Additional Coverage:
- ‘Wheel of Fortune’ fans have a major complaint about Ryan Seacrest and we totally get why (marketrealist.com)
Wheel of Fortune Fans Speak Out: Is Ryan Seacrest’s Bonus Round Drama Spinning Out of Control?
Ryan Seacrest had some truly massive shoes to fill stepping into the “Wheel of Fortune” host role after the legendary Pat Sajak. And while he’s generally been lauded for a decent job, some eagle-eyed fans are starting to notice a few quirks that, they say, sometimes dim the sparkle of America’s favorite game show.
The biggest buzz among viewers? Seacrest’s dramatic flair, especially during the high-stakes bonus round.
When a contestant wins the minimum $40,000 prize, many fans have observed that Seacrest’s slow, deliberate reveal of the prize card feels a bit over-the-top. One viewer, echoing a sentiment shared by many online, wished he’d just “open it and turn it around without hesitation” when it’s the standard amount.
“He’s got those American Idol dramatics ingrained in him,” another fan quipped, suggesting Seacrest’s extensive experience on talent shows might be influencing his “Wheel” technique. The concern is that this prolonged suspense leads contestants to believe they’ve snagged a much larger prize, only for their initial joyous reaction to shift when the $40,000 is revealed.
“You can see the gear shift happen on their faces, and I feel bad for them,” one empathetic viewer noted. Some suggest a more varied reveal strategy could truly surprise contestants when a huge number genuinely appears.
Beyond the prize card reveal, other subtle behaviors have caught attention. Some fans have pointed out that Seacrest “NEVER says the prize amount out loud” in the bonus round, simply opening the envelope and smiling.
“It’s odd lol,” one fan commented. And for those who appreciate classic game show aesthetics, Seacrest’s more “casual dress code” has even become a topic of discussion.
“Pat Sajak would never!!!! lol,” one viewer exclaimed, highlighting a departure from tradition.
However, it’s not all critique. Many fans are quick to defend Seacrest, acknowledging that he’s doing a “great job” and that comparisons to Pat Sajak are inevitable but perhaps unfair.
Some even feel he seems “more genuinely excited to be on the show” than Pat did in his final years. “I was a hardcore Ryan doubter, but he’s proved me SO wrong,” gushed one supporter, praising his “more fun” banter and natural presence.
Despite these minor points of contention, it seems Ryan Seacrest is largely winning over the “Wheel of Fortune” audience. While he may still be fine-tuning his hosting style, especially when it comes to those dramatic bonus round unveils, the general consensus is that he’s settling in nicely, and the wheel keeps spinning!