‘Wheel of Fortune’ Ratings Revealed for Ryan Seacrest’s First Season
How did Ryan Seacrest‘s first season as Wheel of Fortune host stack up against Pat Sajak‘s? The American Idol host took over for Sajak on Season 42 after the long-time host retired.
According to series distributor CBS Media Ventures, the game show was up year-to-year in households and total viewers. Ryan Seacrest’s first season ended on Friday, June 6, after 195 episodes, with Vanna White. They will both be back for Season 43.
CBS shared that Wheel of Fortune was “the only syndicated game show to post growth and was one of only two syndicated series to increase year to year.”
This season, Wheel averaged 7.93 million viewers, which is 74,000 more than the previous season. In households, the game show was up one percent for a 4.6 rating, which made it the number two syndicated game show in households behind Jeopardy!.
According to Nielsen, Wheel of Fortune averaged 7.99 million during its premiere month from September to October 2024. Seacrest’s arrival gave Wheel its highest premiere month in three years. This made it the most-watched entertainment program on linear TV when news and sports are taken out of the equation.
Although Pat Sajak signed off from WOF last year, he did do one more season of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, whose ratings were down from last season. Ryan Seacrest will host the celebrity version next season, so here’s hoping the ratings go up since the syndicated version did. And with the game show streaming on Hulu and Peacock this September, the ratings are bound to go higher.
Although Wheel of Fortune is currently running reruns in the summer, it will be back in September for an all-new season. An exact premiere date has not yet been announced.
Many Reddit users praised Seacrest and liked his upbeat attitude, youthfulness, and hugs.
What do you think of Ryan Seacrest as host? Does he bring a younger vibe to the show? Let us know in the comments.
Wheel of Fortune, weekdays, fall 2025, check local listings
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Ryan is doing an amazing job!!! He has such a great personality, and is so warm to all of the contestants. In addition, he and Vanna are an amazing team! Vanna seems much more relaxed, and they seem to have so much fun together!!!
I had given up watching Wheel of Fortune because Pat seemed to get kind of grumpy, and it seemed like he wasn't enjoying his job anymore. I get it, but I lost interest there at the end of his time at WOF.
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Ryan is my little ray of sunshine on a cloudy or rainy day. The one show I always watch on TV. Ryan, you are the absolute best.
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I watch Wheel every day and I record it, in case I am not home when it airs.Of course, I love Pat Sajack, but he chose to retire. Good for him. I think Ryan is doing a fantastic job as the host and I want to see him continue. Love you Ryan and Vanna!
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We all love Pat but he has moved on to retirement. Now most love Ryan. He does bring a different VIBE to the show that young and old are enjoying. He’s a little more animated than our beloved Pat but thats what makes the world so fun- taking nothing from Pat. Ryan fits the bill perfectly.
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We have stopped viewing Wheel of Fortune about two months after Ryan began hosting. We don't care for his sloppy attire and unprofessional attitude.
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Just a bit petty aren't you.
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I was skeptical at first, but I absolutely love him. Ryan is doing a great job. Keep it up.
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Have to admit didn’t think this was going to go well, but I thought he was great. Love his humor and how he interacts with the players. He and Vanna seem to be doing very well together too. I watch Wheel more consistently than I ever did before his arrival.
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I think Ryan is doing a fantastic job as host. So personable, funny and warm to all the contestants.
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Ryan Seacrest has the intellectual acumen of a 5th grader and that is better than his sense of humor. The biggest thing he should host is a Tupperware party.
Pat Sajak has more funny thoughts before breakfast on any given day than Seacrest has had from birth to now.
The ratings are up, you say? That says a lot about the educational system & Americans in general.
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he is doing amazing. love how he interacts with the contestants.
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Lucy I enjoyed Pat Sajak for many years. But I have to say that Ryan with Vanna makes the show more friendly and welcoming. To the contestants and to me.
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Ryan is doing GREAT!
HE and VANNA make the show fun!
(People love those two together!)
Long live Wheel of Fortune!!!
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He is great. Love his enthusiasm.
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Love Seacrest and Wheel more than ever! He's the perfect host. Loved when he bench pressed the contestant! People love surprises and hugs!
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I was skeptical at first but pleasantly surprised
Like his down to earth attitude with guests and silliness
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love him as host 👍❤️
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I really like him better than Pat Sajack. He is much more personable.
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I never watched the show on a regular basis but after watching Ryan for a few shows I couldn’t stop! I’m now a faithful viewer. I love his upbeat, friendly personality. My one negative is WHO DRESSES HIM! Ugh. Not so good.
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Ryan is doing great!!! He has so much personality and interaction with the contestants.
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He is great!! I loved Pat but Ryan is so fun with all the contestants.
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I really enjoy the show since Ryan took over. He just make. Show seem more exciting. You better keep him
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Ryan Seacrest is a superb host! He makes guests feel welcome & appreciated! Love his energy!
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I love Ryan .He is doing a great job 👍
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Ryan did a FANTASTIC job from day 1. His energy level is high and stepped right in. Love how Vanna is more of a co-host...rather than a letter turner with a quick chat at the end. Wheel is part of our nightly routine....but have given up on Jeopardy. Just not the same without Alex.
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A forever Show……and Ryan/Vanna will keep it that way!
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Love Ryan! He brings a lot of energy to the show!!
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I like Ryan and feel he is doing exceptional as host. New games being introduced and I like his interaction with Vanna and contestants. I'm glad he is staying.
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Ryan obviously enjoys doing the show! I think Sajak was burned out. He was just going thru the motions but his heart was not in it. He made no attempt to connect with contestants. Ryan is fun to watch. Even Vanna seems more engaged and having fun.
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If we lose Vanna, we lose 90% of America !!!! She is everybody's sweetheart!!!
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I think Ryan brings so much youthfulness to the show. But at times he seems to forget that there should be some decorum. He needs to stop - putting his head down on table, running around and grabbing contestants - all to show his youthfulness or what? Why are all those dollar amount flags hanging all over? It is not necessary. The Wheel of Fortune show and Jeopardy are iconic. They have stood the test of time and Ryan should not bring Wheel of Fortune (no offense here) down to the level of The Price Is Right where contestants and hosts "jump" on one another in excitement. No, no, no. Take a good example from Ken Jennings, the host of Jeopardy - refined etc..
Please do not move the time slot of Jeopardy period!
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One demographic that never gets mentioned is the gay community. Gays adore Ryan!!!
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Grandpa Pat needs to move on!
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Almost never watch. Seacrest dresses mostly from Old Navy. Will not watch.
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Your loss, Buster!
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