Is It Really ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ Without Pat Sajak?

“Wheel of Fortune” began its 42nd season in syndication last week, with only the second host in the syndicated show’s history. Ryan Seacrest, formerly of “American Idol,” replaced Pat Sajak, who retired at the end of “Wheel’s” 41st season in June.

Some things remained the same: Vanna White, the show’s longtime co-host, returned. White also reportedly received a big raise to remain with “Wheel,” after reports last summer suggested that White had for many years received a shockingly low rate of pay when compared to Sajak.

But a new host, coupled with a redesigned set, gave the season premiere of “Wheel” a new and upbeat, yet slightly disorienting and unfamiliar, feel. In time, the first-day-of-school vibes, not to mention opening-night jitters, will fade.

Younger Approach?

The question remains the extent to which the show will take on the personality of Seacrest, who at 49 ranks nearly three decades younger than the man he replaced. The younger man’s characteristic trim suits in the show’s first episode suggested a hip vibe.

Based on a small sample size, Seacrest could also bring a more earnest personality to “Wheel.” Sajak had a wry detachment that viewers could appreciate, gently teasing contestants without insulting them. His smart-alecky humor singed but never burned; viewers realized his humor was all in good fun, giving “Wheel” just the right amount of punchiness.

By contrast, Seacrest seems more straightforward in his approach and may eschew humor as he builds into the hosting role. His cherubic looks and youthful appearance could endear him to older viewers who watch “Wheel” most religiously. (Ratings firm Nielsen lists the show’s median viewer as being over age 65, meaning the majority of viewers fall into the senior demographic.)

On the other hand, The New York Times noted last year that while both Sajak and White had “above-average favorable” Q scores among viewers, Seacrest had below-average favorability. While exposing Seacrest to a different audience — few seniors likely spent much time watching “American Idol” — could change his favorability ratings, the Times also noted the possibility that the new host “may be polarizing to a segment of the audience.” Show producer and distributor Sony disagreed with that concept, reportedly signing Seacrest to a long-term deal lasting well into the next decade.

Less Dramatic Transition

After the turmoil that plagued the search for a “Jeopardy!” host in the months following Alex Trebek’s death in late 2020, Sony handled the “Wheel” transition far differently. The company made a definitive statement by inking Seacrest to a long-term deal within weeks of Sajak’s retirement announcement, and the initial episodes of Seacrest’s run appear to have gone off without a hitch.

That tranquil transition stems in part from lessons learned — and from differences in the two shows. Hosting “Jeopardy!,” which involves reading 61 clues (many of them with difficult pronunciations) in a 22-minute show, and issuing split-second rulings on all manner of contestant responses, requires a far more specialized skill set than a show that features wheel spins and calling out letters. Seacrest’s two-plus decades in a variety of broadcast hosting roles gave him most of the skills needed to host “Wheel of Fortune.”

As for whether Seacrest’s personality and charm can win over audiences, time will tell. As with many things in mass media, the audience is always right — and its verdict remains to be heard.

Chris Jacobs is founder and CEO of Juniper Research Group, a policy consulting firm based in Washington, and author of the book “The Case Against Single Payer.” He appeared in the 1995 “Jeopardy!” Teen Tournament and is on Twitter: @chrisjacobsHC.