In its early years, Wheel of Fortune followed a slightly different format than the one we know today. Evolution of the Show Early Years and Format Changes Created by the legendary television producer Merv Griffin, the show quickly gained popularity with its unique format and captivating gameplay. On January 6, 1975, Wheel of Fortune made its debut on NBC, marking the beginning of what would become one of the longest-running syndicated game shows in American television history. This concept of a spinning wheel of fate laid the groundwork for the modern interpretation of the Wheel of Fortune. In Greek mythology, the wheel was believed to be spun by the goddess Fortuna, or Tyche, randomly changing the positions of those on the wheel, leading to either misfortune or windfalls. In medieval and ancient philosophy, the Wheel of Fortune, also known as Rota Fortunae, symbolized the erratic nature of fate. The concept of a game show based on a spinning wheel can be traced back to ancient times. When did Wheel of Fortune premiere on television?.What is the symbolism behind the Wheel of Fortune?.What is the cultural impact of Wheel of Fortune?.How has the Wheel of Fortune evolved over time?.What is the history of Wheel of Fortune?.