Introduction
Forged In Fire is a popular television show that premiered in 2015 and has since become a fan favorite. The show invites bladesmiths from all over the world to compete against each other in creating various bladed weapons. One of the most-loved hosts of the show, Wil Willis, surprised everyone when he announced his departure in 2020. Fans were left wondering why he left, and what would happen to the show without him. In this article, we will delve into the reasons why Wil Willis left Forged In Fire, the impact of his departure, the search for a new host, and his legacy on the show.
Investigating the Reasons Behind Wil Willis’ Departure from Forged In Fire
The news of Wil Willis’ departure from Forged In Fire was first announced by him on Instagram in May 2020. Since then, fans have been trying to figure out why he decided to leave the show, with many speculations and rumors going around.
One of the most popular rumors was that Wil Willis left the show due to health problems or medical issues. Some of his followers noticed that the host had lost significant weight and looked much thinner than usual during the show’s 7th season. However, these rumors were quickly debunked by Wil Willis himself, who confirmed that he was in good health and that there were no medical issues that led to his decision to leave the show.
Another rumor suggested that Wil Willis left Forged In Fire because of a pay dispute with the show’s producers. This speculation arose from the host’s Instagram post, where he said that he had had an amazing time working with the team but felt it was time to move on. However, this was also denied by the show’s producers, who stated that they had never discussed financial issues with Willis and that the decision to leave was entirely his.
The Impact of Wil Willis’ Exit on Forged In Fire
Wil Willis was a beloved host on Forged In Fire and had become an integral part of the show’s success. His departure has certainly had an impact on the show’s viewership and ratings.
According to TVSeriesFinale.com, the show’s ratings have decreased since Willis’ departure. The website reported that the seventh season’s premiere episode had an average total of 1.22 million viewers, which was the lowest for a season premiere in the show’s history. In contrast, the season five premiere, which marked Willis’ debut as a host, had an average of 1.57 million viewers. While the drop in ratings could be attributed to various reasons, Wil Willis’ exit has played a significant role in the show’s falling popularity.
Since Willis’ departure, the show has undergone some changes. While the format of the competition has remained the same, it’s evident that something is missing without him. His hosting style, witty banter, and friendly demeanor were some of the reasons why fans tuned in to watch the show. Without him, Forged In Fire seems to have lost some of its charm.
Who Will Replace Wil Willis on Forged In Fire? A Search for the New Host
With the departure of Wil Willis, the show is looking for a new host who can fill his shoes. In an interview with Monsters and Critics, executive producer Jodi Flynn confirmed that the show was actively searching for a new host. While there have been no official announcements on who the next host will be, fans have their own ideas of who might be a good replacement.
One of the most popular names suggested by fans is Doug Marcaida, a knife expert and martial artist who has appeared as a judge on the show. Marcaida is known for his martial arts skills and his catchphrase “It will kill”. He has a significant fan following and is seen by many as the perfect replacement for Wil Willis.
Another possible candidate is Ben Abbott, a bladesmith and judge on the show. Abbott is a familiar face to Forged In Fire viewers, and his experience in bladesmithing makes him a strong contender.
The Legacy of Wil Willis on Forged In Fire
Wil Willis was an essential part of Forged In Fire’s success and has left a lasting impact on the show. His military background and his experience in bladesmithing made him an ideal host for the show. Fans loved his hosting style, which was a perfect blend of humor, personality, and expertise.
Some of Wil Willis’ most memorable moments on the show include his reaction to some of the ridiculous weapon ideas the contestants came up with, his one-liners, and his ability to hype up the audience. He also had a way of calming down contestants who were feeling stressed or overwhelmed during the competition.
Wil Willis’ impact on the show extended beyond his hosting duties. He was also an executive producer of the show and was involved in various aspects of the production.
An Interview with Wil Willis Discussing His Decision to Leave Forged In Fire
In an interview with Monsters and Critics, Wil Willis talked about his decision to leave Forged In Fire. He explained that he felt it was time for him to move on from the show and focus on other projects, including his career as an actor.
“It was a hard decision because Forged In Fire is such an important part of my life, but I feel like it’s time for me to move on and explore other opportunities,” he said.
He also talked about the impact that the show had on his life and how much he enjoyed working with the team. “Forged In Fire has been such an amazing experience, and I’m grateful for everything it’s given me. I’ve met some incredible people and had some unforgettable experiences.”
Fans’ Reactions to Wil Willis Leaving Forged In Fire
Wil Willis’ departure from Forged In Fire sparked mixed reactions from fans. While some were sad to see him go, others wished him all the best for his future endeavors.
Many fans took to social media to express their thoughts. One Twitter user wrote, “It’s going to be strange watching Forged In Fire without Wil Willis. He was the heart and soul of the show. I wish him all the best.”
Another fan tweeted, “I’m going to miss Wil Willis on Forged In Fire, but I’m excited to see what he does next. Whatever it is, I’m sure he’ll nail it!”
A Look Back at Wil Willis’ Best Moments on Forged In Fire
Wil Willis’ time on Forged In Fire was filled with numerous memorable moments, and it’s hard to pick just a few. However, some of the most significant moments include his reaction to the “hotdog slicer” (a failed weapon idea), his hilarious commentary during the “Wakizashi” episode, and his friendly banter with the contestants.
Another memorable moment was during the “The Pata” episode, where he revealed that he had a baby on the way, much to the delight of fans.
These moments and many others contributed to the show’s popularity and Wil Willis’ legacy as a host.
Conclusion
Wil Willis’ departure from Forged In Fire left fans surprised and saddened. While there were rumors and speculations surrounding his exit, the official statement from the show’s producers suggests that it was entirely his decision.
His departure has undoubtedly affected the show’s viewership and ratings, and it remains to be seen who will replace him as the new host. However, Wil Willis’ impact on the show and his legacy as an excellent host will be remembered for years to come.