This was the first time that Ryan Seacrest hosted a game show, and he also had big shoes to fill. Seacrest replaced veteran Pat Sajak in September 2024. Up to this point, he was a radio personality and television host. Seacrest is best known for hosting American Idol, which is a competition show on another level. Season 42 of Wheel of Fortune aired its final episode. Fans looked back and graded Seacrest’s first season.
Tell Us What You Wheely Think
Wheel Watchers shared their thoughts on Reddit. The original poster started things off by writing, “My thoughts on Seacrest’s first season.” The fan enjoyed the season and Seacrest’s presence. “I thought this season was great!!! If you watched the ending of tonight’s episode, Seacrest said that this season has given away over $11,000,000 in cash in prizes total!!! Also, I think he is a good host!!!” However, the fan did have one critique. “But the new set, nah…”
READ MORE: How Viewers Really Feel About Wheel of Fortune’s Bright New Set
The Redditor also included a meme of Billy Eichner from Billy on the Street sitting at a table. In front of the table was a bold opinion the OG poster wrote, “I don’t think Ryan Seacrest is the problem of Wheel of Fortune’s 42nd season, I think it’s the new set. Change my mind.” Other Redditors took to the thread to share their thoughts on this season.
“I like Ryan – except – I HATE that he never says what’s in the bonus round envelope. He just opens it up with a stupid smile like it’s the biggest prize when it’s the minimum. WHY doesn’t he announce the $$?” one fan responded, to which another agreed, “100% this!!! I love his youthfulness, his hugs/interest in the contestants, his upbeat attitude, etc. But I wish he’d stop making me think the $40k envelope is the $100k on every night…”
Beef With Seacrest
Other fans admitted they still have beef with Seacrest. They don’t like how he handles the bonus round envelope. Instead of showing it to the camera, he holds it at an awkward angle. Fans loved how Sajak presented the envelope at the end. He made sure that it was visible on camera.
It’s not just the new set and bonus round that have fans buzzing. Some are sick of the long introductions at the beginning of the show. “I agree about the”I think Ryan is doing a great job, but the long introductions of the contestants are such a drag. I don’t really like toss-ups, so I record the show and fast-forward through the first five minutes to the first puzzle,” one fan noted. Meanwhile, Seacrest impressed fans with his ability to handle a 30-minute game show. It’s also a lot more fun to watch.
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“I like that the vibe is a lot more loose and free. He did well, but it usually takes 3-4 seasons for new hosts to find their stride on a show. I expect the same from him,” another fan commented. Others are hating that their hate for Seacrest is turning into love. “I’m a certified Ryan Seacrest hater but god damn after a month or two I really warmed up to him and now dare I say I really like him,” a bold Redditor admitted. “There is a reason he hosts 85 million things; he’s nice, personable, and funny.”
What did you think of Seacrest’s first season as the host of WoF? What do you think is the real problem with the game show? Is it the set or the long intros? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.
