WHEEL OF FORTUNE Celebrates Highest Ratings Since 2015
By Movieguide® Contributor
WHEEL OF FORTUNE is celebrating a major jump in ratings for its 2024 season premiere.
“The season premiere on Sept. 9 drew 9.63 million viewers, according to Nielsen, the biggest audience for a WHEEL season opener since 2015 and within shouting distance of the 11 million people who watched [former host Pat] Sajak’s last show,” The Hollywood Reporter wrote.
The outlet added that WHEEL OF FORTUNE averaged 8.31 million viewers in its first week of shows, “a 21 percent gain over premiere week in September 2023.”
“Household ratings (still a key ratings measure for syndicated programming) also rose by 21 percent year-to-year, and all key demographics improved by 10 percent or more,” THR continued.
These high ratings come after a major shift for the game show — longtime host Pat Sajak stepped down last year, and Ryan Seacrest was tapped to take his place. Movieguide® previously reported:
Ryan Seacrest has been named as the next host of WHEEL OF FORTUNE following longtime host Pat Sajak’s retirement.
“I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak,” Seacrest said in a statement about his new gig. “I can’t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White.”
Seacrest’s hiring as the game show’s new host comes just a few weeks after Sajak’s announcement that he would be retiring.
In a statement, Sajak told fans, “Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all.”
Seacrest shared his excitement for the hosting gig with PEOPLE, saying, “The good thing about [WHEEL OF FORTUNE] is that you get to be yourself. It has a little looseness to it. It doesn’t have to be so strict and so formatted. It has those moments of real life and humanity.”
These high ratings are good news for Seacrest — TV Insider reported that his contract with the show “reportedly extends into the 2030s,” but “time will tell if he has the staying power in regards to viewership and ratings.”
Movieguide® previously reported on experts’ thoughts on Seacrest’s potential as host:
As Ryan Seacrest settles into his new WHEEL OF FORTUNE hosting duties, experts are weighing in on what will help him succeed.
“Many people are asking, ‘Can he pull it off? Will he tank it? Will he turn off audiences?’” brand expert Eric Schiffer told Fox News. “Ryan has a sixth sense of how to make adjustments, and the adjustment here is toning down the energy until he builds audience trust. Then, I believe he can use some of the techniques mastered on IDOL to increase engagement and grow the audience.”
“As long as the game and the players of the game are the central focus, it should continue to do fine. I think Ryan can then continue to grow it,” he said. “He’s really built a consistently growing empire with smart moves and understanding his brand, and finding ways to extend it. I believe this will be another jewel on the crown.”
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