Wheel of Fortune fans have already complained about new host Ryan Seacrest not being just like Pat Sajak. However, that’s not the only thing on their list of complaints about the show’s 42nd season.
On Wednesday, September 18, Maggie Sajak — daughter of former host Pat and Wheel of Fortune‘s social correspondent — shared an Instagram video showing off the updates to the show’s set. “New set, who dis? 🤩 Here’s a behind-the-scenes peek at everything shiny and fresh on set this season ✨,” she captioned the video.
Maggie explained that the “whole set is sort of an homage to classic Wheel of Fortune. It’s a little bit retro.” The 29-year-old highlighted some of the changes, including the new logo, sunburst backdrops they’ve added, an LED screen floor, and the relocation of the iconic wheel.
Maggie Sajak attends the WOF S42 – Pier Wheel Launch at Santa Monica Pier on August 30, 2024 in Santa Monica, California. In September 2024, fans shared their frustrations when Maggie gave a tour of the new ‘Wheel of Fortune’ set.
Phillip Faraone//Getty Images
The puzzle board is the same, though it has a new border, and the entrance Seacrest and White walk through has been completely redesigned. The layout of the set has changed, and the wheel has been moved to make the set “nice and roomy.”
Of course, Maggie made sure to note one major thing that hasn’t changed. “But don’t worry, it’s still the same wheel that we love,” she said, before spinning the wheel, and calling it the “best sound in the world.”
Fans quickly flooded the comments, but not all were complimentary. Though some shared their excitement for the new set, complimenting Maggie, who “looked right at home,” many were upset by the many changes.
“The new set is HORRIBLE. Why do they always have to mess with what isn’t broken?” one person commented, adding, “The colors are too bold and bright please bring back the other stage set.”
“Set seems to have an antiseptic tech theme, not warm and cozy as before… Now it looks like a watchmaker’s nightmare,” one person shared, before throwing in a little compliment. “Ryan and Vanna doing nicely though. ❤️”
Some called the set “too flashy,” and many lamented losing the “homey” environment from before, while others simply declared they “missed the old set.”
New episodes of Wheel of Fortune air weeknights at 7:30p.m.
