Upset Fans Call New ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ Host Ryan Seacrest A ‘Tired’ & ‘Disappointing’ Choice

Jun 29, 2023

"Wheel of Fortune" is one of America's most popular television game shows. Created by Merv Griffin, the game show has aired continuously since 1975. During the game show, contestants can win cash prizes by solving word puzzles similar to those in Hangman. Since its inception, "Wheel of Fortune" has undergone several changes in scheduling. In addition, thousands of contestants have competed on the show, which has also seen several hosts. However, one person has remained attached to the show since 1983 – that person is none other than Pat Sajak. 

From 1981 onwards, he hosted the game show's daytime and syndicated evening versions. Sajak's longevity as a game show host was heralded when he became the longest-running game show host in the 36th season of "Wheel of Fortune" in 2018-2019.

However, after four decades of hosting the beloved game show, Sajak announced that he would be stepping down as the show host. Following the announcement, many fans took to social media to react to Sajak's retirement and express their love for him.

Along with bidding Sajak goodbye as the host, fanatics of the show had one question in mind, who would replace him? A lot of names had been thrown into the mix, including other prominent television game show hosts. But after much waiting, the new host of the beloved game show has finally been revealed, and it's no other than Ryan Seacrest!

Seacrest has been a staple of American television already as he is the longstanding host of the reality singing competition "American Idol." Read on to learn more about how the monumental change on television came about!

On Jun. 13, 2023, Sajak took to Twitter to announce his retirement from "Wheel of Fortune." His tweet read: 

"Well, the time has come. I've decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. It's been a wonderful ride, and I'll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it'll keep the clickbait sites busy!)."

"Wheel of Fortune" also posted Sajak's retirement announcement on its Instagram page, and many fans commented, expressing their thoughts about the development. 

Among the people that were speculated to replace Sajak was Vanna White, Sajak's co-host since 1982. Maggie, Sajak's daughter, who is also a social media correspondent on the show, was also reportedly in the running. 

Whoopi Goldberg also expressed interest in filling in for Sajak in a conversation on "The View" with "Jeopardy!" host Ken Jennings, while "Dancing With The Stars" host Tom Bergeron was also a possible contender. In an Instagram comment, Bergeron confirmed that he wouldn't be replacing Sajak and instead said that Seacrest seemed to be the frontrunner for the position. 

Alas, Bergeron was right! After much waiting, it was finally announced that Seacrest would be filling Sajak's big shoes! According to a press release from Sony Pictures Television, as quoted by Reuters, Seacrest signed a "multi-year" agreement, but it did not specify how long it would last. 

The move came after Seacrest left "Live with Kelly and Ryan." Mark Consuelos took his spot as he now becomes the new host alongside his wife, Kelly Ripa. 

Hailed by Sony Pictures Television as "one of the most nationally recognized voices in media today," Seacrest will also serve as a consulting producer on the show. In a statement, Seacrest said that he was "truly humbled" by the opportunity. 

"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," he wrote.

Elsewhere in his heartfelt message, Seacrest penned a note to Sajak: "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." 

Seacrest also noted that his first hosting jobs back then was something that "Wheel of Fortune" creator Merv Griffin had created. 

"Many people probably don't know this but one of my first jobs was hosting a little game show called 'Click' for Merv Griffin 25 years ago so this is truly a full circle moment for me and I'm grateful to Sony for the opportunity," Seacrest recalled. 

At the end of his statement, he expressed his enthusiasm for his big new role on television: "I can't wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White." 

The official Twitter account of "Wheel of Fortune" welcomed Seacrest in a tweet. 

"It's official! Starting in 2024 @RyanSeacrest will take the stage as the new host of Wheel of Fortune. We're so excited - Welcome Ryan!" the show said. 

As for Sajak, Deadline reported that he will remain as a consultant for the show for three years until his final episode in June 2023. 

However, news that Seacrest would be stepping into the role left vacant by Sajak hasn’t been a hit with everybody. Some corners of the internet have begun to express their disappointment with the new hire. Many believed Seacrest didn’t quite fit the bill, while others called for new blood as they were tired of seeing the same old faces on television.

One social media user said that Seacrest doesn’t possess the same type of homey vibe Sajak radiated and was popular for, and tweeted:

“Ryan is too flashy, too show business. Wheel of Fortune is a family show that needs a host with a goofy grandpa-like demeanor.”

Another user said she held nothing against Seacrest but would have preferred to see a new face onscreen. The tweet read:

“Not that anything is wrong with Seacrest, but it would have been nice to have some fresh blood up there.  Let us get to know him/her and grow with them through their journey. I'm already tired.”

In response, another user agreed with the sentiment and tweeted, “Same here. Alas, studios like Sony are obsessed with ‘name recognition.’ Apparently, between him and Steve Harvey, there ARE no other big names out there. Sad, I know.”

In much the same vein, one user tweeted sarcastically, “Great to see they’re going with some fresh, new talent!🎤🌟” while another remarked, “Saw that coming a hundred miles away.”

Another “Wheel of Fortune” fan called the move “disappointing” and predicted that Seacrest “won’t stay long and he’ll turn into something I won’t watch anymore. They could’ve found someone better.”

Do you think Ryan Seacrest would be a good replacement for Pat Sajak? If not him, who do you think would best replace Sajak? Let us know, and pass this on to your family, friends, and other loved ones too!