‘Wheel of Fortune’ Fans Want Game Change To End Ryan Seacrest ‘Curse’ Over Show (VIDEO)
Wheel of Fortune’s new era with host Ryan Seacrest is going A-Okay according to fans, but even he has noticed an unfortunate on-air pattern: instead of big paydays, everyone seems to be going bankrupt.
Late last week, a fan started a Reddit thread about the perceived uptick in players landing on Bankrupt wedges. They titled it: “The amount of Bankrupts,” elaborating: “There are so many now! Anyone else notice this? It’s almost like they are timed…”
While “timing” bankrupt wedges or any sort of producer interference is unlikely (rigging game shows is illegal, in fact, see 1994 film Quiz Show) other fans replied that they actually do want producers to step in. Namely, to remove one bankrupt wedge from the wheel. The game show’s centerpiece has two bankrupt wedges.
“The wheel has one too many BANKRUPTS on it; pls remove one,” the top comment read.
“I’ve noticed SO many more,” wrote another. “This was what I came here to say! It’s almost like Ryan brought some bad mojo with him,” wrote a third. “I know he’s new and all but so far he doesn’t have the same rapport with contestants that Pat had. Pat was also much wittier.”
“It’s starting to annoy me how many bankrupts there are in a row. Of course who cares what I think,” vented a fourth. “My son and I counted 7 in a row one time recently. Annoying,” wrote a fifth.
“They used to only have one full-size Bankrupt on the Wheel in the first round, then added the second one starting with Round 2. In 2009, after the season with the first million dollar win, they made the second Bankrupt permanent,” remarked another.
One more fan argued that the issue may be the contestants (the Wheel centerpiece has not changed at all for the new season, it’s been the same wheel for 20 years).
“Contestants need to understand to vary the power they put into a spin,” they advised. “Spin fast, slow, medium, medium fast, medium slow. Mix it up, don’t do the same thing twice. Confuse the heck out of whoever watches if you are trying to get the big bucks.”
This just happened on Wheel of Fortune…
Unbelievable! pic.twitter.com/TJysPow03L
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) September 18, 2024
That said, the Seacrest “curse” has become a running joke with Wheel watchers on social media. Ever since he made his big debut as Pat Sajak’s replacement on September 9, there have been a baffling number of bankrupt runs.
In the September 18 episode, Seacrest even quipped that there was some kind of curse going on when the three contestants were spinning during the Crossword Round, and each of them landing on “bankrupt” in three consecutive spins.
“Should we have a conversation with this wheel?” Seacrest joked, before asking the wheel, “What are you doing to us?” The next turn, a player landed on a “lose your turn” prompting Seacrest to ask the group: “Who did something bad before they got here?”
As the bankrupts continued, Seacrest looked over at the iconic Vanna White and back at the players: “So, I’m new here. I’ve never seen anything like this before.”
The 49-year-old then urged a contestant named Brent to “break this curse,” however Brent landed on “lose a turn” yet again. The American Idol host fell over onto the setpiece and couldn’t hold back how stunned he was, turning to his co-host once more and pleading: “Vanna? What is going on?”
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G
I like Ryan on the show....give him a chance please 😏 NO ONE can take the place of Pat, he was a fixture in my home. Let's just give Ryan a chance, he's new to this!! Thanks 👍
40 3
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O
the Wheel centerpiece has not changed at all for the new season, it’s been the same wheel for 20 years.
It needs to be raised to the level where contestants keep/ rest their hands. It is painful to watch how contestants have to bend over to spin the wheel, throw one leg back in the air. How bad it looks when all heights and sizes of people sruggle to catch the pin in hand to spin.I have been watching wheel of fortune for all these yrs. And thinking about this. Did not dare to communicate this issue. I do not know how no contestant complained about it. Ergonomicaly the level of wheel is not at the right height. It should be at the level where it is easily reached, at the level of the platform in front of the contestants. Do you see how easy it is at the final spin when winner spins standing close to wheel. Not very difficult to raise the wheel.
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R
I agree with you. It's a wonder someone hasn't hurt their back. I understand the wheel is heavy also.
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R
Hello. The contestant platforms are adjusted and each is risen so the player is centered to the railing and everyone is asked of they are comfy and given many practice spins
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G
The wheel has to be out of reach unless it's your turn to spin. I don't like it that high, either, but it removes all doubt. Imagine with today's social media, the accusations that would fly every time someone wins or loses.
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O
Seriously, it’s the way the wheel is spun. It’s not Ryan’s fault, it’s not the contestants’ fault and it’s not the network’s fault. These people complaining about every little thing only proves one thing, they have no life and way too much time on their hands nitpicking everything. Get over it.
38 4
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O
Ryan is doing an excellent job as host. It’s like he’s always been there. He can’t help it if people hit bankrupt. It’s a game people! My Goodness! Grow up!
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G
I think the numerous bankrupt have always occurred. Ryan is doing a fine job. I like him. He is not Pat Sajak, so he is different. If we were all alike, how boring it would be. Give him a chance.
36 4
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C
I think Ryan is doing great. Only been a month or so. But I have noticed the puzzles are much harder. Some of the phrases are things I have never heard in my life and I am 78. You are really pushing for folks not to get the prize, because you gave Ryan too much money. Like he needed that huge contract.
33 7
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G
Ryan is doing a good job
25 3
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O
People need to give the guy a chance. He's NEW ! He's not Pat, no one will ever be. Let him grow. My goodness! It's sad how people judge !! Geez !!
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G
Quite frankly I prefer Ryan to Pat. Ryan is very personal and warm. He's doing just fine.
