SEA WHAT HAPPENS!
Wheel of Fortune fans beg ‘stop being so negative’ about Ryan Seacrest and spot reason new host got instant ‘hate’
Earlier this week, Ryan Seacrest’s Wheel of Fortune promo without Pat Sajak drew mixed reactions
Wheel of Fortune fans are urging others to ease up on Ryan Seacrest and speculated why he's already getting so much backlash.
The American Idol host was chosen to replace Pat Sajak, 77, who retired after four decades last month.
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Wheel of Fortune is currently filming its 42nd season, the first to feature Ryan, 49, alongside Vanna White.
Ryan's selection has been met with significant backlash and skepticism from fans.
For one, it's a huge change as Pat hosted the game show with Vanna since the '80s.
For another, the social media rollout of Ryan's takeover come fall has not gone over well with many internet users lambasting the decision.
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'WAIT BEFORE YOU JUDGE!'
On Friday, a Reddit user started a thread pleading with everyone to give Ryan a chance before judging him.
"Can everyone please stop being so negative about Ryan Seacrest?!" the user titled the post.
"Ever since Pat Sajak announced his retirement and Ryan Seacrest was announced as his successor, there's been nothing but negativity everywhere!"
"I get it... It's sad that Pat Sajak wanted to retire, and as much as I want him to continue I wish him all the best.
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"Wait until Ryan starts this fall before you judge. You'll stand a better chance at not dismaying Wheel fans who want Ryan to do well."
'HE'S EVERYWHERE'
Other fans agreed, and argued that Ryan may be getting backlash because he is perceived as the go-to host for everything on TV.
Most of the hate comes from Ryan being everywhere and inheriting another notable role," one fan replied.
"I agree, Ryan seems to be everywhere. It would have been nice to have an ‘unknown’ inherit the role," wrote another.
A third wrote, "People are allowed to have their opinions. Just as you are. Ryan is almost a game show trope at this point.
'CHANGE IS JARRING'
Other fans argued that new game show hosts are always met with skepticism when they replace a figure who's been there for decades.
Another fan replied, referring to Jeopardy!, "It reminds me of when Alex Trebek passed away and every post on Jeopardy pages was 'If Ken Jennings is the host I'm NEVER watching AGAIN!!' 'So-and-so would be AWFUL as host' 'Totally unlikeable.' Just give them a chance! Quit being so closed-minded."
A fifth agreed, "Ken receives an extra ovation when he comes out now. He always was the right guy."
A sixth said, having attended a taping of Ryan's debut season, "Any change after 40 years is going to be jarring.
"Having seen Ryan's first taped episode, he's fine, and I'd even argue better than Pat these last couple of seasons."
"It's like the show just went with the easiest choice," yet another skeptic wrote.
To which one more argued that WoF went with the easy choice on purpose given Jeopardy!'s tumultuous transition after Alex Trebek.
"They did go for the easiest choice. Thank Mike Richards for botching Alex's transition so terribly."
Yet another fan likened the skepticism to The Price Is Right.
"The same thing happened with the Bob Barker fanboys who would never accept Drew Carey. Heck, some fanboys still want Barker to come back."
PROMO GETS BACKLASH
This comes after Wheel of Fortune shared its first promo of the Ryan and Vanna era- and it didn't go over well.
Posted on Instagram on July 2, the preview featured new host, Ryan, and Vanna excitedly announcing the show's return this fall.
Notably absent was Pat, 77, marking the very first time the show featured its new co-host duo.
The promo video, shared on the official WoF Instagram page, saw Ryan and Vanna take to the stage in their best hosting outfits.
"I can't wait to get to work," Ryan told the longtime letter-turner.
"Let's get you ready for fall!" Vanna replied.
Ryan was then seen moving around the set with streamers and confetti falling as he shouted, "I'm ready!"
"What a poor choice!" the top comment read under the promo with 55 likes.
"You need someone who will be long term. Ryan has bounced around multiple shows," wrote another.
"I'm sick of seeing Ryan seacrest. Surely, there must be someone else who can host," wrote a third.
"No thanks … I retired from this show with Pat . I can’t stand Ryan … good luck Vanna," wrote a fourth.
PAT'S A WRAP
Pat's retirement episode on June 7, 2024 was a bittersweet moment for the masses.
Bidding farewell to fans, Pat said his final goodbye in a tearful speech saying, "Well, the time has come to say goodbye. I have a few thanks and acknowledgements before I go. And I want to start with all of you watching out there," he said.
"It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade.
"And I’ve always felt that the privilege came with a responsibility to keep this daily half-hour a safe place for family fun. No social issues, no politics, nothing embarrassing, I hope. Just a game," Sajak concluded.
The Wheel of Fortune host announced he was retiring in an X post last summer writing, "Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last."
Shortly after, Ryan was tapped to take over the much-coveted hosting job and the choice has seemingly left some fans unhappy.
As for Seacrest, he praised his predecessor and wished Pat luck in his own Instagram post.
"Pat, congratulations on an incredible run with Wheel of Fortune! Your dedication, charm, and wit have made the show a beloved part of American television for decades."
Ryan also wrote that Pat "set the standard for hosts everywhere."
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Though Pat is retired, Vanna is set to remain on the show through the 2025–2026 season.
Though an official date for the new season of WoF has yet to be announced, new episodes are expected to air this September.
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