Wheel of Fortune fans are urging others to lighten up on Ryan Seacrest and speculate why he’s already receiving 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 was met with significant backlash and skepticism from fans.
On one hand, it’s a big change, as Pat has hosted the game show with Vanna since the ’80s.
On the other hand, the launch of Ryan’s acquisition on social media in the fall was not well received, with many Internet users criticizing the decision.
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‘WAIT BEFORE YOU JUDGE!’
On Friday, a Reddit user started a thread imploring everyone to give Ryan a chance before judging him.
“Can everyone please stop being so negative about Ryan Seacrest?!” the user titled the post.
“Since Pat Sajak announced his retirement and Ryan Seacrest was announced as his successor, there has been nothing but negativity all around!”
“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.
“Wait until Ryan starts this fall before you judge. You’ll have a better chance of not turning off Wheel fans who want Ryan to do well.”
‘HE IS EVERYWHERE’
Other fans agreed and argued that Ryan may be experiencing backlash because he is seen as the go-to host of everything on TV.
Most of the hate comes from Ryan being all over the place and inheriting another notable role,” one fan responded.
“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 can have their opinions. Just like you. Ryan is almost a game show trope at this point.
‘THE CHANGE IS SHOCKING’
Other fans argued that new game show hosts are always met with skepticism when they replace a figure who has been there for decades.
Another fan responded, referring to Jeopardy!, “This reminds me of when Alex Trebek passed away and every post on the Jeopardy pages was ‘If Ken Jennings hosts I will NEVER watch again!!’ ‘So-and-so would be HORRIBLE as a host’ ‘Totally unpleasant.’ Just give them a chance! Stop being so closed-minded.”
A fifth agreed: “Ken gets an extra ovation when he performs now. He was always the right guy.”
A sixth said, after watching a recording of Ryan’s debut season: “Any change after 40 years will be shocking.
“Having seen Ryan’s first recorded episode, he’s fine, and I’d even argue better than Pat in later seasons.”
“It’s like the show chose the easy choice,” wrote another skeptic.
To which yet another argued that WoF chose the easy choice on purpose, given the tumultuous transition from Jeopardy! after Alex Trebek.
“They took the easy choice. Thanks to Mike Richards for botching Alex’s transition terribly.”
Yet another fan compared the skepticism to The Price Is Right.
“The same thing happened with the Bob Barker fanboys who would never accept Drew Carey. Hell, some fanboys still want Barker to come back.”
PROMO GETS REBACK
This comes after Wheel of Fortune shared its first promo of the Ryan and Vanna era — and it didn’t go well.
Posted to 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 first time the show has featured its new pair of co-hosts.
The promotional video, shared on the official WoF Instagram page, showed Ryan and Vanna taking the stage in their best hosting attire.
“I can’t wait to get to work,” Ryan told the longtime letter deliverer.
“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 bad choice!” the top comment read in the promotion with 55 likes.
“You need someone who will last a long time. Ryan has done several shows,” wrote another.
“I’m tired 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 IS 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 some thanks and acknowledgments before I go. And I want to start with all of you watching outside,” he he said.
“It has been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade.
“And I always felt that privilege came with the responsibility of keeping this daily half hour a safe place for family fun. No social issues, no politics, nothing embarrassing, I hope. Just one game”, concluded Sajak.
The Wheel of Fortune host announced he was retiring in an X post last summer, writing, “Well, the time has come. I have decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last.”
Shortly after, Ryan was chosen to take on the much-coveted hosting role and the choice apparently left some fans dissatisfied.
As for Seacrest, he praised his predecessor and wished Pat luck in his own Instagram post.
“Pat, congratulations on an incredible journey with Wheel of Fortune! Your dedication, charm and intelligence have made the show a beloved part of American television for decades.”
Ryan also wrote that Pat “set the standard for hosts everywhere.”
Although Pat is retired, Vanna is expected to remain with the program through the 2025-2026 season.
Although the official date for the new season of WoF has not yet been announced, new episodes are expected to air in September.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
