Ryan Seacrest, the new host of Wheel of Fortune, has come under fire for his handling of a sensitive moment during the show.
A contestant named Vivian lost out on a $1 million prize, prompting backlash as viewers questioned Seacrest's empathy compared to that of former host Pat Sajak, Daily Mail reported.
The incident took place during Seacrest's second week in his hosting duties, a crucial period for any television host to establish rapport with the audience. Vivian had successfully progressed to the bonus round after accumulating $27,300 and a European trip but faced the ultimate puzzle challenge under the category "What Are You Doing?"
Choosing the letters C, H, M, P, and the vowel I, Vivian attempted to solve the puzzle with guesses like "wondering some help," but missed the correct phrase, "offering some help." The tense moment reached its peak when Seacrest revealed that the missed phrase cost her the $1 million prize.
After the reveal, Seacrest proceeded to open the prize envelope with a smile, congratulating Vivian on her winnings to date, but how he showed the envelope — to Vivian instead of the audience — sparked further controversy.
Longtime fans of the show were quick to draw comparisons between Seacrest's handling of the situation and Pat Sajak’s approach. Critics pointed out that Sajak might have demonstrated more empathy towards contestants in similar situations.
Ryan's on-air response to Vivian, which included phrases like, "You were so close to that million dollars. You almost had it," and "Are you alright? Breathe! You’re still walking away with $27,300 and that trip to Europe," faced criticism for not appropriately gauging the contestant's disappointment. Several viewers took to social media to express their feelings, with one saying, "He’s gotta work on his empathy skills. Lol yikes!! Can he even remember what it’s like to not be rich?! lol oh Ryan."
Another noted a perceived lack of sensitivity, commenting "Ryan laughed at her, I felt - Pat was way more demure about it. Didn’t Ryan say something like 'You’re going to kick yourself' or something like that? While Pat acted like somebody died."
The current season of Wheel of Fortune, aside from a change in host, introduced several adjustments, including a new set design and prizes that appeared to target a younger demographic. These changes have led to mixed reviews, with some fans calling the alterations "over the top" and accusing the show of trying too hard to appeal to millennials.
This isn't the first time Ryan Seacrest has been in the spotlight for filling big shoes. During his debut, Seacrest acknowledged the challenge, stating, "Welcome to Wheel of Fortune. I am your host, Ryan Seacrest... And I'm just so grateful to be invited in. I also know I've got some very big shoes to fill." Despite his acknowledgment, some viewers still found his omission of explicitly mentioning Pat Sajak by name as disrespectful.
While some fans expressed sympathy for Seacrest's position, the larger conversation has focused on whether or not his hosting style will win over the long-term viewers of the show. A viewer expressed mixed emotions, stating, "Oh my gosh. I just finished watching and I was so heartbroken not only for Vivian but for Ryan too."
The ongoing debate over Ryan Seacrest's adaptation to his role as host of Wheel of Fortune highlights the challenges faced by new hosts stepping into well-established formats, particularly those with beloved preceding hosts. As the season progresses, it will be telling to see how Seacrest might adjust his approach in response to viewer feedback.
For now, the television community and fans of Wheel of Fortune will closely watch Seacrest’s next moves as he continues to navigate the fine line between introducing his personality and respecting the legacy of his predecessors.
With a series of episodes still to air, Ryan Seacrest’s tenure on Wheel of Fortune is just beginning, and only time will tell if he can truly make the iconic hosting role his own while capturing the hearts of the show's longstanding audience.
