Wheel of Fortune fans still split over Ryan Seacrest as they say show ‘feels different’

Wheel of Fortune fans are still adjusting to Ryan Seacrest instead of Pat Sajak, and they continue to criticize his hosting skills.

Wheel of Fortune: Ryan Seacrest joins Vanna on hosting duties

Host Ryan Seacrest is seemingly winning Wheel of Fortune fans over slowly but surely.

When Seacrest first stepped into Pat Sajak’s shoes, he experienced heavy criticism despite bringing in the show’s largest premiere week audience in five years. At first, fans fumed over his “awkward” on-air stage habits and huge blunders.

Despite some of the show’s followers claiming he finally “found his groove,” they are still comparing Seacrest’s skills to the old host.

During a recent Wheel of Fortune Reddit forum, a fan asked “Thoughts on the new Wheel of Fortune with Ryan Seacrest?”

Many were quick to show their positive thoughts.

Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White on the Wheel of Fortune. (Image: Getty)

“Doing good so far,” one wrote.

Another believes: “Agreed. Perfectly serviceable from the start and will only find his style as he gets more games under him.”

A third said: “I’m enjoying his banter with the contestants which was previously stale compared to Jeopardy!. Getting Vanna more involved is pretty cool too.”

Since Jeopardy’s Ken Jennings took a jab at Seacrest, fans have been comparing the two host’s skills. However, one person pointed out that Seacrest’s style correlates more to Jennings than Sajak’s because he doesn’t use cue cards, which makes the show seem less “stale.”

Others still seem to be having a hard time with the “new school” version of hosts.

“He’s a capable host so he’s doing fine. But of course it isn’t the same,” one started. “People like Pat, or Alex on Jeopardy, or even Barker on TPIR have that old school charm, wit, and charisma that newer generation hosts don’t have. The old guard have a natural ease about them.”

Someone else pointed out that Seacrest is media trained and “follows things by the book” which “comes off as fake.”

Many think the show’s dynamic change extends past Seacrest.

Someone said, “Ryan can host paint drying and it would be entertaining. That’s just Ryan. But honestly, it feels like a whole different show. It’s hard to explain. It’s the same format just with another host. But it doesn’t feel like ‘Wheel of Fortune.’”

Along with a new host, fans also had to get used to a shiny new set this season. At first, the viewers believed it “hurt their eyes” and distracted them from the game.