Alright folks, here’s the scoop: Ryan Seacrest started off with a bang as the new host of Wheel of Fortune. But, as new ratings data reveals, his numbers have started to slip. And let me tell you, sources close to the show exclusively tell Closer that the pressure is on for Ryan and the team to turn things around—and fast.
The Legend of Pat Sajak: Tough Act to Follow
You’ve got to give credit where it’s due—Pat Sajak was a master at making Wheel of Fortune feel like a cozy living room chat with just a touch of humor sprinkled in. “You’re starting to see what a secret weapon Pat’s understated sense of humor was for that show,” one insider tells Closer. “Ryan’s quick on his feet, sure, but when it comes to cracking jokes, it doesn’t come as naturally to him as it did for Pat. Pat’s charm and wit were woven into the fabric of the show for decades.”
Jeopardy vs. Wheel of Fortune: The Ratings Game
In the Nielsen ratings for game show viewership, Jeopardy! has edged out Wheel of Fortune by a slim margin, but it’s enough to raise eyebrows in the executive boardroom. Ryan, who’s 50 years old, is no stranger to hosting duties, having helmed American Idol for years. But, according to sources, his personality might not be the perfect fit that the bosses initially envisioned when they hired him back in September 2024.
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From Honeymoon to Hard Questions
As Closer previously reported, the honeymoon phase between Ryan and the Wheel of Fortune producers has come to an end. When he first stepped into the role, the show hit its highest ratings in five years. Fans praised Ryan for his charming banter and laid-back attitude, but it’s become clear that Ryan isn’t quite Pat Sajak. “Ryan should hire joke writers that can help calibrate his on-air persona a little closer to Pat’s,” the source suggests. “But only if he intends to stick around for another twenty years.”
Ryan's Future at 'Wheel of Fortune': Uncertain Waters Ahead
Just a few months ago, it seemed like Ryan was on track to become the face of Wheel of Fortune. But as Sony and CBS continue to battle over the financial future of the franchise, Ryan has yet to sign on for more seasons beyond his current two-year deal. This has left everything around the show feeling uncertain. And let’s not forget Vanna White, who at 68 years old, has a contract locking her in until 2026. But her future with the show after that remains unclear, creating another layer of uncertainty for Ryan’s role.
A second source told Closer that network executives aren’t thrilled with Ryan dividing his attention between multiple gigs, including American Idol and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. “The powers that be over at Wheel of Fortune don’t want him stretched thin. They want his full and undivided attention on the show,” the source said. At one point, bosses saw Ryan as the future, but his reluctance to commit long-term has them reconsidering. “Ryan wants freedom and control, and his obstinate stance is driving the bosses crazy.”
Temporary Team or Long-Term Legacy?
Essentially, the Ryan and Vanna duo was always meant to be temporary. It wasn’t envisioned as the permanent configuration for the next two or three decades. With the ratings heat from last fall cooling down, everyone involved in the franchise is wondering if more sudden changes are on the horizon. “The bosses at Sony TV aren’t afraid to make bold changes when it comes to on-air talent. If you don’t believe me, just ask Mayim Bialik.”
