Aren’t you tired of seeing Ryan Seacrest‘s face everywhere on TV at this point?
For those who don’t know, starting in 2024 (right after seeing his face on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve), Seacrest is replacing Pat Sajak as host of Wheel of Fortune after Sajak retires from the beloved game show. The Live with Kelly & Ryan alum announced the news on Twitter on Tuesday, June 27, confirming he will host alongside Vanna White. The future of her position on the series had been questioned in the days leading up to this announcement.
Instead of bracing themselves that White would take on hosting duties, as it sounded like the most natural conclusion, fans were surprised with Seacrest hosting yet another show.
Instead of those rewarding headlines, she suffered publicity about wanting a raise in her renewed contract after 18 years without one, which saw her replaced for the first time in over half a century when she subsequently contracted COVID during her negotiations. Now that her future as even a letter-turner is in jeopardy, fans are already replacing her with Maggie Sajak, as if White is some hanger-on of the show and not a key element of it.
A source told People that for years, “Vanna was told, ‘If you fight this, you will lose your job. You’re lucky to have the job.’ And when people tell you that for so long, you believe it,’” before adding that White is now ready to fight for her future. “She’s a really, really sweet person. She deserves so much more.”
This is something that should be under investigation if true. It shouldn’t be allowed to be this publically unprofessional without being brought to task.
But it’s hard to hold the powers that be responsible when the public consensus is just as bad. “Why shouldn’t she make as much as Sajak?” one person in our comment section asked.
“Because she has little or no real function and rarely speaks. The board is automated for the bonus round and could be throughout the game, making her as useful as a dead battery,” another person responded.
Not only should she be getting paid, but Vanna White should be the host of Wheel of Fortune.
The person to replace Sajak should be someone synonymous with the show itself. And besides Sajak, who is more synonymous with the series than the letter-turner herself? If it’s a raise she wants, then the logical decision would be to promote the number two person on the show, especially when that someone has tenure, and the number one spot just opened up.
Another argument we see in the comments is “She’s not even good at hosting!” or “Did you see that one episode where she had to replace Pat? She was terrible!1!1!”
No, she was just unprepared and nervous. She was forced to replace Sajak that day, as he was rushed for emergency surgery, leaving her with only a few hours to prepare for filming. She was never prepared to host that first episode or prepared for the three weeks that followed.
What we’re saying is, show her a little grace. She’s fine hosting Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, and she’d be fine hosting the main show.
Honestly, doesn’t anyone else have Seacrest fatigue?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and try to change our minds!
Wheel of Fortune, Season 41 Premiere, Monday, September 11, Check your local listings