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G
It's been going on longer than when Ryan came. I've complained for years about the wheel being rigged, much like a rigged Roulette wheel. Infact, when the 10,000/bankrupt wedge would come up, I always yell, "Don't do it!"
Wheel... needs to be investigated much the way they did with the game show in the 1950s. What was it...The 64000 Dollar Question, I think.
17 5
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O
I think he is doing great.....to bad he can't convince the big boys to start giving real money away. Hardly a fortune.
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G
I don't think he's doing that good at all, he's making a he's making away more then Pat Sajak did which was a kick in the face I think, and they should of got someone else the guys a billionaire!!! He doesn't need the money he dose sooooo many things. Give it to someone who could use a great job an career.
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G
Ryan is a dud and Pat is/was irreplaceable! Ryan has zero appeal on This Game Show and it Really shows! A lot like Mayim on Jeopardy! When you have the “charisma gene” you can do most anything and the replacements for the Best have zero! Ken is doing fairly well but he’s no Alex and same goes with Ryan-Only Worse!
In those instances an almost complete unknown Should be cast!!!
The Shows directors and/or powers that be SHOULD have Known This!!!
I quit watching wheel after Ryan was just BLAH at the job the first week!!
Say Goodbye to Ryan Puleeze!! Wheel Producers please ReCast before the show alienates all big time fans!!!!
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O
Remove Seacrest.
2 1
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R
Call vowels, Pat stressed that always, call vowels.
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G
That the people spinning are idiots. Unless Wheel has a policy the wheel has to go so far to be considered a spin, they only have to take a spin or two to figure out their average wedges per spin. Then LOOKat the wheel and see where the bankruptcies are. Spin a little harder or easier.
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R
You all are ridiculous! They hit the bankrupt with Pat Sajak all the time also! Although I miss him, I love Ryan! He is perfect and very good at this!!!! Get over yourselves and your criticisms!
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O
Open your eyes people they want him replaced with someone black!
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O
Someone wants him black end of story
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P
I think Ryan Seacrest is doing a good job ppl who are complaining is they are so use to Pat lots of time people got bankrupt lose a turn in a row they need to lighting up Ryan keep up the good work by the way I almost 65 years old been watching wheel of fortune as long as I can remember it was sad to see Pat go but every one needs to retire it's not Ryan fault that their is problem with the wheel going on bankrupt it could be the wheel it self
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G
I think that he is trying his best. I like him as a host. I loved Pat but we need to except the new guys. Everyone make mistakes. I think he deserves a chance.
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O
I have been a wheel watcher for many many years.Ryan is doing a great job. It's not his fault theres so many bankrupts and not many big wins.The wheel is heavy and maybe needs some adjustments.
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G
I agree, they need to remove one of the bankrupts!!! And i've been saying it forever, that the way they have to lean over to spin that wheel is ridiculous!!
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R
Tell Ryan to keep his hands out of his pockets that looks terrible
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P
I wish he would stop putting his hands in his pockets.
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R
No matter who's spinning Ryan has no control where it goes
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O
Seacrust is WAY too touchy feely!!
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C
I'm wondering what fans? Most I see are in support of Ryan just as I am. I think he's doing a fantastic job!!
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P
Ryan is doing a great job! He is engaging more with the contestants, the show moves faster! I think it is a good idea to raise the wheel so the contestants don’t have to bend over so much. KEEP RYAN and stop looking for mistakes.
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R
I have noticed that thefinal spin is $1,500 too often. It lands on $500 most of the time, and then they add $1,000. No way.
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B
They need to pay Ryan's salary! 🤣
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G
Ryan is bumbling & boring
1 1
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D
How about using the Wild Card to negate a Bankrupt?
1 1
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O
I Love Ryan and I think he's doing a great job. I thought the same thing about to many bankrupts. However, I've been watching the older shows with Pat, on Game show network and the bankrupt came up quite a bit. Probably about the same.
2 2
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P
Who really cares, don't like the show, don't watch it that's simple.
1 1
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C
I have watched Wheel of Fortune for many years. Pat was a great host and I'm glad he could retire and enjoy his family.
Ryan is doing a Great job and refreshing to see him as the new host. He memorizes who each new contestant is ahead of time as he greets them he doesn't have to use que cards. He and Vanna are doing great together.
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G
I think Ryan is doing a great job. He may not be as witty as Sajak, we’re not all the alike, but he’s a good host. I don’t think there is anyone who would be the “same” as Sajak. I don’t understand why there are So Many bankrupts on the possible $10,000 wedge. Sure doesn’t seem like there is a 50-50 chance of $10,000.
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R
Ryan is doing awesome. Pat in his hay day was great but towards the end he seemed very bored w the show and the repetition. Ryan is adding a new zest that was starting to lack. Give him time.
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G
He’s doing FANTASTIC. I was wondering how he would do. People have to remember there are other new spots on the wheel. Trips, Million Dollar, $10 000/Bankrupt, WILD etc… It all depends on how the Contestant spins the wheel. I also remember Pat spinning the wheel for the final spin and landing on Bankrupt
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R
Why hasn't Vanna retired ?? Wth?
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R
Ryan and Vanna are GREAT!!!!
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P
Ryan is trying to hard, he needs to relax. He is not Pat, give him time and let him be him self. People are finding fault with him, Pat had years of experience. We have watched Pat forever, time for new, Ryan will settle in and we will get used to him.
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G
Not interested in watching Wheel any longer.... Found more shows on PBS that are more interesting and way better than Wheel. Don't care for Ryan and the new set is awful.
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O
Ryan needs to quit leaning on the piece that sticks out from the wheel & keep his hands out of his pockets. Bring pat sajak back please. Show is just not the same without him!!!!
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