Fans Are Divided Over Ryan Seacrest's 'Wheel of Fortune' Debut Episode
Ryan Seacrest's first episode as host of Wheel of Fortune has come and gone—and fans are divided over his big debut.
Following Pat Sajak's retirement in June after 41 years as host, the torch was officially passed to Seacrest on Monday, Sept. 9.
Viewers were thrilled to see Vanna White return as the letter turner for the beloved game show. However, not everyone agreed about how Seacrest did at helming the wheel for the first time.
Many thought the TV presenter and producer, 49, nailed it as the new Wheel of Fortune host. One X user wrote, "I have to say I’m really liking Ryan Seacrest as host of Wheel of Fortune can’t wait to watch him every night!!!!!"
Someone else shared via X, "Just watched the 1st WHEEL OF FORTUNE with Ryan Seacrest hosting! Miss Pat Sajak but the show is in very good hands!"
Yet another viewer declared, "Ryan Seacrest did a fabulous job on Wheel of Fortune! Excited for this new era."
However, others offered more critical feedback, with one X user writing, "Ryan not holding cards feels so awkward. Does he really memorize the contestants’ personal anecdotes? Is there a teleprompter or cue cards off screen? #WheelOfFortune."
Still other viewers expressed disappointment with the game show's new set design. One X user shared, "I usually don't tweet about much stuff I watch but why does Wheel of Fortune look so awful now like wtf."
Another fan on X wrote, "The new Wheel of Fortune set looks so cheap. Where's the personality? The vehicles? Did they lose their whole budget paying for Ryan Seacrest?"
Someone else declared, "This weird new setup is giving 90s computer game version of Wheel of Fortune #WheelOfFortune."
Sajak's final episode as host of Wheel of Fortune aired on June 7, during which he shared a heartfelt farewell message.
"It's been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade," he told viewers. "And I've always felt that privilege came with the responsibility to keep this daily half hour a safe place for family fun. No social issues, no politics, nothing embarrassing, I hope—just a game."
The 77-year-old continued: "But gradually it became more than that, a place where kids learn their letters, where people from other countries honed their English skills, where families came together, along with friends and neighbors and entire generations."
"What an honor to have played even a small part in all of that," Sajak concluded. "Thank you for allowing me into your lives."
Next: Pat Sajak Gets Grilled by Daughter Maggie in "Emotional" Farewell Interview