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Over its five-season run, NBC’s popular game show The Wall, hosted by Chris Hardwick, has awarded more than $35 million to its contestants. As it enters its sixth season, this figure is set to grow as more teams of two—often family members or close friends—take on the challenge. Standing four stories tall, the pegboard known as The Wall requires players to make strategic decisions, trusting each other to maximize their winnings. The pair featured in the Season 6 premiere embodies a truly deserving story, ready to transform their lives and those around them.
Steven Hardeman and his college-aged son, Seth, from Triangle, Virginia, are the dynamic duo hoping to win big. Steven, a father of three, works as an elementary school security officer, but he is also a former police officer who heroically responded to the Pentagon on 9/11 while off duty. Their story of courage and dedication underscores their deserving nature for a potentially life-changing prize.
In an exclusive clip from the show, Steven stands ready to win a significant amount of money. With a green ball in hand—destined to add its landing value to their total—Steven steps up to The Wall. He announces, “I’m playing the number 6,” dedicating his play to the students of Triangle Elementary. Turning to Chris Hardwick, Steven shares, “There have been at least six kids who have deeply touched my heart, kids without homes. They give me strength, and I want to continue supporting them, regardless of this game’s outcome.”
With his wife Sandra and son Sterling watching proudly, Chris, visibly moved by Steven’s words, responds, “I know you make their lives better every day; let’s see if we can make your life better with a million dollars,” as Steven releases the ball from slot number 6.
As the ball descends, Sandra chants, “This is a million, this is a million,” while Steven encourages, “Come on now.” The excitement builds as the ball approaches the $1 million slot. Steven claps fervently, urging, “Get in there!” When the ball lands in the coveted million-dollar space, the room erupts in celebration. “That’s what I’m talking about,” Steven exclaims joyfully, leaping up and down in triumph.
“This is a million, this is a million,” repeats Sandra from the side of the stage. “Come on now,” urges Steven as they all watch the ball begin its descent from the top of the board. As the ball’s trajectory gets closer to the $1 million space, Steven starts to clap louder. “Get in there,” yells Steven excitedly. Before he knows it, the ball lands in the coveted prize space and everyone goes wild! “That’s what I’m talking about,” cries Steven with delight as he jumps up and down with joy.
As they continue the game, will Steven and Seth take home a huge prize pot or go home empty handed? Tune in to the Season 6 premiere of The Wall on Monday, Jan. 5 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
