added their own humorous takes. One person tweeted, “[H]ahahahahaha why can’t I be watching when this sh** happens!?” Another admitted, “[I] hate that show but this is funny.”

Despite the avalanche of creative guesses, the correct answer—“Back at work”—was guessed by the contestant on the original episode within a minute. This quick solve didn’t stop the internet from turning the puzzle into a comedic phenomenon that continued to spread.

A Year of Viral Moments for “Wheel of Fortune”

This wasn’t the first time “Wheel of Fortune” captured national attention that year. Just a couple of months earlier, in March, a contestant named Kevin made headlines with a hilariously incorrect guess during a puzzle featuring the title of a famous play. The puzzle, which read “A STREETCAR NA_ED DESIRE,” had Kevin mistakenly guess “A Streetcar Naked Desire” instead of the correct “A Streetcar Named Desire.”

The gaffe left the audience and host Pat Sajak in stitches. After the puzzle was solved, Sajak joked with the winning contestant, “And although you got the right answer, I’d rather see Kevin’s play.”

As expected, Twitter erupted with reactions. One user tweeted, “Dude on Wheel of Fortune had to solve this: A STREETCAR NA_ED DESIRE. He asked for a K. I’m gonna go lie down.” Another chimed in, “Nothing’s funnier to me than Wheel of Fortune fails. Unlike Jeopardy, it’s literally spelled out for you.” A third user joked, “Hey, Wheel of Fortune contestant who just tried to fill in A STREETCAR NA_ED DESIRE with a K, DM me—I’ll buy you a beer or 20.”

Yet Another Viral Moment

The fun didn’t stop there. In April of the same year, another contestant captured national attention with an equally amusing error. The puzzle, “O_EYS_CK_E B_S,” was under the category “Living Things.” The correct answer, “Honeysuckle bush,” proved elusive for one contestant, who guessed “Popsicle bike” instead.

The guess left viewers in hysterics, and the contestant later reflected on her blunder. “I don’t know what I was saying,” she admitted in an interview with the Dallas Observer. “Maybe it’s because I saw a ‘K’ at the bottom, but I’m like OK, let’s move on. So I didn’t think about it, but my daughter’s like, ‘That’s gonna go all over.’”

Why “Wheel of Fortune” Remains a Cultural Icon

These moments highlight why “Wheel of Fortune” has remained a beloved staple of American television for decades. Unlike trivia-based shows like “Jeopardy,” “Wheel of Fortune” challenges contestants with puzzles that seem simple but can trip up even the sharpest minds. The format not only keeps viewers engaged but also creates opportunities for laugh-out-loud moments that resonate far beyond the show’s typical audience.

Social media has amplified the show’s appeal, turning its funniest moments into viral sensations. These shared experiences bring people together, reminding us of the unpredictable charm of live television.

The Legacy of Laughter

Whether it’s a clever solve, a surprising mistake, or a wildly incorrect guess, “Wheel of Fortune” continues to deliver entertainment that transcends generations. Moments like these remind us that the game is about more than just solving puzzles—it’s about connecting with others through shared laughter and lighthearted fun.

So, the next time you tune into “Wheel of Fortune,” pay close attention. You never know when a simple puzzle might become the next viral sensation, sparking a wave of creativity and humor that reaches far beyond the studio. After all, it’s these unexpected moments that keep us coming back for more.