Ryan Seacrest officially made his debut on Wheel of Fortune, and made sure to tip his hat at his predecessor – but fans were still left divided by his performance as the new host.
Despite reports that Seacrest was not the “first choice” to replace Pat Sajak after his retirement, despite the ‘new energy’ he was set to bring, fans still tuned in (except for those left fuming over lack of access to the episode).
Shortly after he walked onstage with Vanna White, Seacrest acknowledged that it was his first day on the job and he couldn’t believe his luck at landing the job.
However, despite this, fans were left divided on his performance in the new role.
Vanna White Ryan Seacrest© Youtube
Many quickly admitted they were not fans. “Ryan Seacrest is not good on @WheelofFortune,” one person wrote on X.
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“This is the worst day of my life; just watched the first Pat Sajak-less Wheel of Fortune & hated it,” another said.
“Ryan Seacrest was awful on Wheel of Fortune. Is the epitome of the ‘Hollow Man.’ No personality, has to fake being human,” another shared.
WoF Ryan Seacrest© Youtube
However, others praised him, saying he did a great job. “I miss Pat but I’m loving Ryan Seacrest. He’s doing so well,” one said.
“Ryan Seacrest’s first episode as host of Wheel of Fortune was really good. It’s a hard role to fill, and hard to step in for Sajak,” another said. “He did it in excellently and will continue to get better. On a side note, the new set is fantastic. Loving Season 42 already,” another shared.
“Ryan, we felt your fun, humility, respect and enthusiasm for replacing icon Pat and stepping into your new role,” a third said.
Seacrest said as he opened the show: “I still can’t believe my luck being here with you tonight to continue this legacy of this incredible show with all of you, and, of course, my good friend Vanna White. Thank you for the very warm welcome.”
In a brief opening monologue before the gameplay began, Seacrest acknowledged Sajak’s impact as host and his retirement at the end of the 41st season.
Sajak won his fourth Emmy Award for best game show host for his final season Saturday at the Creative Arts Emmys.”Hosting Wheel of Fortune is a dream job.
“I’ve been a fan of this show since I was a kid watching it in Atlanta with my family, and I know how special it is that Wheel’ has been in your living rooms for the past 40 years,” he said. “I’m just so grateful to be invited in. I also know I’ve got some very big shoes to fill, so let’s play Wheel of Fortune.”
