The fifth season of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune brought together a stellar lineup of celebrities, but the real star was Pat Sajak. Returning for one last season alongside Vanna White after retiring from the syndicated version of the show, Sajak showcased his trademark humor and charm. The episode featured actors Joe Manganiello, Tiffany Haddish, and Matt Walsh competing for various charitable causes while entertaining audiences with their wit and personality.
Manganiello emerged as the standout contestant, solving multiple puzzles and showcasing both his intelligence and sense of humor. Meanwhile, Haddish and Walsh provided comedic relief, engaging in playful banter with Sajak. Throughout the episode, Sajak demonstrated why he is beloved by fans, blending lighthearted jokes with insightful commentary.
Upon rejoining the stage, Pat Sajak greeted viewers with enthusiasm, joking about being relegated to hosting duties due to the show's preference for funnier contestants. His humorous remarks set the tone for an engaging episode filled with laughter and excitement. The trio of Manganiello, Haddish, and Walsh contributed significantly to this atmosphere, each bringing unique talents and perspectives to the game.
Joe Manganiello dominated the proceedings, consistently solving puzzles such as "Chilling with my crew" and "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun." He even secured the million-dollar wedge during the bonus round, ultimately donating $117,800 to UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation of Pittsburgh. Beyond his puzzle-solving prowess, Manganiello shared anecdotes about his name pronunciation struggles and highlighted his dedication to charity work. Meanwhile, Tiffany Haddish entertained the audience with her quips about wineries and bees, playing for the She Ready Foundation, which supports foster youth. Matt Walsh added another layer of humor through his chicken-raising hobby and witty exchanges with both Sajak and Haddish.
In the second half of the show, Manganiello continued his streak, solving all three Triple Toss-Ups and securing additional funds for his cause. Despite Sajak’s cautionary advice not to repeat his earlier risky behavior, Manganiello confidently navigated the final bonus round with his dog Bubbles by his side. By selecting the right letters, he completed the phrase “Feeling Faint” and increased his total donation amount to an impressive $198,800.
Tiffany Haddish and Matt Walsh also made significant contributions to their respective charities. Haddish, although unable to solve any puzzles in the second round, received a generous $30,000 from the show for the She Ready Foundation. Walsh, who started raising chickens during the pandemic, accumulated $26,550 in the first half and ended with a respectable $31,550 for Open Books, an organization that donates LGBTQ+ books to libraries. Their interactions with Sajak were marked by clever wordplay and mutual respect, further enhancing the entertainment value of the episode. Through it all, Sajak maintained his role as the consummate host, guiding the competitors with grace and humor while ensuring the focus remained on supporting worthy causes.