Coming off the seasoned heels of the beloved Pat Sajak, host extraordinaire Ryan Seacrest has officially clocked in for his newest gig, Wheel of Fortune.
On Monday September 9, Seacrest made his awaited debut and fans did not hesitate to take to social media to share their opinions of the game show’s new host.
“Seems like Ryan was trained very well for this. He’s doing a great job,” noted one fan. “I figured Ryan would be pretty decent. So far, so good,” another agreed.
Seacrest initially took to Instagram in June of 2023 to share with fans that he will take over Wheel of Fortune by posting a picture of the iconic wheel with the following post, “I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak.”
Vanna White and Ryan Seacrest attend the WOF S42 – Pier Wheel Launch at Santa Monica Pier on August 30, 2024 in Santa Monica, California. ‘Wheel of Fortune’ fans didn’t hold back when sharing their opinions of Ryan Seacrest’ first episode filling Pat Sajak’s shoes.
Phillip Faraone/Getty Images
He continued, “I can say, along with the rest of America, that it’s been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them. Pat, I love the way you’ve always celebrated the contestants and made viewers at home feel at ease. I look forward to learning everything I can from you during this transition.”
While some fans enjoyed the switch up of hosts, other’s were not enjoying the American Idol alums performance. “look, ryan needs the notecards in his hands. watching him just chatting and holding his own hands and such is weird. he’s just like, hanging out there. it’s uncomfortable to watch!,” one fan noted, while another said, “Wheel of Fortune is gonna take some getting used to with Ryan Seacrest as the new host.” A third declared their disdain for the graphics on the show, saying, “I like that Ryan is hosting wheel of fortune but I hate the other changes they made to the show.”
Throughout Sajak’s four decade long tenure hosting Wheel of Fortune, alongside letter turner Vanna White, the three-time Daytime Emmy winner for outstanding game show host humbly shared with this audience at the end of his last episode, which aired June 7,”Well, the time has come to say goodbye.”
“I have a few thanks and acknowledgements before I go, and I want to start with all watching out there. It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade.” The host gushed tearfully.
While Sajak will no longer be the face of the show, according to Variety, Sony Pictures Television confirmed that Sajak will continue a partnership with the program as a consultant.
