Wheel of Fortune fans have wondered whether Ryan Seacrest was responsible for the subtle changes made to the classic game show. One change they don’t like is the longer introductions at the beginning. Some viewers have slammed the segment as “boring” and “unnecessary.”
Let Me Introduce Myself
Seacrest loves interacting with the contestants and is comfortable interviewing them, as he does on American Idol. A new Reddit thread pointed out a change made to the beginning of the show. The contestant introductions have been extended to six or seven minutes. When Pat Sajak was the host, contestant introductions were 30 seconds per person.
MORE: Vanna White sets the records straight on her friendship with Pat Sajak.
This change has prompted backlash among the fans, many of whom think it’s nonsense. Some fans have refused to watch the show live. “The main reason I record the show is so I can fast-forward through all the intros,” one user noted. Other fans don’t care to learn this much about the contestants, especially when the episodes are 30 minutes long and have commercials. “It’s so boring. I watch to solve puzzles, not hear about your collection of cow pies or how many kids you have with ‘J’ names,” another user commented.
Other fans noticed that this change mimics a popular quiz show. “Definitely longer now, approaching Jeopardy! level of nonsense spewed about each contestant.” WoF already lost 300,000 viewers to Jeopardy! earlier this year. Reports suggest that Jeopardy! is still beating WoF in the ratings.
New Social Aspect?
Fans also noticed that WoF has become more “social.” The contestants interact with each other more than they did in the past and are encouraged to show off their personalities. However, some fans think this change takes attention away from the game show.
Not all fans are against this change. One user wrote, “I for one welcome it, especially whenever Vanna talks to Ryan about the contestants from the puzzle board.” Fans have loved seeing White’s personality shine. What are your thoughts on this change? Let us know in the comment section.
