Ryan Seacrest has officially taken the reins of the iconic Wheel of Fortune, and it’s safe to say he’s made quite the splash! This season has not only met expectations but has actually surpassed them, making waves in the competitive game show landscape.
Season 42 wrapped up on June 6, completing a remarkable 195 episodes. The impact of Seacrest’s hosting debut has been significant. According to CBS Media Ventures via TV Insider, Wheel of Fortune emerged as the sole syndicated series to showcase viewer growth year-over-year. With an average of 7.93 million viewers, the numbers are up slightly from the previous season hosted by Pat Sajak, showcasing a 1% increase in household ratings, landing at a solid 4.6 rating.
The season launched impressively, with Seacrest’s premiere month in September achieving an astounding 7.99 million viewers. This was the highest premiere in three years, establishing Wheel of Fortune as the most-watched entertainment show on linear TV, aside from news and sports programming. It’s a triumphant beginning!
While Seacrest’s inaugural season flourished, Pat Sajak‘s farewell on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune couldn’t quite keep pace, experiencing a dip in ratings. However, with Seacrest set to host the celebrity edition next season, fans are buzzing with anticipation, hoping to see the numbers bounce back. The addition of streaming on Hulu and Peacock this fall is likely to create even more excitement.
As Wheel of Fortune gears up for its next chapter, viewers are left wondering if Seacrest can maintain this upward trajectory and inject even more charisma into the beloved game show. With each episode, the thrill builds and fans can’t help but speculate what surprises await!