Wheel of Fortune fans torn over ‘talkative’ host Ryan Seacrest

Fans of Wheel of Fortune are not crazy about Ryan Seacrest’s talkative hosting style as they complain about extended introductions.

Ever since Ryan Seacrest began hosting Wheel of Fortune, fans have noticed that each episode’s introduction is much longer than before.

Under Pat Sajak’s decades-long reign, contestants typically gave their name, hometown, and a fun fact about their job or family.

Now Seacrest, with years of television hosting on American Idol behind him, appears to be dragging out the contestant intros as fans are complaining.

A Reddit user recently brought attention to the issue, writing: “Are the intros longer since Ryan came on…? It’s almost like 6- 7min for the intros.”

Several chimed in to agree, with one noting that intros used to be “30 seconds maximum.”

One confessed: “The main reason I record the show—so I can fast forward through all the intros. So boring. I watch to solve puzzles, not hear about your collection of cow pies or how many kids you have with ‘J’ names.”

Fans are also concerned with the other ways in which the show has changed since Seacrest took over, saying that the show has gotten much more personal.

Recent themed episodes like “Bragging Rights” have even encouraged contestants to showcase their friendships and personal stories.

Fans are noting that the contestants are interacting with each other more than ever before.

Some viewers appreciate the personality Seacrest is bringing to the show while others love seeing Vanna White engage more in the banter, which was rarely seen with Sajak leading the show.

Despite the changes, most fans can agree that Seacrest has done a good job of taking the reigns from Sajak after his 41-year-long gig.

Ryan Seacrest’s much-anticipated debut as the new host of Wheel of Fortune has sparked a whirlwind of reactions — and the internet is anything but quiet about it. While the iconic game show continues to dazzle audiences with puzzles, prizes, and plenty of personality, fans now find themselves divided over Seacrest’s style behind the wheel. The verdict? Some are charmed — others, not so much.

Taking over the reins from the legendary Pat Sajak was always going to be a high-stakes move. Sajak, known for his cool composure and subtle wit, left big shoes to fill. Enter Ryan Seacrest — a broadcasting powerhouse with decades of hosting experience on shows like American Idol, Live with Kelly and Ryan, and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. But in the quiet, puzzle-solving world of Wheel, Seacrest’s signature energy and talkative nature are proving to be a love-it-or-leave-it addition.

Many longtime fans have taken to social media to express that Seacrest’s constant chatter feels at odds with the show’s traditionally relaxed pace. “It’s like he’s hosting a red carpet, not a game show,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Another fan commented, “Ryan is great on high-energy shows, but Wheel doesn’t need someone narrating every move. Sometimes, silence is golden.”

A recurring complaint? His tendency to over-explain rules and engage in extended banter with contestants. While Seacrest is undeniably friendly and quick-witted, some viewers feel that his enthusiasm disrupts the rhythm of the game. “I miss the calm efficiency of Pat,” said one Reddit user. “Ryan makes everything feel a bit too… loud.”

Still, not everyone agrees. For a younger audience or casual viewers, Seacrest brings a fresh, engaging energy to the classic show. Many have praised his approachability and ability to build rapport quickly with contestants. “He’s personable, polished, and brings a nice modern touch,” a fan wrote on Facebook. “It’s not easy stepping into a role this beloved, but he’s making it his own.”

And the ratings? So far, steady. Wheel of Fortune has remained one of America’s most-watched syndicated programs, and Seacrest’s presence hasn’t led to a viewer exodus — at least not yet. Producers are reportedly pleased with the transition, and Vanna White, the show’s enduring co-host, has publicly voiced her support, calling Ryan “warm, funny, and genuinely interested in the contestants’ stories.”

But the bigger question looms: Is Seacrest merely finding his footing, or is this his final form as the face of Wheel? Some believe time will smooth out the early jitters. “Give him a few months,” said one fan. “He’s still adjusting — and so are we.”

For now, the fanbase remains split. On one side are those who miss the understated rhythm of Pat Sajak’s long reign. On the other, a generation that welcomes Ryan Seacrest’s upbeat tempo and conversational flair. Whatever your stance, one thing’s clear: Wheel of Fortune may be about solving puzzles, but Ryan Seacrest is turning out to be one of its most intriguing mysteries yet.