WHEEL of Fortune fans are skeptical of new host Ryan Seacrest and voiced negative opinions as the show made his takeover Instagram official.
Pat Sajak, 77, retired on June 7, 2024, and introduced Ryan, 49, onto the stage in the promo video for this fall.
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Pat Sajak, Vanna White, and new Wheel of Fortune host Ryan Seacrest starred in the adCredit: Wheel of Fortune
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The video is the first time Ryan Seacrest has been posted to WoF’s InstagramCredit: Wheel of Fortune
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Most of the comments were negative, even though Ryan Seacrest hasn’t even started hostingCredit: Wheel of Fortune
Wheel of Fortune ushered in the Ryan era on Instagram on Tuesday, June 18.
The promo video marks the first time he appeared on the game show’s largest social media account.
He is joined by Pat and Vanna White, 66, on stage, where he is shown around by the now-retired former host.
The ad quietly aired on local TV stations the week prior and has now finally been shared by the show.
It was captioned, “Get ready for MORE cash, MORE prizes, and a whole lot of NEW fun! Who’s ready for a new season of Wheel?!”
‘WE’LL SEE’
The hard launch slightly backfired, with fans expressing doubts about Ryan’s long-term commitment in the comments section.
“I WILL NOT be watching!!!! Couldn’t you find someone better than Ryan?!?!” one person wrote.
“No. Just no. He is everywhere. I’m tired of him,” wrote another.
“Should have found someone for long term. Ryan isn’t a long-term type of person,” posted a third.
“Not sure that Seacrest is the guy for the job!” wrote a fourth.
“You couldn’t have found someone better than that?” asked a fifth.
“Just don’t see Ryan doing this for 30-40 years. He has hosted other things and moves on. We will see how things go, but WOF should have looked into another host that can be long-term,” wrote one more.
“I still think Vanna should be the host! Maggie Sajak could turn the letters,” begged a seventh.
Other fans defended that Ryan hasn’t even started hosting yet and urged people to give him a chance.
“To those balking at the fact that Ryan Seacrest is taking over, remember, Pat Sajak also had his fair share of naysayers as well when he took over after Chuck Woolery left.
“The people gave him a chance, and it resulted in a 43-year run (when you count the daytime version). I’m more than willing to give Ryan a chance, and I think a lot of other fellow Wheel Watchers should too.”
‘WELL, THIS IS IT!’
The official promo video begins with the puzzle board reading, “THIS FALL.”
Then, Ryan, Vanna, and Pat walk around the stage as Pat hands the American Idol host the show.
“Well, this is it, Ryan. What do you think?” asked Pat, pointing out the famed set.
“Impressive!” Ryan replied.
Ryan’s face flashed on the screen as the text read, “Ryan gets ready to take the wheel.”
“Ryan, I think the contestants are going to love you,” Vanna told the American Idol host.
“I think what you’re going to enjoy most is meeting the players and getting to know the audience at home,” Pat told Ryan.
“It’s such a part of people’s lives,” Ryan replied.
“People love this show,” Pat agreed, nodding to Vanna.
“You both make it look so easy,” Ryan praised the dynamic duo of four decades.
“You’re never gonna find a better job, and you’re never going to find a better co-host,” Pat assured.
The promo video ended with Pat symbolically and literally stepping aside as Vanna posed with her new co-host come fall.
“Ryan Seacrest joins Vanna White this fall,” the text read in conclusion.
PAT’S LAST EPISODE
After 43 years, 8000 episodes, and more ridiculous answers than anyone could count, Pat’s final episode aired on Friday, June 7.
At the end of the episode, he held back tears as he delivered one final message to the Wheel community.
“Well, the time has come to say goodbye,” he said in the video.
“I have a few thanks and acknowledgments before I go, and I want to start with all watching out there.”
“It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade,” he said, tearing up.
“And I’ve always felt that privilege came with the responsibility to keep this daily half-hour a safe place for family fun.”
Pat thanked viewers for allowing him into their lives.
Wheel of Fortune host timeline
Premiering in 1975, the beloved game show has had a few different iconic hosts in its nearly 50 seasons.
1975 – 1981 : Chuck Woolery was the original host of Wheel of Fortune until he departed in 1981.
1981 – June 2024: Pat Sajak took over and became a beloved Wheel of Fortune host for over 40 years.
September 2024: Ryan Seacrest was declared the newest host as Sajak announced his retirement.
He ended by thanking the crew and longtime letter-turning icon Vanna White, who swept in for a tearful hug.
Vanna moved fans with her own incredible message one night earlier, crying and telling Pat, “I love you.”
Vanna will stay on with Ryan for at least two years, starting with Season 42.
Pat retired with the longest career as host for the same show in history, surpassing previous record holder Bob Barker and Alex Trebek.
It’s also a pivotal moment for TV game shows in general.
Pat is the last of the old-school game show hosts.
He’s set to be replaced by Ryan come fall 2024, premiere date TBA.
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Wheel of Fortune urged viewers to tune in for Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White this fallCredit: Wheel of Fortune
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Pat Sajak and Vanna White were counterparts for four decadesCredit: Getty
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One comment read below the promo, ‘Should have found someone for long term. Ryan isn’t a long-term type of person’Credit: Wheel of Fortune
