
Sony Terminates Jim Thornton's 'Wheel of Fortune' Contract After Investigation
Sony Pictures TV has fired longtime 'Wheel of Fortune' announcer Jim Thornton following an internal investigation. The termination follows his suspension on September 2, 2026, after TMZ published photos allegedly showing him accessing a chatroom with content involving minors on an American Airlines flight in May. While an interim announcer has revoiced Thornton's parts for the September 14 season premiere, no permanent replacement has been named. Thornton's attorney maintains he was engaged in suicide-prevention advocacy and did not view illegal content, though Sony confirmed the firing was effective immediately.

