Wheel of Fortune fans clash over new host’s approach amid Price is Right comparison

The latest season of Wheel of Fortune is the first one to premiere since Pat Sajak retired and Ryan Seacrest took over hosting duties, and not all fans are impressed

Fans compared the show to The Price is Right (Image: Wheel of Fortune)

The freshest series of Wheel of Fortune is currently gracing our screens, and it marks the inaugural season with Ryan Seacrest at the helm.

After the departure of veteran host Pat Sajak, audiences are gradually adjusting to Seacrest’s presence. While some are keen on the American Idol star stepping into the role, others are less enthusiastic about the “energy” he’s injecting into the show.

On the Wheel of Fortune subreddit, a user expressed their concerns, penning: “I think the Price Is Right producers got ahold of Wheel and will ruin it, too.”

Their thread went on: “Kinda seems like someone is encouraging players to act like complete fools which is going to attract more and more garbage on screen,” adding ominously, “It won’t be long and someone will find the need to roll on the floor, just wait.”

In the ensuing discussion, another forum-goer highlighted underlying connections between the programmes. “Ironically Mike Richards (who ran Price from 2009-19) ran Wheel from 2020 until his termination in 2021,” they noted.

Not everyone, however, was critical of the fresh vibrancy Seacrest brings to the table. Another commenter encouraged the change: “I think injecting a little energy into it is not a bad thing.”

Elaborating on personal preferences they shared: “I loved Pat. He had a very dry and somewhat corny sensibility,” and opined, “I think that lended the energy to the contestants. I like that Ryan seems excited. Let’s get excited! It’s Wheel of Fortune, not the retirement home quite yet.”

Another individual replied to the comment, saying: “But look at Jeopardy. They updated the host while leaning into the institution. That’s all I ask.”

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Regardless of what some Reddit enthusiasts believe, the debut of Wheel of Fortune’s newest season, which marked Ryan’s first appearance, attracted a whopping 9.63 million viewers in total. This figure represents the most substantial season opener audience since 2015.

In June 2023, Pat Sajak made his departure from the show public. Although he’s stepped away from assisting contestants with the wheel, Pat remains involved off-camera, contributing as a consultant for the programme.