While ratings seem safe, there’s another curveball that could oust Ryan, according to the insider – Pat’s recent Outstanding Game Show Host Emmy Award win.

The award marked Pat’s fourth win overall, and first since the category moved from the Daytime to Primetime Emmys in 2023.

He was previously nominated 23 times and won the Daytime Emmy in 1993, 1997, and 1998. This year’s trophy marked his first in 26 years.

“It’s a sign that people still want Pat on TV, big time,” the insider said.

“Even with the press around his departure from the show, nobody at Sony really saw that coming and it has to put even more pressure on Ryan not to screw up this assignment!”

Wheel of Fortune’s big changes

The game show has undergone a major transformation now that Ryan Seacrest has taken over hosting duties for Pat Sajak.

-Ryan and Vanna White now host on a brand-new set, featuring a blue-toned stage, a green screen and art-deco wheel design.

-Ryan and Vanna make their big entrance from behind new sliding, brightly lit doors.

-Vanna turns – or now, touches – a modern, digital puzzle board controlled by lasers.

-Ryan brings a new hosting style, and has ditched Pat’s signature cue cards.

-The prizes have also been upgraded, and now include tickets to NFL games, and tickets to A-list concerts.

MIXED FEELINGS

Ryan has already come under fire from fans in his first few weeks of assuming the host role – particularly for his explanations during gameplay.

“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,” someone suggested on X.

“Seacrest is doing okay but he’s yelling a lot,” someone else said.

“He’s trying wayyy too hard to be Pat Sajak. His tone, demeanor, pose are cringe-like and super stiff. It’s coming across as acting, like he’s in the Sims,” another chimed in.

Some viewers have suggested that Ryan isn’t the issue – that it’s something else altogether contributing to the different vibe of the show.

“People are complaining about Ryan Seacrest taking over Wheel of Fortune. I don’t think that’s the issue. They’re editing together each episode like we have attention spans of <5 seconds. There’s no suspense, hesitation, or charm between guesses, spins, or anything,” someone wrote on X.

“The set is blinding. Way too many bright colors. They need to tone it way way down,” another person suggested.

“Ummm… is something wrong with the wheel? Never have I ever seen so many bankrupts & lose a turns in a row!” someone else said.

[The Emmy win] is a sign that people still want Pat on TV, big time.

Wheel of Fortune insider

Other viewers have simply shared how much they miss Pat after enjoying him as host for so many years.

“Wheel of Fortune without Pat Sajak is a really weird experience,” one viewer wrote on X.

“Ryan Seacrest hosting Wheel of Fortune just isn’t right,” another said.

“Ryan Seacrest hosting Wheel of Fortune is ruining my evenings!!!! He’s just too smug!! And the new coco melon a** set is bad too,” another wrote.

“Vanna doesn’t deserve this!”

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