Wheel of Fortune saw a rather strong start with Ryan Seacrest as the new host for Season 42 on Monday, September 9.
According to Deadline, the episode achieved a 4.62 household rating based on early data. This represents a 57 percent increase from last year's premiere, which had a 2.94 rating in the same TV markets.
The 49-year-old's debut on the game show follows Pat Sajak's retirement in June, ending his 41-year tenure as host. Sajak had announced his retirement a year earlier, and Seacrest was confirmed as the new host shortly after.
In his debut, Seacrest expressed his thanks and enthusiasm to the audience, stating, "Thank you for the very warm welcome. Hosting Wheel of Fortune is a dream job. I've been a fan of this show since I was a kid, watching in Atlanta with my family." He continued about the importance of the gig, noting, "I know how special it is that Wheel has been in your living rooms for the past 40 years. I'm just so grateful to be invited in. I also know I've got some very big shoes to fill."
While many fans on social media had positive reviews for the tv personality, others were quick to critique Seacrest, specifically for not thoroughly explaining the consequences of a contestant's actions on the Tuesday, September 10 episode.
After Airica Boyle from Taylor, Michigan, landed the $1 million wedge during her initial round of the game, Wheel fans on X (formerly Twitter) criticized Seacrest for not sufficiently explaining the potential outcomes of Boyle's choices.
"Pat would always remind the contestants if they look under the $10,000 they could lose their $1 million wedge. Ryan needs to do this too...," said one, while another agreed, "Yes they do know the rules. But Pat always threw in extra tidbits."
Regardless, these early ratings are a positive sign for the show's future, though Deadline detailed ratings for the first week will be available next week.
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