Ryan Seacrest's Struggles As The New 'Wheel Of Fortune' Host

Makenna Lemke 16 May 2025

Ryan Seacrest’s honeymoon phase as the new host of Wheel of Fortune seems to be over quicker than anyone expected. Fans are not holding back, and the backlash against the 49-year-old TV personality is growing louder with each episode. Meanwhile, many are mourning the departure of long-time host Pat Sajak, whose legacy on the show remains unmatched. According to an exclusive source speaking to Closer, this sudden wave of criticism is hitting Seacrest harder than you might think.

Ryan Seacrest: The Sensitive Side

“People see Ryan as this confident, maybe even arrogant guy, but the truth is, he’s a lot more sensitive than most give him credit for,” the source reveals. “His confidence is more of a front, a way to mask how deeply he feels things.”

This sensitivity has become a double-edged sword for Seacrest as he navigates the tricky waters of stepping into Pat Sajak’s shoes. “Ryan thought he could just glide into Wheel of Fortune and make it his own,” the source continues. “But it’s not that simple, especially when the person you’re replacing is someone as iconic as Pat Sajak.”

The Legacy of Pat Sajak

Pat Sajak, who held the Guinness World Record for the longest-running game show host, set a standard that’s hard to match. His 40-year tenure on Wheel of Fortune made him a beloved figure in households across the country. Now, stepping into that role, Ryan Seacrest faces the daunting task of living up to that legacy.

“The job is way harder than Ryan anticipated,” the source explains. “Winning over the fans has proven to be a real challenge, and it’s something he’s struggling with daily.”

The Controversy Surrounding Vivian's Million-Dollar Miss

One recent incident that drew a lot of attention involved contestant Vivian, who narrowly missed out on a rare $1 million bonus round prize. As Ryan opened the envelope revealing the staggering fortune, his reaction drew criticism from viewers. “You were so close to that million dollars. You almost had it,” he said with a chuckle.

Vivian, visibly upset, kept her hands on her head. Ryan, trying to lighten the mood, added, “Are you alright? … Breathe! You’re still walking away with $27,300 and that trip to Europe.” For many fans, his response came across as insensitive and lacking the empathy that Pat Sajak would have shown in the same situation.

“Ryan laughed at her, I felt – Pat was way more demure about it,” one viewer commented. Another chimed in, “Didn’t Ryan say something like ‘You’re going to kick yourself’ or something like that? While Pat acted like somebody died.”

Fans Are Unforgiving

The backlash from fans hasn’t gone unnoticed by Ryan. “He’s reading everything that’s said about him and taking it to heart,” the source shares. “People are saying he’s no match for Sajak, that he’s flubbing his lines, and it’s really affecting him.”

“Of course, the biggest struggle is that he hates to be hated,” the source adds. “It’s his worst nightmare, and now he finds himself in the firing line.”

Some fans have even pointed out minor details, like Ryan’s habit of keeping his hands in his pockets while chatting with contestants. “He’s trying too hard to seem relaxed,” one commenter noted.

Seeking Help

With his self-esteem taking a hit, Ryan has reportedly turned to therapy to help him cope. “He needs to talk things out with a professional who can offer him therapeutic neutrality,” the source explains. “It’s been a tough transition, and he’s dealing with a lot more than just Wheel of Fortune.”

As Ryan continues to navigate this challenging period in his career, one thing is clear: he’s determined to grow from the experience. Whether he can win over the hearts of Wheel of Fortune fans remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure—he’s not giving up without a fight.