Edge radio host Dominic Harvey said he "loved the hat tip to Paul Holmes" after Wells ended the show by saying "Those are our people tonight", a nod to the late broadcaster's typical sign-off.
Others were also pleased with the subtle nod.
Comedian Guy Williams tweeted it was interesting to see Wells in a job that he had spent "most of his career taking the piss out of".
The episode followed weeks of speculation on who exactly would co-host with Hilary Barry.
In late January TVNZ confirmed Radio Hauraki's Jeremy Wells would accompany Barry as the new hosts of Seven Sharp.
The Seven Sharp desk was left vacant last year when Hosking and Street surprised viewers with news they would not return in the new year.