After Wheel Of Fortune Viewers Blasted The Show’s New Set, A Designer Responded
By Erik Swann,
28 days ago
Ryan Seacrest has officially taken on the Wheel of Fortune hosting reins following Pat Sajak’s retirement, as Season 42 is now in full swing amid the 2024 TV schedule . The premiere aired earlier this month, and Wheel viewers had a lot to say following the season premiere. However, the reactions weren’t so much about the new host’s performance as they were about the updated set. A number of people critiqued the new set set and didn’t mince words when doing so. Now, one of the series’ designers is responding to the comments.
Wheel of Fortune aficionados took to social media to share their gripes about the brand-new set. Some opined that the new design “sucks” and that it marks a step backwards for the game show. A common sentiment shared amongst viewers is that it’ll be easier to adjust to the new host than to the new backdrop for the series. Veteran production designer James Pearse Connelly recently spoke about the backlash, and it would seem that he and his collaborators weren’t all that shocked by the visceral reactions:
James Pearse Connelly makes a good point that change is sometimes hard to accept. Naturally, many of us enjoy and appreciate what’s familiar to us, especially when it comes to the TV shows we watch. During his interview with People , the three-time Emmy-winning designer expressed some optimistic thoughts to share as well. He’s of the belief that, in time, fans will warm up to the updates made to the set. Connelly also shared the following sentiments:
In all fairness, something that can definitely be said is that the new set is a major switch-up from what's come before. Check it out in the clip below:
Considering that last point, it’s interesting to see that a number of people aren’t so disillusioned with Ryan Seacrest as they are with the new set that surrounds him. It’s possible that as time goes on, viewers will indeed warm up to the new set. Regardless, though, I must say that I appreciate James Pearse Connelly giving such a level-headed take on the animosity surrounding the new designs.
Wheel of Fortune airs daily in syndication, so check your local listings so that you’ll know when it’s on. And be sure that you’re checking out other excellent programs – including some of the best game shows of all time – as the TV season kicks off.
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