Tuesday night’s episode of *Wheel of Fortune* brought some much-needed holiday cheer—and a hearty dose of laughter—when a contestant made an unforgettable blunder during a Christmas-themed puzzle. The amusing moment quickly went viral, prompting a wave of lighthearted reactions online.
The puzzle, part of the “Same Letter” category, challenged contestants to solve the phrase: “Chocolate Chestnuts & Chi_ne_s.” With just two letters left, contestant Phil McManus confidently guessed, “Chocolates, chestnuts, and chickens.”
The audience, along with host Ryan Seacrest, couldn’t contain their surprise. Chickens? In a Christmas puzzle? As it turned out, the correct answer was far more festive: “Chocolates, chestnuts & chimneys.” Fellow contestant Matt swooped in and solved it, sparking chuckles from viewers nationwide.
Social media exploded with reactions to McManus’ poultry-themed guess. “That was my shopping list last weekend,” quipped one user on X (formerly Twitter). Another joked, “When I think of chocolates and chestnuts, the next word I think of is chickens.” A third chimed in, “Did that man look at that puzzle and say Chocolate, Chestnuts, and Chickens??? For a Christmas puzzle?!? #wof #wheelofFortune.”
The laughs kept rolling as fans poked fun at the contestant’s seasonal misstep. One viewer remarked, “Christmas theme episode of *Wheel of Fortune!* And this was the guess? Love *Wheel of Fortune,* but where do these contestants come from? #chickens #wheeloffortune.” Another joked on Instagram, “I laughed so loud that my deaf dog jumped out of her bed.”
This isn’t the first time *Wheel of Fortune* has served up hilarious moments. Recently, another contestant, a veteran police officer and former Coast Guard member from Connecticut, made a similarly amusing gaffe. Faced with the phrase, “Give yourself a round of applause,” he guessed, “Treat yourself a round of sausage.” Naturally, social media had a field day. One fan wrote, “Not a great *Wheel of Fortune* play here, but I like where this dude’s stomach is.” Another added, “Thanks, Will! Ate a whole pound of hot Italian sausage for dinner tonight with pasta and vodka sauce!”
Reflecting on his blunder, the contestant, Will Jordan, admitted he was overwhelmed by the bright lights and star power of the show. Speaking with Maggie Sajak, daughter of longtime host Pat Sajak, he said, “When the lights are on, and you know, the stars and Ryan Seacrest, Vanna White, I just went blank. But if your dad, in retirement, is watching this show, maybe cracks a beer and gets a laugh, it was worth it.”
Despite the blunders, these moments have only added to the charm of *Wheel of Fortune,* reminding fans that even under pressure, laughter is the best holiday gift. Whether it’s chimneys or chickens, the show continues to be a delightful escape—and a platform for some truly unforgettable guesses.
