Wheel of Fortune fans demand removal of ‘distracting’ change to puzzles as Ryan Seacrest makes bumpy debut

WHEEL of Fortune fans have pointed out a distracting change during a recent episode and demand it to be removed.

On Monday, Ryan Seacrest , 49, officially replaced Pat Sajak , 77, as host of the beloved game show .

Wheel of Fortune

Wheel of Fortune

Instagram / ryanseacrest

During the Season 42 premiere , several show aspects left many Wheel of Fortune fans unamused, including a new camera setup.

While the three contestants compete in the Toss Up challenges, they are shown at the bottom of the screen in three separate boxes with the reveal board at the top.

In the past, the players were shown on top with the reveal board on the bottom.

‘JUST WANT TO SEE THE PUZZLE’

On a WoF Reddit forum, fans shared their distaste for the new change.

One wrote, “Ryan is ok but hate the new set. Also hate them showing the contestants at bottom during the toss ups.

“It’s a distraction. I just want to see the puzzle!”

A second person agreed, Yes!! I hated them showing the contestants too. It felt like too much of a distraction from the puzzle.”

“The three box was nauseating,” a third person pointed out. “Let the viewer focus on the puzzle!”

A fourth wrote, “I will concur that the set – despite the nod to the 80s set – does look like in need of more improvement.

“The new Toss-up/Speed-up round angles also don’t do any justice either. ”

MAJOR CHANGES

Like a few fans mentioned in the comments above, many didn’t like the new set .

The newest additions included brighter colors and an extravagant new word board.

However, some missed the old set.

Wheel of Fortune must-know staff

Wheel of Fortune's universe is more vast than fans realize. Here's a look at the key staffmembers of America's most iconic puzzle-based game show:

Ryan Seacrest : host, 2024-present

Vanna White : co-host, 1982-present

Maggie Sajak : social media correspondent, 2021-present

Jim Thornton : announcer, 2011-present

Pat Sajak : host from 1981-2024, the newly-retired Pat still hosts Celebrity Wheel of Fortune and is now a supervising producer

Bellamie Blackstone: executive producer, 2021-present

Steve Schwartz, supervising producer of over 30 years and now co-executive producer

Jimmy McGuire : Stage Manager and Jeopardy! Clue Crew alum (also Jeopardy!’s stage manager)

Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! famously share a studio lot and use the others’ set next door for practice games before players take the stage.

Learn more about who keeps Wheel of Fortune spinning here .

“I get that Wheel of Fortune replaced Pat Sajak because he retired, but why did they have to change the entire set?!” one questioned on X .

Another said, “So, I’m sure nobody else cares… but this new Wheel of Fortune set just isn’t doing it for me.”

‘SO GRATEFUL’

During his opening speech, Ryan had a lot to say about his new duty as WoF host .

The American Idol host said, “Welcome to Wheel of Fortune. I am your host Ryan Seacrest. I still can’t believe my luck being here tonight to continue this legacy of this incredible show.

Wheel of Fortune

“Hosting Wheel of Fortune is a dream job,” Ryan continued. “I have been a fan of this show since I was a kid, watching it in Atlanta with my family.

“And I know Wheel has been in your living rooms for the past 40 years.

“And I am so grateful to be invited in.”

Vanna White , 67, has continued her role as the letter revealer on the show.

Wheel of Fortune airs on ABC directly after Jeopardy! – check your local listings.

Wheel of Fortune

Wheel of Fortune

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