Sophia Michaels
Ryan Seacrest has captivated audiences in both television and radio for many years, but his arrival on “Wheel of Fortune” has met with mixed feelings.
After announcing Pat Sajak’s exit from “WOF” in summer 2023, Seacrest was chosen to take over the hosting duties alongside longtime co-host Vanna White. While many fans were initially supportive of Seacrest, uncertainty about his on-screen chemistry with White began even before his first episode.
In his September 2024 debut, Seacrest expressed his excitement, stating, “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,” he shared (via ABC News). He reflected on being a lifelong fan and acknowledged Sajak’s significant legacy. Yet, viewers feel that Seacrest has yet to truly meet the expectations set by his predecessor.
Fan criticism may have rattled Ryan Seacrest
Although hosting “Wheel of Fortune” was a significant achievement for Ryan Seacrest, it’s been criticized by some viewers. For instance, a Reddit thread pointed out his lapses in handling key game procedures. One user noted, “Ever since Ryan took over for Pat Sajak, I’ve noticed him forgetting to remind players about the wildcard situation after a bankrupt moment,” while another complained about him not prompting players to call a letter before solving, which caused a contestant to lose valuable winnings.
As a result of the backlash, Seacrest is reportedly feeling stressed; sources indicate he might regret taking on this role. An insider revealed that “Ryan is seriously feeling the pressure and wondering if there’s just no winning this fight.” Facing criticism for his performance, including concerns over his substantial salary, he feels the weight of expectations strongly, leading to feelings of anxiety regarding his role and reputation.
