Ryan Seacrest’s surprise was palpable when New Jersey’s Matt Malagiere left the Wheel of Fortune stage without the $100,000 prize he’d been courting all night.
Key points
- A strong early performance does not guarantee success in the Bonus Round’s high‑stakes prize.
- Host Ryan Seacrest’s on‑air reactions add a personal, human element to the game‑show format.
- Contestants often share personal stories – like Malagiere’s tailgating superstitions – that become part of the episode’s narrative.
Matt Malagiere, a self‑described New York Giants fan from Howell, New Jersey, appeared on the November 3 episode of Wheel of Fortune, entering the second round with a modest $1,000 while his rivals started with $2,100 and $2,000 respectively.
After a brief chat about his tailgating rituals – from jambalaya for a New Orleans opponent to Kansas City barbecue for a Chiefs game – Malagiere recovered from an early bankruptcy by solving the “Parking Space Invaders” puzzle, boosting his total to $9,650.
Contestant’s Journey
He later surged ahead in the Triple Toss‑Up and final puzzle, securing a spot in the Bonus Round with $13,300 in cash, while fellow contestant Katie Henkenius moved into the lead with a trip to St. Maarten and $12,430.
In the Bonus Round, Malagiere was given the standard letters R, S, T, L, N, and E, chose H, D, M, and A, and ultimately failed to solve the “Auto Body Shop” puzzle, missing the $100,000 envelope that the audience groaned at when opened.
Bonus Round Miss
Seacrest, visibly surprised, congratulated Malagiere’s family onstage, asked about his dad’s health, and playfully inquired which of his three children was his favorite before ending the segment with a handshake and hug.
Reader questions
How much money did Matt Malagiere win on the episode?
He walked away with $13,300 in cash after the final puzzle.
What was the Bonus Round puzzle that Malagiere failed to solve?
The puzzle was “Auto Body Shop.”
What prize was inside the envelope Malagiere opened?
The envelope contained a $100,000 prize that he did not win.
Source: tvinsider.com
