Many fans argued that “I DID MY HOMEWORK” felt more like a simple sentence than a recognizable phrase. Social media and online comment sections quickly filled with complaints from viewers who believed the puzzle did not properly fit its category. Others defended the show’s choice, pointing out that the expression can also mean being prepared or doing proper research before taking action.

The audience was also divided on the puzzle’s difficulty. Some viewers claimed they solved it immediately and were surprised Conner missed it. Others argued that solving puzzles under the pressure of a countdown clock is very different from solving them at home. Conner himself took the loss gracefully, joking that he no longer does homework because he is no longer in school.

Frustration grew further when the bonus envelope revealed the minimum $40,000 prize. Longtime fans complained that the bonus wheel seems to land on that amount frequently, leading some to question whether the prize distribution feels repetitive. Statistics discussed by viewers showed that the $40,000 prize had appeared far more often than many larger bonus amounts during the season.

Despite the backlash, Conner still left the show with over $19,000 in cash and prizes, including a whale-watching cruise. Yet the debate surrounding the puzzle continued long after the episode ended. For many viewers, the controversy was less about one contestant losing and more about preserving the sense of fairness and accessibility that has made Wheel of Fortune a television favorite for decades. Whether fans considered the puzzle unfair or perfectly reasonable, the discussion demonstrated just how passionately audiences continue to care about the game.