Fans tuning in for the new season of “Wheel of Fortune” may notice a major change from the moment the game begins. TMZ reported one day after the suspension news that longtime announcer Jim Thornton is being removed from episodes that were already taped for the upcoming season as Sony Pictures Television Studios continues an investigation into unspecified allegations involving him. Jim, 61, has been the familiar voice of the syndicated game show since 2011.
Why Is ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Re-Editing New Episodes?
TMZ reported on Wednesday, September 2, that roughly the first month of the upcoming season was filmed before Jim’s suspension. Producers are now re-editing those installments with a new announcer ahead of the Monday, September 14, season premiere.
One source described the process to the outlet as a “major undertaking.” Sony has not yet revealed who will step in as the show’s new announcer. Deadline previously reported that the recasting is temporary while the studio investigates.
“We have recently been made aware of allegations concerning Jim Thornton. He has been suspended from Wheel of Fortune, and we are recasting while we conduct a thorough investigation,” a Sony spokeswoman said.
What Has Jim Thornton’s Lawyer Said?
Sony has not publicly detailed the allegations. TMZ reported on September 1 that the matter followed a May incident aboard a commercial flight after another passenger raised a concern with a flight attendant.
Law enforcement met the flight at Los Angeles International Airport and spoke with Jim before allowing him to leave. His attorney has strongly disputed any suggestion that Jim committed a crime.
The lawyer said Jim “did not engage in any illegal conduct, was not arrested, and has not been charged with any crime.”
“When questioned about the complaint made by a fellow passenger on the flight, law enforcement spoke to him for five minutes or less, immediately determined that no wrongdoing had occurred and told my client he was free to go,” the attorney added.
What Did American Airlines Say About the Flight?
American Airlines confirmed that authorities met Flight 1276 after its arrival on Thursday, May 14, but did not identify Jim in its statement. “On May 14, American Airlines Flight 1276 was met by law enforcement upon arrival at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) following concerns reported by a customer onboard,” the airline told TMZ.
Jim was not arrested and has not been charged with a crime.
How Long Has Jim Thornton Been With ‘Wheel of Fortune’?
Jim joined “Wheel of Fortune” as its permanent announcer in 2011 after the death of longtime announcer Charlie O’Donnell.
He has also served as the announcer for ABC’s “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” since its 2021 launch and has worked on thousands of episodes during his tenure.
His other credits include announcing work on “The Price Is Right” and voice appearances on “Celebrity Deathmatch” and “The Cleveland Show.”
Before joining “Wheel of Fortune,” Jim spent years in Los Angeles radio, including work at KNX 1070.
He was still heard on a pre-taped “Wheel of Fortune” episode Tuesday, September 1, hours after news of his suspension became public. Sony’s investigation remains ongoing.
The studio has not announced how long Jim’s suspension will last or whether he will ultimately return to the show.
