Why Ryan Seacrest’s ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Premiere Divided Viewers

Whereas many praised the 49-year-old for his easy transition into the function, others have been stunned by the absence of any reference to his predecessor throughout his premiere.

The choice to not acknowledge Pat Sajak’s iconic four-decade run sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with some viewers expressing disappointment over Ryan Seacrest’s internet hosting debut.

“Wheel of Fortune” kicked off its forty second season Monday night time, and issues are already shaking up. The flashy new set wasn’t the one factor followers needed to modify to. The largest change? The brand new host.

Ryan Seacrest made his grand debut, however the present’s longtime frontman, Pat Sajak, was nowhere to be talked about.

The brand new period started with announcer Jim Thornton hyping up the gang: “And now collectively for the primary time, listed here are the celebrities of our present, Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White!” However the obtrusive absence of any shoutout to Sajak left followers feeling every kind of how.

“I’m your host, Ryan Seacrest. I nonetheless can’t consider my luck of being right here with you tonight to proceed this legacy of this unbelievable present with all of you,” the 49-year-old stated after stepping out on stage. “And, after all, my good pal, Vanna White.”

“Thanks for the very heat welcome,” he continued. “Internet hosting ‘Wheel of Fortune’ is a dream job. I’ve been a fan of this present since I used to be a child watching it in Atlanta with my household. And I understand how particular it’s that ‘Wheel’ has been in your residing rooms for the previous 40 years.”

“And I’m simply so grateful to be invited in. I additionally know I’ve acquired some very massive sneakers to fill,” Seacrest stated, referring to Pat Sajak’s internet hosting duties, although he by no means really stated his title. “So, let’s play ‘Wheel of Fortune.’”

Viewers have been fast to note that Seacrest made no point out of longtime host Pat Sajak through the episode, sparking debate amongst followers. Because the “American Idol” host steps into the enduring function, some felt the dearth of acknowledgment was a missed alternative to honor Sajak’s 40-year legacy on the present.

“Ryan Seacrest is off to a rocky begin on ‘Wheel of Fortune,'” one person said. “Not a single point out of the ICON Pat Sajak?!

“Ryan Seacrest was maybe the worst potential alternative to switch Pat Sajak lmao,” one other expressed. “It’s 3 minutes into his very first episode and I hate it.”

It wasn’t all unhealthy, although. Others consider Ryan’s internet hosting fashion is to ascertain a brand new period for the sport present.

“First impression of Ryan Seacrest internet hosting ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ (apart from an ideal new set and enhanced manufacturing) is that he’s doing it with out notecards,” one fan said, supporting the brand new host. “That takes a ton of ability and confidence, and in addition exhibits quite a lot of private character in studying the sport, and the contestants.”

“I’m so glad he’s there. Breath of recent air,” one other wrote.

“I simply watched 10 seconds of Ryan Seacrest internet hosting the opening toss-up of ‘Wheel of Fortune’ and… He will be excellent,” a 3rd expressed. “Nothing unfavorable. He will slide into that function effortlessly.”

Seacrest really filmed his first episode of “Wheel of Fortune” again in July, giving followers a sneak peek of his massive second on Instagram. In a behind-the-scenes video, Seacrest shared his pleasure about moving into the enduring function, displaying off his first day on set with Vanna White by his facet.

“I’m nonetheless spinning with pleasure!” he wrote in the caption. “I’m so excited, my coronary heart’s pounding,” he stated within the video. “The wheel could also be smaller than you suppose — as am I,” he joked spinning the wheel for the primary time. “I couldn’t sleep final night time, I used to be so excited. I slept okay, however nonetheless very excited for the alarm to go off.”

New episodes of “Wheel of Fortune” air weeknights on ABC.