ITV Wheel of Fortune viewers moan 'it's not the same' minutes into new series

Graham Norton is new host of Wheel of Fortune (Image: ITV)

ITV's reboot of the iconic game show Wheel of Fortune has left viewers fuming. The show, which originally aired between 1988 and 2001, returned to screens on Saturday night (January 4) after a hiatus of over two decades.

Hosted by Graham Norton, the format remains the same with contestants spinning a carnival-style wheel in hopes of winning a staggering £50,000.

Despite the high stakes, fans were quick to criticise the new series, with many claiming it doesn't live up to the original.

One disgruntled viewer wrote on X: "The worst game show and host on TV." Another added: "I think graham Norton does a good job with this... not like the original but he does his best.."

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A third was less forgiving, stating: "Wheel of Fortune is without a shadow of a doubt the sh*****t gameshow ever.", reports the Mirror.

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Others questioned why the show had been brought back at all, with one writing: "Christ on a bike, why have they resurrected this garbage."

Despite the backlash, Norton expressed his excitement about the show's return, saying: "I'm thrilled we are coming back for a second series to challenge more contestants to solve more word puzzles and hopefully they come away with even more cash."

"It's a game of skill and luck, so you just never know which way it will go and I'm excited to see who can hold their nerve against the wheel."

Katie Rawcliffe, Head of Entertainment Commissioning at ITV, expressed her excitement about the show's return: "We are excited to bring back this iconic game show for a second series after a successful launch [last year]."

Wheel of Fortune is available to watch on ITVX