Yahoo Lifestyle The reviews are in: Ryan Seacrest hosts first 'Wheel of Fortune' and fans share opinions
All eyes were on Ryan Seacrest as he hosted his first "Wheel of Fortune" episode on Monday night.
It marked the first time in more than 40 years that the show is hosted by someone other than Pat Sajak, who announced his retirement in June 2023. "Wheel" fans were instead met with Seacrest, who was tapped to usher in a new "Wheel of Fortune" era.
The 49-year-old entertainment veteran "couldn't wait to continue" to the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White," USA TODAY reported. But he also acknowledged then and more recently that he has "big shoes" to fill following Sajak's departure.
He hit the stage arm-in-arm with cohost Vanna White, taking his new spot behind the wheel after brief pleasantries, according to USA TODAY.
"I still cannot believe my luck of being here with you tonight, to continue this legacy of this incredible show," Seacrest shared with the audience. "I know how special it is that 'Wheel' has been in your living rooms for the past 40 years, and I'm just so grateful to be invited in. I also know I've got some very big shoes to fill."
Luckily, Seacrest's debut as "Wheel of Fortune" host went off without a hitch, focusing all of his energy on the contestants, who were busy spinning the wheel and solving for word puzzles, USA TODAY reported.
"Wheel" fans were pleasantly surprised by Seacrest's performance, taking to social media to share their thoughts and opinions following the premiere of the show.
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'Wheel of Fortune' fans react, share opinions host Ryan Seacrest
Reviews from "Wheel of Fortune" fans were largely positive, but there were some that had their doubts about the show's longevity with Seacrest as host.
Here's a compilation of what "Wheel" fans are saying online:
mom and i are freaking out over ryan seacrests first night on wheel of fortune #oldpeoplethings
— zoe (@myucaron) September 9, 2024
That was a great first episode of #WheelOfFortune with @RyanSeacrest!
Some really nice new graphics and of course the set, all while keeping the charm that Pat & Vanna have built through the years. pic.twitter.com/LthW5d5Lbg— Allan Nosoff (@AWxNYC) September 10, 2024
First impression of Ryan Seacrest hosting @WheelofFortune (aside from a great new set and enhanced production) is that he’s doing it without notecards.
That takes a ton of skill and confidence, and also shows a lot of personal character in learning the game, and the contestants.— Adam Ramsay (@adam_ramsay) September 9, 2024
watching @RyanSeacrest debut on @WheelofFortune and despite my low expectations he is doing a good job. I actually am finding him likable....he seamlessly stepping into @patsajak big shoes
— 🆃🅴🅴 🅴🆂🆂 🅳🅴🅴 (@SugahAintSweet) September 9, 2024
Expectedly, @RyanSeacrest has stepped smoothly into the role of host of @WheelofFortune. A nice moment at the top of tonight's show, acknowledging his arrival, then ... right into the game. And the game is still the main thing, which he clearly understands. pic.twitter.com/00ELUd3cmi
— Jay Bobbin (@JayBobbin1) September 9, 2024
I gotta be honest…when I heard who was going to host wheel of fortune after pat left i was like come on! Have to admit ol ryan seacrest doing a great job as host of wheel of fortune. My kid loves this show and so far no complaints from him.
— Amanda (@TheAmandaFlores) September 9, 2024
Chiming in with my opinion: @RyanSeacrest is fantastic on #WheelOfFortune - I’m so glad he’s there. Breath of fresh air. pic.twitter.com/1CMbyNE8OH
— Tammy Lou ❤️🦋🌼 (@tamilu40) September 9, 2024
Ryan seacrest is a natural at hosting wheel of fortune already
— Stefano Cotugno (@Stefano_Cotugno) September 9, 2024
big day for my mom who’s a huge wheel of fortune fan. she just critiqued ryan seacrest’s first episode for 30 minutes straight.
— ✯ texas tornado ✯ (@ccherubrock) September 10, 2024
Ryan Seacrest Wheel of Fortune is starting, my life is OVER.
— Alec Bojalad (@alecbojalad) September 9, 2024
I like to think Ryan Seacrest couldn’t sleep the night before he started hosting Wheel of Fortune, like the night before the first day of school.
— Lindsay (@Rollinintheseat) September 9, 2024
Ryan Seacrest hosting Wheel of Fortune is weird.
— keithlovesmovies.com 🔜 #TIFF2024 (@keithlovemovies) September 9, 2024
I have to say I’m really liking Ryan Seacrest as host of Wheel of Fortune can’t wait to watch him every night!!!!! #wheeloffortune
— Noah’s Ark (@NightParsley331) September 10, 2024
So how’s everyone feeling about Ryan Seacrest Wheel of Fortune?
— Sarah (@ATXSarahLynn) September 10, 2024
me and mom watching ryan seacrest’s first day on wheel of fortune pic.twitter.com/wcEdzzdC7I
— Laura 🩷 (@laurawanberg) September 9, 2024
Ryan Seacrest did a fabulous job on Wheel of Fortune! Excited for this new era ☺️ pic.twitter.com/uUQnuySO0E
— bëtlèbūp (@heybryna) September 9, 2024
First they came for Price is Right, and we said nothing. Then, they came for Jeopardy, and we did not speak out. Then, they came for Wheel of Fortune. And now we have Wii Mii Ryan Seacrest as a host. And he's ruined another show. And we can't have nice things. #wheeloffortune
— Heather Wheeler-Sadlemire (@HeatherLWheeler) September 9, 2024
Things I care about:
How Ryan Seacrest does as the new host of Wheel of Fortune.
Will report back.— Anthony DiPiero (@AnthonyDiPiero7) September 9, 2024
I watched Ryan Seacrest's 'Wheel of Fortune' debut tonight because it's my job and I'd like to report that the franchise is in great hands despite what the nitpickers had to say about his first night.
MY COLUMN: https://t.co/5Z7mDxzYie— Joe Kinsey (@JoeKinseyexp) September 9, 2024
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Wheel of Fortune' fans weigh in as Ryan Seacrest replaces Pat Sajak
