Viewers have witnessed many changes with Wheel of Fortune. For one, there’s a new host, Ryan Seacrest, who took over for Pat Sajak in September 2024. The show also has a colorful, new set with loud graphics. Viewers have also noticed that the show has attracted quirkier contestants.
The Most Annoying Contestant Ever?
It all started earlier this month when contestant P.J. Wilder was labeled as the “most annoying ever.” WoF has had its share of wacky contestants over the years. Yet, some fans claim the show has brought on more “quirky” and “odd” contestants this season. On the Monday, March 3 episode, there was a player named P.J., who described himself as a dedicated house husband.
He stood out with his handlebar mustache, which is inspired by Hercule Poirot, the detective in Agatha Christie’s novels. P.J. barely made it through the first two rounds but found his stride in the Express Round. He ended up with $4,200 and a trip to Antigua worth $8,460, reports TV Insider.
Most Wheel watchers noticed P.J.’s loud attitude. There were times when he yelled out the answers and seemingly cursed. P.J. had the time of his life. But it wasn’t the same for most fans, who found the contestant’s antics cringey. Most of the backlash ended up on X and the WoF Reddit forum. “Anyone else thinks this guy PJ is the most annoying contestant ever?” one fan asked.
MORE: Did Ryan Seacrest make changes to Wheel of Fortune?
The Seacrest Factor
Fans are still talking about P.J. to this day. The polarizing contestant has gotten the most attention out of this season. In a separate Reddit thread, WoF fans wondered if the show has “ramped up having very quirky and odd people on the show.” Some fans claim the contestants think their over-the-top behavior will make them famous.
“Contestants love thinking that this is going to make them super famous. I guarantee PJ only acted this way because he saw some other contestants become memes, and he wanted to be the next big one,” one Redditor commented. Other fans have their doubts. They believe that Seacrest is to blame.
“It’s the Seacrest Factor – everything he touches has to become gimmicky and more promotion-focused,” another user noted. However, not all the comments have been negative. There are some WoF who enjoyed watching P.J.’s reactions. What are your thoughts? Do you think Seacrest has attracted more quirkier contestants this season? Let us know in the comment section.
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