“Wheel of Fortune” fans have known for over a year now that Ryan Seacrest would be taking the reins from Pat Sajak. Still seeing someone other than the longtime host in a suit and tie next to Vanna White has elicited some strong reactions.
A new promotional video for the upcoming 42nd season of the game show, released Monday, showed viewers are divided between swearing they won’t watch the show without Sajak, who hosted for 41 seasons, and wanting to give seasoned TV host Seacrest a chance at the wheel.
Instagram user @jokaj commented, “No thanks … I retired from this show with Pat.” Some, like @kathy.berry1, expressed dislike for Seacrest, writing, “Will never watch again!!”
Meanwhile, @driley1988 wrote, “I’m going to give him a chance. You got this Ryan, make Pat proud!” Facebook user Amy Brock Eppler admitted, “I will miss Pat like crazy but Ryan is a hoot and he and Vanna will make it fun for the contestants and viewers!”
In the 15-second clip, Seacrest tells White, “I can’t wait to get to work.”
Pat Sajak, Vanna White welcome new host Ryan Seacrest
In a different promotional video shared last month, Sajak and White officially welcomed the longtime “American Idol” host on to the set.
“Well, this is it, Ryan. What do you think?” Sajak asked, pointing out the famed set.
Seacrest replied, “Impressive!”
White told Seacrest, “Ryan, I think the contestants are going to love you.”
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Sajak called “Wheel of Fortune” a daily escape from the troubles of its worldwide fans. “People love this show. You’re never going to find a better job,” he said, before nodding to White.
“And you’re never going to find a better co-host.”
How Pat Sajak bid goodbye to ‘Wheel of Fortune’
After 41 seasons and more than 8,000 episodes, on June 7, Sajak bid adieu to viewers and his on-screen partner, White.
“Well, the time has come to say goodbye,” he said. “It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade. And I’ve always felt that privilege came with the responsibility to keep this daily half-hour a safe place for family fun. No social issues, no politics, nothing embarrassing, I hope. Just a game.”
But Sajak said that “Wheel of Fortune,” with its global reach, became more than a game. The game show became an event “where families came together along with friends and neighbors and entire generations,” Sajak said. “What an honor to have played even a small part in all of that. Thank you for allowing me into your lives.”
During his farewell, Sajak thanked the “Wheel of Fortune” crew, which includes his daughter Maggie Sajak, who works as the show’s social correspondent. Sajak ended the speech by thanking his four-decade show partner, White, whom he called “my professional other half.”
“She takes the show very seriously — but not herself. I shudder to think what these 40-plus years might have been like had they brought someone in all full of themselves playing the prima donna role,” said Sajak. “Vanna is as sweet and unassuming as she seems.”
Sajak will officially stay on the “Wheel of Fortune” for three years as a consultant. But fans will be able to watch him this summer, in “Wheel of Fortune” reruns.
“You’ll still see plenty of me in the next months,” said Sajak. “The jokes will be the same, but I’d appreciate it if you’d laugh again anyway.”
When does Ryan Seacrest take over ‘Wheel of Fortune’?
“Wheel of Fortune” Season 42 is slated to return this fall, though a premiere date has not been announced.
The show typically debuts a new season in September.
