Ryan Seacrest’s tenure as the new host of Wheel of Fortune has barely begun, yet rumors are already swirling that he could be replaced by his predecessor, Pat Sajak. Despite Pat’s official retirement in June 2024, industry insiders claim he remains a major influence on the show and could make a dramatic return if ratings decline.

Seacrest, 49, stepped into the legendary shoes of Sajak, 77, who hosted Wheel of Fortune for over four decades. While Seacrest has brought his signature enthusiasm to the show, fans and executives alike are keeping a close eye on the numbers.

Pat Sajak’s Influence and Network Interest

Though Pat stepped down from his hosting duties, he agreed to stay on as a consultant for Wheel of Fortune. According to sources, this role serves more than one purpose—it keeps him close to the show while also preventing him from jumping ship to a rival network.

“The elephant in the room is that Pat is still incredibly popular,” a show insider told The U.S. Sun. “He’s healthy, sharp, and has a massive following. If Sony hadn’t secured him with a consulting contract, he could easily be hosting a primetime game show on another network.”

The source added that having Pat linger in the background also pressures Seacrest to maintain the show’s long-standing success. If ratings were to slip, executives might consider bringing Pat back to steady the ship.

Strong Ratings, But Criticism Persists

Despite the speculation, Wheel of Fortune has enjoyed strong viewership under Seacrest’s leadership. The season 42 premiere brought in a 4.62 household rating, a significant 57% increase compared to the 2.94 rating for the season 41 premiere when Pat was still hosting.

Even so, Seacrest’s transition has not been entirely smooth. Some viewers have criticized his hosting style, arguing that he lacks Pat’s natural ease. Others have called out changes in the show’s format and production, including a brighter set design, digital puzzle board, and upgraded prizes such as tickets to NFL games and major concerts.

“Ryan is doing okay, but he’s yelling a lot,” one viewer commented on social media. Another added, “He’s trying way too hard to be Pat Sajak. His tone and demeanor feel unnatural.”

Pat Sajak’s Emmy Win Puts More Pressure on Seacrest

Adding to the speculation is Pat’s recent win at the Emmy Awards, where he was named Outstanding Game Show Host. It marked his first win since the category moved from the Daytime to Primetime Emmys in 2023 and his fourth overall. The victory, after 23 previous nominations, was seen by many as a reminder of his lasting popularity.

“Nobody at Sony saw that coming,” the insider said. “It’s a sign that people still want Pat on TV, big time. This only increases the pressure on Ryan not to mess up.”

Mixed Reactions to Show’s Changes

In addition to criticism of Seacrest’s hosting, some fans have pointed out other issues with the show’s new direction.

“The set is blinding. Way too many bright colors,” one viewer wrote. Another questioned the wheel’s mechanics, saying, “Never have I ever seen so many bankrupts & lose-a-turns in a row!”

Despite the controversy, some fans argue that it’s not Seacrest himself but rather the show’s editing that feels off. “They’re cutting the episodes like we have five-second attention spans,” one critic remarked. “There’s no suspense or charm between guesses and spins.”

Could Pat Sajak Return?

While Seacrest still enjoys strong ratings, the fact that Pat Sajak remains under contract—and still beloved by audiences—means his return isn’t out of the question. For now, all eyes are on Seacrest to see whether he can maintain the momentum or if a major shakeup is on the horizon.