‘Wheel of Fortune’: Ryan Seacrest’s Ratings Revealed as Fans Slam Show Changes
Wheel of Fortune returned for its 42nd season on Monday, September 9, as Ryan Seacrest made his debut as host, and it proved to be a big winner, at least when it came to the show’s ratings.
According to Deadline, Monday’s episode delivered a 4.62 household rating, up 57% from last year’s premiere, which saw a 2.94 household rating in the same 44 overnight markets.
It should be noted that these are only early numbers for the first episode, and more detailed ratings for the first week of Season 42 episodes will be released next week.
Wheel‘s legendary host Pat Sajak officially retired back in June, with Seacrest taking over hosting duties. Long-time letter-turner Vanna White remains on as co-host.
The first three episodes of Seacrest’s run have been met with mixed reactions. Some have praised the American Idol host for his enthusiasm and clear fandom for the show, while others have said he’s yet to get comfortable in the role.
However, it’s not just a change of host that is proving a sticking point for some viewers. Over on the Wheel of Fortune Reddit forum, some users have claimed the new season is “over the top,” especially when it comes to the choice of contestants.
“Does anyone besides me feel like the entire new WoF is just over the top? From the set, to the contestants outfits, and even the contestants behavior. Especially the male contestant tonight. To me, it’s almost like they are actors. It feels unnaturally “extra,” wrote one Reddit user on Wednesday, September 11.
Others agreed, with one fan responding, “Yes for sure. I was afraid this would happen after Pat retired. Wheel of Fortune is following the trend of overproduction and fake emotion.”
They continued, “Tonight episode especially, you feel dizzy and overwhelmed from all the cuts and noises from contestants. You can barely follow the puzzle. Maybe the ratings don’t support this, but I’ve always preferred authentic emotions. You don’t want snoozefest contestants, but authenticity is nice.”
Another added, “This is why Jeopardy stayed great after Alex [Trebek] passed and Ken [Jennings] finally took over. It’s not an ultra flashy show and maintained the same demeanor it always had.”
They went on to note that Wheel has always been “flashy” and “more energetic” than Jeopardy, “but they kicked it up to an even higher level this season and it feels like I’m watching one of those new shows that pop up every season with an actor that used to be big and now you think ‘why tf are they the host of this show?'”
“It seems like a fake game show. It’s like an episode of Black Mirror. I’m not going to continue watching of it keeps like this,” said another.
Another added, “This is too much change at once.”
“Looks like they are letting the contestants be more wacky and loud. Its annoying,” wrote one commenter.
“The other thing I’ve noticed are the puzzles and some prizes are more geared to millennials or a younger demographic. Kombucha prize, I heart radio event, IYKYK puzzle answer, Dua Lipa song answer. I’ve just noticed more than usual,” added another.
Another wrote, “They changed too much. Just change the emcee. That should have been it. Leave all else the same. Change things over time like next year – a little at a time.”
What do you think of the new Wheel of Fortune so far? Is it too much change at once? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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P
I also want to make a statement regarding the viewing of the puzzle while it’s trying to be solved. I feel that I am a contestant at home, trying to solve the puzzle and I don’t want to be distracted by watching the three contestants that take over a good portion of the screen in the process. I want to see the puzzle not their facial expressions.
12 1
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F
I haven't been watching it since the new season started, but I did catch a few minutes at the end yesterday when I turned for Jeopardy. All I can say is I hate the set.
10 1
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P
I miss the pretty pictures behind the contestants. Don't like the new stage at all. Too busy. Go back to the old format. Tell Ryan to calm down some. I do like him, but he's a bit too energetic. Good luck to him though. Don't put the contestants pictures down at the bottom on some of the puzzles.
10 2
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R
They cheapened the show. It used to be dignified and classy.. Now it's noisy, the contestants who are loud and brash, and the set is glitzy and cheap looking. I'm very disappointed. Bring back the Wheel of Fortune we all loved!
11 3
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O
Do not care for the new show! Don’t care for new set or Ryan Seacrest! Have been faithful fan since very first show and am really sad that it has been ruined for me. Probably won’t watch again!
