Earlie this year, Pat Sajak bid a fond farewell to Wheel of Fortune viewers and those he worked with, including the incomparable Vanna White. Now, Sajak is returning for another spin, despite Ryan Seacrest having taken over for him.
For 41 years, Sajak served as the host of the show which, thanks in part to him, became one of the most popular game shows ever produced. Sajak’s longevity is thanks his likability, his good-natured casual approach to the contestants, his natural wit, and — despite all of that — his ability to not make the show about him. He was the perfect captain of the Wheel of Fortune ship.
However, in an odd twist, his goodbye back in May was not really his final goodbye to the show. He had a contract for one more year, but for the popular spin-off (pun sadly intended) called Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, which actually enters season 5. Sajak had been doing double duty for the last 4 years between the two puzzling shows.
Despite Ryan Seacrest’s debut as the new host of the non-celebrity version, Sajak gets to fulfill his Celebrity contract and, thanks in part to the famous players, will likely fly high the ratings while Seacrest tries to settle in to his new role.
Unfortunately for Ryan, his premiere week is not exactly receiving rave reviews, though a lot of the naysaying seems unfair. Viewers are so familiar with Sajak that they likely just need more time to get used to Seacrest. It doesn’t help that the set was widely criticized for being pretty dry. The look is just, well, blue with some gold circles. It’s a strange visual considering all of the previous looks the show has had, which were anything but dry.
The very plain look might be an attempt to change things, but the only element that really should change is the addition, maybe, of one new puzzle idea.
It makes one wonder whether the overall look of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune will be more appealing, which may lead to higher viewership numbers for Sajak over Seacrest, when all the producers needed was to change what the digital screens show behind Seacrest.
Pat Sajak’s triumphant return will air on Oct 14 on ABC with a time still yet to be announced, though if last season is any indication, then some time around 9pm est. would likely be the target.
Pat Sajak’s non-retirement retirement will likely serve to give Seacrest a headache, as the legend stays on board for another year during Seacrest’s premiere season. Since Ryan is a celebrity, though, maybe he can actually be a contestant and have some fun with Sajak, which might prove to be a good way to warm up Wheel audiences.
Published: Sep 12, 2024 06:00 pm