Wheel of Fortune fans can rejoice. Pat Sajak is returning to America’s game show to host just once more with Celebrity Wheel of Fortune. I, for one, am excited that Sajak is returning, but also that this is his last hurrah as host. Fans of Wheel of Fortune have missed Sajak since his departure, but Ryan Seacrest is just starting to get the hang of things.
When Sajak left, it was unclear if Wheel of Fortune could survive without him, but Ryan Seacrest took up the host mantle successfully. Although the change has been difficult, Seacrest has started to make the job his own. Celebrity Wheel of Fortune was set to air last year but was delayed, and despite Seacrest’s success, Sajak is always a welcome face for longtime fans of Wheel of Fortune.
Pat Sajak and ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Go Hand In Hand
Sajak and Seacrest are different people, so naturally, they bring their own quirks to the hosting gig. However, there are just some things that Seacrest does not have that fans miss from Sajak. Sajak’s dry humor and delivery have been sorely missed. Seacrest has a good sense of humor, but Sajak’s witty banter always felt more authentic. The cue cards are another difference fans have missed. Although Seacrest has memorized introductions so he can move more freely about the stage, Sajak has always used cards. Sajak’s reactions to what was on the cards felt more genuine, like this was the first time he was learning the information, which helped audiences connect to him.
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Sajak has an authenticity that Seacrest lacks on screen. One big issue fans took issue with when it came to Seacrest was how bubbly and sometimes fake he felt. Seacrest also has a lot of hosting gigs. American Idol, Live with Kelly and Ryan, and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, to name a few. This all makes him seem more fake, like Wheel of Fortune is just another project while Sajak was on Wheel of Fortune, and that was really it. Wheel of Fortune was Sajak’s thing, and now he gets to return and do his thing.
Sajak Knows ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Better Than Anyone
Sure, Chuck Woolery hosted Wheel of Fortune at the start, but it is really all Pat Sajak’s brand. Sajak knows Wheel of Fortune up and down and has a good rhythm that only comes from experience. He was on the show for decades to the point where it seemed like he knew what the contestants would do before they did it. On the other hand, Seacrest lacks experience, not in hosting but in Wheel of Fortune. Seacrest often makes minor blunders or forgets to tell a contestant the rules, leading to avoidable mistakes. Honestly, Seacrest’s small errors tend to be fans’ biggest gripe with his performance, but this is just because Sajak spent so much time learning the show inside and out. At least we know that Sajak will be consistent on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune.
Vanna White and Pat Sajak Are the Dynamic Duo
I am most excited about Sajak’s return because of Vanna White. I only watched Wheel of as a kid because of White. Vanna White is an institution. Simply put, no one will ever beat Sajak and White’s chemistry on Wheel of Fortune. It is really what made the pair pop culture icons. White and Sajak have known each other for decades. White is close with Maggie Sajak who many think is being groomed to take over White’s position if she chooses to retire. White stayed on because she has been friends with Seacrest for 20 years and thought the transition would be smoother, but nothing compares to White and Sajak.
RelatedI don’t think I could pull off the dresses, though.
Seacrest Deserves To Make ‘Wheel of Fortune’ His Own
Image via ABC
Although Sajak’s return is special, I am glad it is for the last time. Seacrest has done an excellent job holding down the fort, but his debut was met with mixed reactions. Seacrest has a good personality that fits the hosting role well, but Seacrest’s style of reveals often leaves fans lacking. However, Seacrest began to get the hang of it and even proved to be ratings gold. It is clear that Seacrest is having fun with the show, and Wheel of Fortune is succeeding even without Sajak. For Wheel of Fortune to thrive without Sajak, Seacrest must be given the space to become as good as Sajak.
Many fans missed Pat Sajak, myself included. Having the chance to watch Sajak’s perfect delivery and dry wit next to Vanna White again on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune is exciting. That being said, I am glad that this is Sajak’s last time hosting because it is time for Wheel of Fortune to move on with Seacrest.
Release Date
January 7, 2021
Network
ABC
