Ryan Seacrest's debut on 'Wheel of Fortune' mocked as fans rip into 'horrible' new set

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Ryan Seacrest officially took over as host of 'Wheel of Fortune' on Monday, September 9, following Pat Sajak's retirement in June after 41 years.

Seacrest made his much-anticipated debut, with fans swiftly sharing their reactions to the new 'Wheel of Fortune' host on social media.

Ryan Seacrest as new host of 'Wheel of Fortune'

Ryan Seacrest expressed his gratitude and excitement as he began the show: “I still can’t believe my luck being here with you tonight to continue this legacy of this incredible show with all of you, and, of course, my good friend Vanna White.” He added, “Thank you for the very warm welcome.”

In a brief opening monologue before the gameplay, Seacrest acknowledged Pat Sajak's impactful 41-year run as host and his recent retirement. Sajak earned his fourth Emmy Award for best game show host at the Creative Arts Emmys on Saturday, September 7.

“Hosting ‘Wheel of Fortune’ is a dream job. I’ve been a fan of this show since I was a kid watching it in Atlanta with my family, and I know how special it is that ‘Wheel’ has been in your living rooms for the past 40 years,” he said.

“I’m just so grateful to be invited in. I also know I’ve got some very big shoes to fill, so let’s play ‘Wheel of Fortune.’”

Along with Seacrest taking over for Sajak, the 42nd season premiere featured noticeable aesthetic updates to the show.

Internet ridicules Ryan Seacrest and 'Wheel of Fortune' set

After the debut aired, many X users took to the platform to mock Seacrest and the revamped 'Wheel of Fortune' set.

A user said, "My other nitpick is so silly, but Ryan not holding cards feels so awkward. Does he really memorize the contestants’ personal anecdotes? Is there a teleprompter or cue cards off screen? #WheelOfFortune."

Another added, "I usually don't tweet about much stuff I watch but why does Wheel of Fortune look so awful now like wtf."

A third user wrote, "2 mins in and I already hate Ryan Seacrest on Wheel of Fortune."

"OK hot take maybe i hate the new wheel of fortune set i'm sorry it's so blue it hurts," another added.

Mocking the set, another remarked, "This weird new setup is giving 90s computer game version of Wheel of Fortune #WheelOfFortune."

A person said, "It's a horrible set, design and graphics. They spent all their money on @RyanSeacrest @WheelofFortune."

Another added, "Also did they not think the host change was going to be enough to adjust to? did we need the world’s ugliest and emptiest new set too? #wheeloffortune."

A user commented, "@fangsbites Seeing Ryan Seacrest on Wheel of Fortune is so weird."

Another added, "Ryan Seacrest boring on this world a fortune yah but I doubt my mother in law cares lol."

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