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Ryan Seacrest shared a visibly stunned reaction after a Wheel of Fortune contestant came within one answer of winning a major Bonus Round prize. Matt Malagiere, a sports-loving contestant from Howell, New Jersey, had already fought his way back from a difficult moment before narrowly missing a potential $100,000 windfall.
Ryan Seacrest Reacts to a Shocking Wheel of Fortune Miss
Malagiere appeared on the Tuesday, November 3, 2026, episode of Wheel of Fortune, where he spoke with Seacrest about his passion for tailgating and his longtime support of the New York Giants. He explained that game days are about much more than football, describing how he and his family prepare food based on the visiting team’s hometown.
For a Las Vegas Raiders game, Malagiere said the menu would include “giant shrimp cocktail.” His enthusiasm and personality quickly made him a memorable contestant, but the game itself proved to be an unpredictable ride.
Malagiere entered the Second Round with $1,000, trailing Katie Henkenius and Stacey Colson. His situation became even more challenging when he landed on bankruptcy. However, he recovered by correctly guessing the puzzle “Parking Space Invaders,” lifting his total to $9,650.
A Dramatic Comeback Leads to the Bonus Round
The contestant remained at that total through the Prize Puzzle Round, while Henkenius moved into the lead with $12,430 and won a trip to St. Maarten. The balance shifted again during the Triple Toss-Up and final puzzle, allowing Malagiere to secure a place in the Bonus Round.
By the time he reached the final stage, Malagiere had accumulated $13,300. Before play began, Seacrest engaged with Malagiere’s family, who were watching from the side of the stage. The host asked how Malagiere’s father was doing, and his wife, Kate, confirmed that he was doing well.
Seacrest also jokingly asked Malagiere to identify his favorite among his three children. The contestant played along, replying, “We’ll talk backstage.” The lighthearted exchange added warmth to an otherwise tense finish.
The Bonus Puzzle That Got Away
For the Bonus Round, Malagiere received the standard letters R, S, T, L, N, and E before choosing H, D, M, and A. The clue category was “Place,” but the available letters did not provide enough help to reveal the answer.
The correct solution was “Auto Body Shop.” Malagiere was unable to solve it before time expired, ending his chance at the evening’s biggest prize. When Seacrest opened the prize envelope, his expression changed immediately.
The envelope revealed that Malagiere could have won $100,000. The audience responded with a collective groan, while Seacrest appeared genuinely surprised and disappointed for the contestant. Although the episode’s headline focused on the missed opportunity, Malagiere still left the studio with a respectable $13,300 in cash.
Ryan Seacrest Offers a Warm Send-Off
Despite the frustrating ending, the interaction between Seacrest and Malagiere remained upbeat. At the conclusion of the episode, Seacrest congratulated the contestant and warmly greeted his family. The host also pulled Malagiere into a handshake and hug before sending him off.
The moment is the latest in a series of emotional Wheel of Fortune endings involving Seacrest, who has frequently responded with humor and empathy when contestants miss valuable prizes. His reaction helped highlight both sides of game show television: the excitement of a life-changing win and the heartbreak of falling just short.
Malagiere’s appearance also demonstrated how quickly fortunes can change on the long-running syndicated game show. After losing money to bankruptcy, he recovered, overtook his competitors and reached the Bonus Round. In the end, one difficult final clue separated him from a six-figure prize.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Matt Malagiere on Wheel of Fortune?
Matt Malagiere reached the Bonus Round after recovering from bankruptcy and finished the episode with $13,300. He missed the final answer, “Auto Body Shop,” and did not win the potential $100,000 prize.
How did Ryan Seacrest react to the missed prize?
Ryan Seacrest appeared surprised and disappointed when the prize envelope revealed that Malagiere had missed a $100,000 opportunity. He later offered the contestant a handshake and hug.
What was the Bonus Round category?
The Bonus Round category was “Place.” Malagiere was unable to solve the puzzle “Auto Body Shop” before the timer ran out.
How much money did Matt Malagiere win?
Malagiere walked away with $13,300 in total winnings.
When did the episode air?
The episode aired on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Wheel of Fortune airs weekdays, with local listings determining the broadcast time.