8 1
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P
I have to agree with what most think is way too much change at once. I personally have to stop watching it because it gives me a migraine with all the bright lights and flashy wheels. My eyes start with electric shocks from the motions in the background. I agree it’s fake and the contestants excitement and it’s over the top way over the top. Maybe Ryan would have a better chance if there wasn’t some else going on. But for me, I have to stop.
9 2
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G
I don't like the new set. Cold looking compared to a homey feeling the old set gave us with different scenes. Looks too empty. I think Seacrest is doing pretty well for first week
7 1
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R
I agree with the other fans about the sickening new set for the Wheel Of Fortune!!! It is VERY distracting with all those moving backgrounds and putting the contestants at the bottom of the screen when I'm trying to look at the puzzle!!! PLEASE PUT IT BACK THE WAY IT WAS!!!!!!!! That's what I need to keep watching the program I've watched for all of your years. I hate Pat is no longer on there, but I love trying to figure out the puzzles --- sooooo, PUT IT BACK TO
"NORMAL"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank You
6 1
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G
The new set is too busy. Ryan Seacrest is over the top fake friendly/enthusiastic. It seems like a parody of the old show. I have to mute it to watch it.
6 2
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R
Very flashy set. Ryan keeps his hands in his pockets a lot and that shows his tie which looks too long sticking out of his jacket. I think he's trying too hard and should relax a bit. Where's the car for the final bonus round? Is there still a $100,000 prize?
5 1
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B
Too too much. Dial it back.
5 1
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O
I think Ryan is doing an excellent job. He's adding the energy and add-on comments and compliments that aren't demeaning to the contestants. His optimistic attitude is just what they need. He's definitely a people person and that's why he does an exceptional job in all that he takes on. Change is good and when a show has a different "season", with a new host I totally agree with the producers changing things. Download the app and play like that if you don't like it.
10 7
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C
Hahahahaha
Once again, the tv execs think they know what people want and they DON'T.
Ryan sucks.
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G
I think Ryan and Vanna are both doing a great job. The new set was overwhelming and distracting. But I am getting used to it after three episodes.
5 2
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P
I do not like the new set. However, I am liking Ryan Seacrest. He seems to care about the contestants and wants them to do well, Most Wheel Watchers like consistency. Perhaps a new host and a new set is a bit too much at once,
4 2
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C
The contestants are so obnoxious! Are they chosen for that type of personality now, or are they coached to be so annoying? What happened to the fun sets? Now it's all lights. Trying to be a Las Vegas circus show?
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C
Why would one want to change a format and set that has worked for years. Too much interplay with contestants. IMO i don't wish to hear that a contestants grandmother watched show for years because most can't remember who was on the WOF last night. Also Seacrest can't be bother to wear a shirt and tie. He seems to appear as if he is going out "clubbing. The network producer can do what they wish but I don't have to watch
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C
I don't enjoy the show as much and have also thought about no longer watching it. With pat as host it was like welcoming a friend into the house to enjoy a relaxing evening. now it is artificial and commercial. It seems to have more commercials than puzzles.
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Don't care for the set and can't stand the selected contestant's. As a long time viewer, it's looking more like many of the other game shows. Just too over the top for me. I'm out.
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P
We watched the first new show and will not watch another. It just sucks
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B
I have deleted all new season shows. Hate Ryan Seacrest! They could have found someone way better. His natural snarkiness comes through.
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C
WoF is over the top. contestants are annoying and fake. hate the new set. Seacrest has no charisma or sarcasm or humor. terrible choice
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O
I have been a wheel watcher from the beginning and that's telling my age, lol �
anyway I think that it was time for a change, it's a new generation and so why not a new set to go with a new host? I think Ryan is doing a great job and so upbeat. His personality is totally different from Pat's. So people just get on board and don't be so critical, as far as the giveaways are concerned, the puzzles and those are targeted for the x and z's cause our generation is slowly dying (literally) so creators changed things to appeal to the younger generation because they're will look back in 40 years and stay "whoa" just like we are doing now!! I think that I'm pretty "right on" with my assessment of all this!! So just chill old timers and go with the flow!!
