Viewers of Wheel of Fortune have criticized Ryan Seacrest’s new season for its “over-the-top” contestants and desperate attempt to “appeal to millennials,” describing the popular ABC game show as “extremely extravagant.”
American Idol host Ryan, 49, officially took over from longtime host Pat Sajak, 77, on Monday night and was quickly called upon to without mentioning the name of the former presenter.
Now viewers are complaining about ‘overproduction’ and ‘fake emotions’ from candidates, with some and even went so far as to question whether the players were ‘paid actors’.
One disgruntled viewer on Reddit asked, “Is it just me, or are they using more exaggerated characters as contestants this season?
“I know three days is a small percentage, but judging by their outfits and the sheer enthusiasm, it seems like this is a requirement to be selected as a contestant.”
Wheel of Fortune viewers have slammed Ryan Seacrest’s new season, describing it as ‘unnaturally extra’
The 49-year-old American Idol host made his debut Monday alongside returning literary figure Vanna White, 67.
Another commenter in the thread said: ‘What I also notice is that the puzzles and some of the prizes are geared more towards millennials or a younger demographic.
‘Kombucha award, I heart radio event, IYKYK puzzle answer, Dua Lipa song answer. I just noticed more than usual.’
A third replied: ‘I think they are targeting the younger generation and that is going to cause some annoyances.’
In a separate post, another Reddit user criticized the participants’ behavior.
They asked, “Does anyone else, besides me, think the whole new WoF is over the top?
‘From the set, to the contestants’ outfits, and even the contestants’ behavior. Especially the male contestant tonight.
‘To me it’s almost like they’re actors. It feels unnaturally “extra”.’
One of them agreed, saying, “Yes, I did. I was afraid this would happen after Pat retired. Wheel of Fortune follows the trend of overproduction and fake emotion.
Viewers have not held back on their criticism on social media, with many calling the new series ‘over the top’
‘Especially tonight’s episode, you get dizzy and overwhelmed by all the interruptions and noises from the contestants. You can barely follow the puzzle.
“Maybe the ratings don’t support it, but I’ve always preferred authentic emotion. You don’t want snoozefest participants, but authenticity is fun.”
Others compared the new look to Family Feud and Press My Luck.
“It seems like they’re having a family feud on the show,” one fan said.
“I loved Family Feud, but now the show is set up so that people give a dumb answer so Steve Harvey can respond and make a joke about an over-the-top candidate.”
A fourth added: ‘I came here to see if anyone had said this.
“It’s like a fake game show. It’s like an episode of Black Mirror. I’m not going to watch anymore if it keeps up like this.”
The new season of Wheel of Fortune kicked off Monday with Ryan as host, after Pat left after 40 years at the helm.
With a new presenter came a shiny new set, featuring an upgraded puzzle board that is larger and has a new, gold tiled border. Previously, the board had a teal screen.
The fifth season of Wheel Of Fortune on ABC featured a brand new set with lots of wheels
Wheel of Fortune’s original host Pat Sajak, 77, left the show in June after 40 years at the helm
Since the show’s return, Health-Ade Kombucha has made frequent appearances on the program, angering fans.
Wheel of Fortune has also been accused of appealing to a younger audience after it was revealed that there will be a competition to give away tickets to the 2024 Jingle Ball.
Ryan failed to pay tribute to his predecessor during his introduction in the season’s first episode, which led to outrage among viewers.
He said, ‘Welcome to Wheel of Fortune. I’m your host, Ryan Seacrest.
‘I still can’t believe how lucky I am to be here with you tonight and to continue the legacy of this incredible show with all of you.
“And of course my good friend, Vanna White.”
Ryan continued: ‘Thanks for the warm welcome. Hosting Wheel of Fortune is a dream job.
“I’ve been a fan of this track since I was a kid watching the show with my family in Atlanta. I know how special it is that Wheel has been in your living rooms for 40 years.
“And I’m just so grateful that I was invited. I also know that I have some really big shoes to fill. So, let’s play Wheel of Fortune.”
Following his debut, a source told DailyMail.com that Ryan didn’t feel the need to mention Pat as he felt he had praised the former presenter enough in the months leading up to his big moment.
The source added that He wanted to take Wheel of Fortune in ‘a new direction’.