WHEEL of Fortune fans are skeptical of new host Ryan Seacrest and expressed negative opinions when the show made its Instagram takeover official.
Pat Sajak, 77, retired on June 7, 2024, and introduced Ryan, 49, on stage in this fall’s promotional video.
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Wheel of Fortune ushered in the Ryan era on Instagram on Tuesday, June 18th.
The promotional video marks the first time he has appeared on the game show’s biggest social media account.
He is joined by Pat and Vanna White, 66, on stage, where he is introduced by the now-retired former host.
The ad aired quietly on local TV stations the week before and has now finally been shared by the show.
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The caption was: “Get ready for MORE money, MORE prizes and lots of NEW fun! Who’s ready for a new season of Wheel?!”
‘WE’LL SEE’
The move backfired, with fans expressing doubts about Ryan’s long-term commitment in the comments section.
“I’M NOT WATCHING!!!! Couldn’t you find someone better than Ryan?!?!” one person wrote.
“No. Just no. He’s everywhere. I’m tired of him,” wrote another.
“I should have found someone for the long term. Ryan is not the long-term type of person,” posted a third.
“I’m not sure Seacrest is the right guy for the job!” he wrote a fourth.
“Couldn’t you have found someone better than that?” asked a fifth.
“I just don’t see Ryan doing this for 30-40 years. He’s hosted other things and moves on. We’ll see how things go, but WOF should have looked for another host that could be long term,” wrote one more.
“I still think Vanna should host! Maggie Sajak could turn the tables,” pleaded a seventh.
Other fans argued that Ryan hasn’t even started hosting yet and asked people to give him a chance.
“For those who are hesitant about Ryan Seacrest taking over, remember, Pat Sajak also had his fair share of naysayers when he took over after Chuck Woolery left.
“People gave him a chance, and it resulted in a 43-year run (when you count the daytime version). I’m more than willing to give Ryan a chance, and I think many other fellow Wheel Watchers should too.”
‘WELL THAT’S!’
The official promotional video starts with the puzzle board saying “THIS FALL”.
Then, Ryan, Vanna and Pat walk around the stage as Pat delivers the American Idol host.
“Well, that’s it, Ryan. What do you think?” asked Pat, pointing out the famous set.
“Impressive!” Ryan replied.
Ryan’s face appeared on the screen as the text read: “Ryan gets ready to take the wheel.”
“Ryan, I think the contestants are going to love you,” Vanna told the American Idol host.
“I think what you’ll enjoy most is meeting the players and meeting the crowd at home,” Pat told Ryan.
“It’s part of people’s lives,” Ryan responded.
“People love this show,” Pat agreed, nodding at Vanna.
“You two make everything look so easy,” Ryan praised the dynamic duo of four decades.
“You will never find a better job and you will never find a better co-host,” assured Pat.
The promotional video ended with Pat symbolically and literally walking away while Vanna posed with her new fall co-host.
“Ryan Seacrest joins Vanna White this fall,” the caption read.
PAT’S LAST EPISODE
After 43 years, 8,000 episodes, and more ridiculous responses than anyone could count, Pat’s final episode aired on Friday, June 7th.
At the end of the episode, he held back tears as he delivered a final message to the Wheel community.
“Well, the time has come to say goodbye,” he said in the video.
“I have some thanks and thanks before I go and I want to start with everyone watching.”
“It has been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade,” he said, tearing up.
“And I always felt that privilege came with the responsibility of keeping this daily half hour a safe place for family fun.”
Pat thanked viewers for allowing him into their lives.
Wheel of Fortune Host Timeline
Debuting in 1975, the beloved game show has had a few different iconic hosts over its nearly 50 seasons.
He ended by thanking the team and longtime icon Vanna White, who approached for a tearful hug.
Vanna moved fans with her incredible message the night before, crying and telling Pat, “I love you.”
Vanna will stay with Ryan for at least two years, starting in season 42.
Pat retired with the longest career hosting the same show in history, surpassing the previous record holder Bob Barker and Alex Trebek.
It’s also a pivotal time for TV game shows in general.
Pat is the ultimate old-school game show host.
He is about to be replaced by Ryan arrives in fall 2024, premiere date TBA.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
