If you’re sitting on your couch wondering exactly when is celebrity wheel of fortune on, you aren’t alone. Scheduling for primetime spin-offs can be a total headache. Unlike the daily version that pops up like clockwork every evening, the celebrity edition is a bit more of a "event" show.
Right now, in early 2026, the show has found a steady rhythm on ABC. It's currently airing on Friday nights at 8:00 PM EST. Honestly, it’s the perfect way to kick off a weekend—watching famous people lose their minds over a "Thing" category while Vanna White looks as timeless as ever.
The 2026 Schedule for Celebrity Wheel of Fortune
Season 6 is well underway, and we've seen some pretty wild matchups lately. If you missed the January 16th episode featuring Kathy Hilton, Rick Ross, and Riki Lindhome, you missed out on some legendary banter. Kathy actually revealed that Vanna was in the delivery room when she gave birth to her son, Conrad. You can't make this stuff up.
Here is the upcoming slate for the next few weeks:
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- January 23, 2026: A rebroadcast of the episode with Candace Parker, Dwight Howard, and Rich Eisen. It airs at 8:00 PM EST.
- January 30, 2026: Another chance to see Big Sean, Tori Kelly, and 2 Chainz. This one is also a rebroadcast starting at 8:00 PM EST.
- February 2026: Things get a little dicey here. Because of the 2026 Winter Olympics, the Friday night slots on February 6th, 13th, and 20th are likely to see some pre-emptions or shifts. ABC usually plays it safe when the Olympics are pulling massive ratings elsewhere.
Basically, if it's Friday and the clock hits 8:00 PM, flip to ABC. If it's not there, it’s probably because of a major sporting event or a holiday break.
Why the Ryan Seacrest Era feels different
The transition from Pat Sajak to Ryan Seacrest has been... interesting. Seacrest took the reins of the celebrity version starting with this current season (Season 6), which premiered back in September 2025. While Pat had that dry, slightly "done with it" humor, Ryan brings that polished, high-energy American Idol vibe. Some people love the change; others are still adjusting.
Vanna White remains the glue holding it all together. She recently extended her contract, so she isn't going anywhere. It’s kinda comforting to see her still there, even if the guy holding the mic has changed.
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Where to stream if you missed the live broadcast
Let’s be real: not everyone is home at 8:00 PM on a Friday. If you missed the live airing, you've got options.
- Hulu: This is the primary home for next-day streaming. New episodes usually drop around 3:00 AM EST the morning after they air on ABC.
- ABC.com / ABC App: If you have a cable login (or a friend's), you can stream it there.
- Hulu + Live TV / YouTube TV / Fubo: These services let you watch it live just like traditional cable.
Streaming is actually a better experience for some because you can pause when the puzzles get really frustrating. Have you ever shouted the answer at the screen while a celebrity stares blankly at a nearly completed board? It’s a rite of passage.
Who is appearing this season?
The guest list for Season 6 has been a weird and wonderful mix. We've seen Dancing with the Stars judges like Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli, and comedy heavyweights like Alex Borstein. The show really leans into the "ABC family," so you’ll often see stars from 9-1-1, The Rookie, or whatever sitcom is currently trending.
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The stakes are actually pretty high. They aren't playing for a new car or a trip to Maui for themselves. They are playing for a $1 million top prize for their chosen charities. Watching a rapper like Rick Ross concentrate that hard on a word puzzle is genuinely entertaining because you know he's trying to secure that bag for a good cause.
What you need to know about the VIP Sweepstakes
One of the reasons people are so obsessed with knowing when is celebrity wheel of fortune on is the "Celebrity VIP Giveaway."
Basically, you watch the show, note the name of the celebrity who solves the "Prize Puzzle," and then head to the Wheel of Fortune website to enter. They give away some insane vacations—think Disney trips and global tours. If you’re a member of the Wheel Watchers Club, it’s an easy entry, but you have to catch the show (or at least that specific round) to get the info.
Actionable Next Steps
If you want to stay on top of the schedule and maybe win some money yourself, here is what you should do:
- Set a recurring DVR recording for "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune" on your local ABC affiliate for Friday nights at 8:00 PM.
- Join the Wheel Watchers Club on the official website if you haven't yet. It’s free and it's the only way to enter the sweepstakes.
- Check the ABC Press site or "The Futon Critic" if you see a holiday coming up. Those are the first places to post when the show is taking a week off for a special or a sports pre-emption.
- Follow the show on social media. They often post "puzzle of the day" clips that give you a hint about who is winning before the episode even finishes.
The schedule can be a moving target, especially with the 2026 Olympics looming, but sticking to the Friday night routine is your best bet for catching the latest stars as they take a spin.