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    The reviews are in: Ryan Seacrest hosts first 'Wheel of Fortune' and fans share opinions

    By Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY,

    4 hours ago

    All eyes were on Ryan Seacrest as he hosted his first "Wheel of Fortune" episode on Monday night.

    It marked the first time in more than 40 years that the show is hosted by someone other than Pat Sajak, who announced his retirement in June 2023. "Wheel" fans were instead met with Seacrest, who was tapped to usher in a new "Wheel of Fortune" era.

    The 49-year-old entertainment veteran "couldn't wait to continue" to the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White," USA TODAY reported . But he also acknowledged then and more recently that he has "big shoes" to fill following Sajak's departure.

    He hit the stage arm-in-arm with cohost Vanna White, taking his new spot behind the wheel after brief pleasantries, according to USA TODAY.

    "I still cannot believe my luck of being here with you tonight, to continue this legacy of this incredible show," Seacrest shared with the audience. "I know how special it is that 'Wheel' has been in your living rooms for the past 40 years, and I'm just so grateful to be invited in. I also know I've got some very big shoes to fill."

    Luckily, Seacrest's debut as "Wheel of Fortune" host went off without a hitch, focusing all of his energy on the contestants, who were busy spinning the wheel and solving for word puzzles, USA TODAY reported.

    "Wheel" fans were pleasantly surprised by Seacrest's performance, taking to social media to share their thoughts and opinions following the premiere of the show.

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1HZXKa_0vQeQxxH00
    Vanna White and Ryan Seacrest make a splash with the new entrance on "Wheel of Fortune." Sony Pictures Television/ Eric McCandless

    'Wheel of Fortune' fans react, share opinions host Ryan Seacrest

    Reviews from "Wheel of Fortune" fans were largely positive, but there were some that had their doubts about the show's longevity with Seacrest as host.

    Here's a compilation of what "Wheel" fans are saying online:

    This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The reviews are in: Ryan Seacrest hosts first 'Wheel of Fortune' and fans share opinions

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    Comments / 5
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    Marcia Miller
    11m ago
    Ryan did an excellent job!
    Judi Bergden
    16m ago
    I thought he did a great job too. I'm not too sure I like the new stage though, but I can understand new host, new stage.
    View all comments
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