It looks like Wheel of Fortune, under the purview of new host Ryan Seacrest, is still experiencing some teething problems.
The iconic game show has been in a strange place in recent months as viewers get accustomed to Pat Sajak’s replacement and the myriad of changes that come with the hosting change.
During an episode earlier this week, a contestant named Oleh decided to solve the puzzle instead of guessing a letter, which would have made the round more valuable for him.
However, Oleh wound up with $14,000 at the end of the round, narrowly missing out on the bonus round because fellow competitor Kathryn had $14,176.
It was a shocking turn of events that could have been very different.
Viewers on the Wheel of Fortune SubReddit vented their frustration about the development, with many believing that Pat would have reinforced the rules to Oleh had he still been hosting the show.
Fans are unimpressed with Ryan Seacrest
“Could Ryan not say something?” one viewer wondered as another agreed right below their comment.
“Exactly! People do this all the time, or at least try to. Pat was great at always reminding them to call another letter first though,” the viewer explained.
“I’m pretty sure Ryan did the same thing in his first or second episode, which was passable since he was new. But now?” the fan concluded.
It makes sense that viewers would give a new host some time to get to grips with the show, but he’s been on-screen for almost three months at this point.
“Pat would have reminded him to guess a letter before solving,” a third viewer said.
“We were screaming at the screen,” said another viewer, who was probably speaking for many fans.
Another viewer said that Oleh must be “upset” for not realizing the situation.
However, the critic said they were “angry at Ryan for not doing something that Pat always made a point to do in the exact situation.”
While the viewer admitted it wasn’t the “host’s job” to point out these things, “Pat always tried so now we expect it.”
Ryan needs to up his game
It’s clear that viewers expect Ryan to step up to the challenge, but different hosts will have different processes.
Ryan probably doesn’t want to emulate his predecessor because the key to his success in the role will be putting his own stamp on it.
Hopefully, viewers will warm up to Ryan in time.
The series has been a force in the ratings this season, so it’s clear that many new viewers are watching along every day.
What are your thoughts on Ryan’s decision?
I’m loing interest in the show. Just a shadow of its former self!
Ryan Seacrest is a different person! We cannot expect him to be Sajak.
Please get accustomed to a new personality!!! I think he is doing a good job.
I wish there were more details because there was two episodes last week that Pat Sajak would have done differently. The one above I believe was during the bonus round which was worth $6, 000. When it got to the third contestant instead of picking a letter worth $6,000 he said I’m going to try to solve. We know Pat would have said don’t you want to make some more money by picking a letter first but Ryan said nothing. He solved the puzzle right but won $14,000 instead of $20,000. Don’t remember the others totals, but could have gone to the bonus round.
The second episode was a gentleman that won a wild card, a trip to Arizona, and landed on the 10,000 wheel. Ryan said you’re risking $1,500 INSTEAD of saying you’ve got a trip, a wild card and $1,500 worth pretty much $10,000 but he didn’t. I believe if he had pointed that out the contestant wouldn’t have gone for the $10, 000 and therefore got a bankrupt. This was all in the same week.
I don’t care for Ryan’s way of hosting.To me he is arrogant &believes he is the best New Year’s Eve he fine but to me i don’t care for his way of hosting a game show.He comes off better than the rest.
Host like it was a Gong Show. Do not like him as he is not a professional. Also to touchy with the people.
I noticed it too, that Ryan didn’t speak up so the contestant could call another letter. Sad that happened.
Have none of you thought, just maybe, the contestant didn’t want to risk, getting a bankrupt or lose a turn, by spinning again, to get more money. Plus, if the producer thought Ryan was making a mistake, don’t you think they would tell him? Quit being such critics!!!!
I no longer watch Wheel since Ryan took over as Host. I think they could have made a better choice for Pat Sajacks Replacement.