This list comparing "Press Your Luck" and "Wheel of Fortune" was posted to ATGS January 3, 2002. New additions to the list are denoted with a star which indicates who contributed that entry. Enjoy.
PYL | WHEEL |
Has three contestants. | Has three contestants. |
Contestants wear name tags with capital letters.* |
Contestants wear name tags with capital letters.* |
Contestants don't need knowledge to play, nor did a lot of them have it. |
Contestants don't need knowledge to play, nor did a lot of them have it. |
Contestants' fate often relied on the big board. |
Contestants' fate often relied on the big wheel. |
In the early days, top dollar on the board in round one was less. |
In the early days, top dollar on the wheel in round one was less. |
Board had multi- colored spaces.** |
Wheel had multi- colored spaces.** |
Board has 18 spaces. | Wheel has 24 spaces. |
Board contains space that takes all of your money.*** |
Wheel contains space that takes all of your money.*** |
Used eggcrate displays. |
Used eggcrate displays. |
For some time, the host used to do an introductory spin. |
For some time, the host used to do an introductory spin. |
Offered prizes not well recieved by contestants. (Flokati Rug) |
Offered prizes not well recieved by contestants. (Ceramic Dalmation) |
Before it came around, there was a show with the same name, but a different concept. (1980s pilot w/Pat Sajak) |
Before it came around, there was a show with the same name, but a different concept. (Early 50s show) |
Often, contestants were weird and memorable. |
Often, contestants were weird and memorable. |
Contestants scream at the board. |
Contestants scream at the wheel. |
The host was not a big part of the show's succcess although he does a good job. |
The host was not a big part of the show's succcess although he does a good job. |
The game, as well as the "Whammy" became well-known. |
The game, as well as the Vanna White became well-known. |
Aired on CBS. | Once aired on CBS. |
Had special space for big bucks that rarely paid off (Add-A-One) |
Had special space for big bucks that rarely paid off (Double Play) |
Once offered a chance at big bucks that got even bigger. (Double Your $$ to Double $$ and a spin) |
Once offered a chance at big bucks that got even bigger. (Jackpot space to growing jackpot) |
Rerun on GSN, but never early episodes. |
Rerun on GSN, but never early episodes. |
* - contributed by Joel Vanderveen
** - contributed by Ted Novak
*** - contributed by Jeff Hillstead
PAGE FOUR OF MISC.
HOME