TVSquad

Remember this name: Michelle Loewenstein. No, she's not running for political office, or a network executive, or part of a sex ring that Charlie Sheen participated in at one time or another (and, what sex rings hasn't Charlie Sheen participated in?). You want to remember that name because Michelle became Wheel of Fortune's first million dollar winner.

If you recall, a few months ago we mentioned that Wheel, now in it's 26th syndicated season, was upping the maximum amount a contestant could win during the Bonus Round. The only thing they needed to do was hit the million dollar spot on the wheel (slotted between two Bankrupts, those bastards), not get another Bankrupt throughout the rest of the rounds, chance on hitting the right slot on the bonus wheel (a 1 in 25 shot) and solve the Bonus Round puzzle. Seemed like a pretty big feat to accomplish.

You may or may not be watching Wheel of Fortune right now since its currently in repeats. I mean, it's not as fun to watch these shows when you already know what the answers to the puzzles are. But, I digress. If you have been watching this top-rated syndicated game show over the last week or so, you'll know about the big thing that is coming up for the 2008-09 season. And, when I mean big thing I really mean one million big things.

Next season, Wheel will join the ranks of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Million Dollar Password, and Million Dollar Naked Concentration (copyright me...don't make me come after you) by offering a million dollar cash prize. It won't be a part of the regular game, though. According to the promotions it will be part of the Million Dollar Bonus Round. This jump to a seven-figure cash prize is the biggest for Wheel since going from $25,000 to $100,000 as the premium cash total.

So, if you are interested, go ahead and register to be a contestant right now at the official Wheel of Fortune site. Don't dawdle, because the 26th season of Wheel (35th overall since premiering on NBC) begins in September.