Ryan Seacrest’s much-anticipated debut as host of “Wheel of Fortune” has received harsh criticism from long-time fans of the show. After taking over from Pat Sajak, who had hosted the program for 40 years, viewers quickly voiced their dissatisfaction, describing the new season as “over-the-top” and lacking authenticity.
Seacrest, 49, officially began hosting “Wheel of Fortune” on Monday, September 9, replacing the veteran Sajak, 77. In his opening episode, Seacrest greeted the audience, expressing his gratitude for taking on such an iconic role. However, fans were quick to note that he made no mention of his predecessor by name during his opening remarks, a fact that irked some loyal followers.
The shift from Sajak to Seacrest wasn’t the only change fans took issue with. Many viewers criticized the show’s new format, particularly the perceived overproduction, dramatic contestant behavior, and prizes aimed at younger audiences. One Reddit user pointed out, “Is it me, or are they using more over-the-top characters as contestants this season? Between their outfits and over-the-top enthusiasm, it seems like it is being a prerequisite to be picked as a contestant.”
The new season also introduced an updated set design featuring a larger puzzle board with a gold-tiled border, which some fans found distracting. The changes in visual presentation, combined with contestants’ behavior, left many fans feeling overwhelmed. A viewer stated, “Tonight’s episode especially, you feel dizzy and overwhelmed from all the cuts and noises from contestants. You can barely follow the puzzle.” Others likened the atmosphere of the show to rival game shows like “Family Feud” and “Press Your Luck,” where loud, exaggerated reactions are often emphasized for entertainment.
The game’s new prizes and puzzles also received criticism for skewing toward a younger demographic. Kombucha drinks and tickets to the 2024 Jingle Ball were among the prizes offered.
Ryan Seacrest’s debut wasn’t entirely negative, as some fans praised him for stepping into the role seamlessly. A few pointed out that his calm and composed hosting style closely mimicked Sajak’s, which helped maintain a familiar tone for the audience. One fan noted that Seacrest’s voice and mannerisms were similar to Sajak’s, which they liked. However, the positive feedback was overshadowed by the overwhelming disappointment voiced by long-time viewers who missed the more relaxed and genuine atmosphere they had come to expect from the show.
Despite the criticism, “Wheel of Fortune” experienced a notable ratings boost during Seacrest’s first week as host. According to reports, the show’s debut episode under Seacrest saw a 57% ratings increase, drawing the largest audience the show had seen in four years.
Nevertheless, the backlash continued to dominate discussions among viewers, with many threatening to stop watching if the changes persisted. One disillusioned fan remarked that the show felt fake, comparing it to an episode of “Black Mirror.”
As “Wheel of Fortune” moves forward with its new host, it remains to be seen whether the show’s producers will make adjustments in response to viewer complaints. Seacrest, meanwhile, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to helm the iconic game show and acknowledged the weight of filling Sajak’s shoes.
For now, long-time fans will have to adjust to the changes or, as many have vowed, find a new show to follow if the current direction continues.