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P
stopped watching, not confortable with ryan and his over blown ego
1
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O
Set changes are so awful, cold, superficial, cavernous. Guests are over the top, seems insincere.
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G
I don't watch Wheel anymore. I don't like anything about it: the host, the scenery, the contestants, or categories. Pat Sajak was great. He had lovely camaraderie with the guests and humor. Nothing about Wheel seems authentic now.
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O
From a very senior person - I really like the show and the upbeat Ryan brings. He shows personal interest in each contestant and good exchange between him and Vanna. Sets don't bother me. I have thought for years that the least Wheel could do is give the people who don't win anything at least $2000 for the expense of their traveling there. Just enjoy the show.
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G
Ryan is over friendly and wears his clothes way to tight! No one cares about his clothes and he needs to back off of his mannerism with men and women! He is too overbearing!
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O
Ryan Seacrest love how fast you are without any cards. Your quick wittiness and intelligence make this so much more fun. (Yes, I was on the show in 1988 evening show). I did win!
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C
I agree with many of the comments....It's too loud and glitzy. Ryan needs to calm down. Plus the set is too "busy"! The contestants need to be more "real"; more even...
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O
Contestants don't spend the wheel 1 complete rotation trying to skip "bankrupts". Totally wrong and cheating!
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P
Seacrest is way too fake. He needs to learn how to speak, he stretches his words. If he says two thousand he says two thouuuuusand. I really don’t care for him.
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O
Flop, Ryan has no personality and the contestants are tpp over the top. The themes are outrageous. Ofco msybe sfter 42 seasons its time to hangit up
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O
Ryan is not a good host for WOF. He is not very dynamic and the show is boring now. Rather see Maggie, Sandler or Carrey hosting.
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G
Ryan is a breath of fresh air! We have dealt with Pat’s sarcasm for over 30 years‼️ Good luck to Ryan.
1 1
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G
I think Ryan Seacrest is way too fakey. He tries too hard and it isn't natural. The contestants just seem like they are rehearsed on how to react to bad spins. Too much "high five" each other. No one acts like that naturally. I think they picked the wrong person to step into Pat Sajac shoes.
1 1
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A
Now "Wheel" watchers know how we "American Top 40" fans felt when Ryan Seacrest replaced the irreplaceable Casey Kasem on that legendary radio show!
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G
I agree with everything that was said up above. The set is blah, it's lifeless. It has no character. Hate watching them watch the board. And why are they talking over each other? The contestant says the letter before they give Ryan the chance to ask them to call for a letter. Go back to real people, Get back to a more comfortable set, and Ryan stop trying so hard.
1 1
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C
Ryan is doing great, but there will never b another Pat. People just need to chill out & deal with the changes & just enjoy solving the puzzles for themselves @ home.
2 2
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R
I totally agree! The show has become over the top! Hard to watch - people being ridiculous - screaming and overacting!!
Don’t like the new set, new host. When something isn’t broken, leave it alone!! Come back Pat!!
1 1
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C
They ruined the show for me because Ryan Seacrest is just old news. I have not liked his television for ten years now. There is such a thing as too much of a person. Completely wrong choice of host.
1 1
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P
Horrible distracting new stage set and too much flashing lights and sounds. This is a word game not a celebrity adoration fest. Ryan Seacrest so far is boring with bad timing.
2 2
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O
Do not like the staging as it makes you feel like a factory or technical building (very nauseating and hard on the eyes). Scenery views were more enticing, calming and exciting feel to the show. Not pleased with the changes and believe ratings will drop. I’m no longer a fan.
1 1
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O
I also hate the set.
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C
Hate the new set…Even hurts my eyes…Ryan doesn’t say where the people are from…Will take a little time to get used to Ryan but will never get used to set and may turn me away from the show, They used to be so decorated and beautiful…
1
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R
Keep up the good work RYAN !!!! EVERYTHING YOU DO TURNS OUT TO BE SO GREAT .... MISS YOU ON LIVE !!! YOU ARE ONE MAN THAT WHAT EVER HE DOES TURNS INTO GOLD !!!! FROM YOUR NUMBER 1 FAN 😎😎🥰🥰😍😍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
1 5
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