After Pat Sajak, 76, announced that he would be stepping down from his Wheel of Fortune hosting duties after four decades, fans were in a tizzy wondering who would take on the coveted hosting gig.
Change is inevitable, but that doesn’t make it easy or comfortable, however, it seems that the minds behind the long-running game show hope that by bringing in a familiar face, it’ll lessen the blow.
Many names were thrown into the ring, including Sajak’s daughter, Maggie Sajak, who has cemented a place on the show as a social media correspondent, and who many believed would take the reins from her father when he was finally ready to take a bow.
Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be the case as the powers at be had someone else in mind. On June 27, the official Wheel of Fortune social media account announced Sajak’s replacement—Ryan Seacrest.
“It’s official! Starting in 2024 @RyanSeacrest will take the stage as the new host of Wheel of Fortune. We’re so excited – Welcome Ryan!” the caption noted.
It’s official! Starting in 2024 @RyanSeacrest will take the stage as the new host of Wheel of Fortune. We’re so excited – Welcome Ryan! pic.twitter.com/TG5666m2Xc
— Wheel of Fortune (@WheelofFortune) June 27, 2023
Seacrest—who holds a multitude of jobs and has quite a firm footing in Hollywood as host of American Idol, host of his own nationally syndicated iHeart radio show, and the host for the TV special Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve—also released a statement of his own, stating, in part, “I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak. I can say, along with the rest of America, that it’s been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them.”
“Pat, I love the way you’ve always celebrated the contestants and made viewers at home feel at ease,” Seacrest added. “I look forward to learning everything I can from you during this transition.”
Wheel of Fortune pic.twitter.com/pQeTpWsPx7
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) June 27, 2023
On June 12, Sajak announced his retirement, writing, “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.”
Sajak has been leading the charge since 1981 alongside White, who is said to be remaining with the game show for the time being.
Seacrest will take over starting with Wheel of Fortune Season 42 in 2024!
What are your thoughts?