Maggie Sajak gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at Wheel of Fortune’s revamped set, but viewers are more focused on a puzzling moment with Ryan Seacrest. Find out why this unexpected detail is causing a stir.

A Fresh Look at Wheel of Fortune’s New Set
Wheel of Fortune fans are no strangers to change, but the latest updates to the beloved game show’s set have sparked mixed reactions. On September 18, Maggie Sajak, daughter of longtime host Pat Sajak and the show’s social correspondent, shared an exclusive behind-the-scenes video revealing the redesigned stage. While her goal was to introduce the audience to the fresh, modernized look of the show, fans couldn’t help but be distracted by one particular moment involving new host Ryan Seacrest.
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The Instagram clip, captioned “New set, who dis? 🤩 Here’s a behind-the-scenes peek at everything shiny and fresh on set this season ✨,” gave viewers a glimpse of the set’s transformation. The upgraded elements included a more contemporary logo, a sunburst backdrop, and a redesigned floor featuring a dynamic LED screen. Maggie highlighted these changes while expressing admiration for the new aesthetic. Despite the major overhaul, she reassured viewers that the classic puzzle board remained intact—albeit with a new border. The reconfigured layout and repositioned iconic wheel aimed to create a more spacious and immersive experience.

Fan Reactions to the Changes
Although Maggie appeared enthusiastic about the updates, the audience had mixed opinions. Many longtime fans of Wheel of Fortune voiced their discontent over the alterations, arguing that the new design lacked the warm, familiar charm of the original set. Some even went as far as calling the changes unnecessary, questioning why the producers would modify something that had worked so well for decades.
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Comments quickly poured in under Maggie’s post, with one fan lamenting, “The new set is HORRIBLE. Why do they always have to mess with what isn’t broken?” Another viewer critiqued the color scheme, calling it “too bold and bright,” while someone else described the new design as “an antiseptic tech theme” that felt cold and uninviting.
Despite the wave of criticism, some viewers expressed their excitement for the fresh take on the show, praising Maggie’s effortless charisma on camera. A few fans even took a moment to compliment Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White, noting that their chemistry was beginning to gel as they adjusted to the updated setting.

The Unexpected Moment That Stole the Spotlight
While fans had plenty to say about the aesthetics of the new set, another detail in Maggie’s video caught everyone’s attention—her interaction with Ryan Seacrest. At one point in the clip, Maggie gestures while talking, and for a brief moment, it appears as though her hand is positioned in an unusual way near Ryan. This optical illusion led to a flurry of amused and confused comments from fans.
“Where on earth is her hand on Ryan?!” one user wrote, sparking a wave of speculation and jokes. Some fans took a lighthearted approach, comparing it to one of the many visual tricks often found in the puzzles on the show. Others debated whether it was merely a case of odd camera angles playing tricks on the eyes.
Maggie, known for her engaging presence on social media, responded to the buzz with humor, acknowledging the viral reaction and embracing the lighthearted nature of the discussion. As the conversation unfolded online, it became clear that, for some fans, this unexpected visual quirk overshadowed the set changes entirely.
As Wheel of Fortune’s 42nd season continues, the show faces the challenge of balancing tradition with modern innovation. While some fans remain resistant to the new set, the producers are hopeful that the updates will enhance the viewing experience and attract a new generation of audience members.
Ryan Seacrest, stepping into the shoes of the legendary Pat Sajak, is still finding his rhythm as the show’s new host. With Vanna White by his side and Maggie Sajak keeping fans engaged behind the scenes, Wheel of Fortune is evolving while staying true to its core appeal.
For fans who are still unsure about the changes, one thing remains constant: the beloved wheel itself. As Maggie reminded viewers in her video, “Don’t worry, it’s still the same wheel that we love.”

Curious to see the changes for yourself? Tune in to Wheel of Fortune and experience the new set firsthand!