New speculations show that Ryan Seacrest may not last long as the host of Wheel of Fortune, even though he signed a multi-year deal with ABC. Seacrest took over from longtime host Pat Sajak at the beginning of the current season, but sources say he may already be considering an exit due to criticism from viewers.
Show insiders reportedly suggest that Sajak could make a comeback to reclaim his former role, after his guest appearance on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune. His brief return reignited fan’s nostalgia and possibly, his own interest in hosting again. Should Seacrest step down, Sajak will gladly take back his spot.
Fans weigh in on Pat Sajak possibly replacing Ryan Seacrest
Rumor has it that Seacrest is still trying to win fans over. Since his debut last year, viewers have criticized his hosting style and accused him of mispronouncing words, mishandling bonus rounds, and failing to read numbers correctly. He has managed to garner supporters who come to his defense online, but most argue that Wheel of Fortune is simply not the same without Sajak.
Insiders noted that Sajak never truly wanted to exit the show and may be open to returning soon. In addition to this, ABC and Sony are already discussing contingency plans should Seacrest decide to back out. Although his contract remains in place, pressure from the unending backlash and other professional commitments could lead to an early exit.
Could Maggie Sajak be the next ‘Wheel of Fortune’ host?
If Sajak chooses not to return full-time, another strong contender for the role of show host could be his daughter, Maggie Sajak. She currently works as the show’s social media correspondent, and has built a reputation among both younger and older audiences. Maggie has positioned herself as a potential replacement for Seacrest.
ABC and Sony are reportedly monitoring the situation closely in order to keep Wheel of Fortune as one of America’s most beloved game shows. Whether Seacrest stays, Sajak returns, or his daughter steps in, the future of the program’s hosting remains an ongoing topic of discussion among fans and insiders.