For over five decades, Pat Sajak has been an unmistakable presence on television screens, captivating audiences around the globe as the charismatic host of the beloved game show, Wheel of Fortune. Unsurprisingly, fans reacted with admiration and sadness at the recent news that Sajak is stepping down from the iconic game show. This departure marks the end of an era, leaving us with a mix of pride and nostalgia for the man who became a familiar face in our living rooms. Sensing the need for someone just as large to fill these shoes, it has been confirmed that popular television persona Ryan Seacrest will take on the Wheel of Fortune host mantle.
Ryan Seacrest Confirms Wheel of Fortune Host Announcement
Ryan Seacrest is almost as recognizable as Pat Sajak by modern audiences and is an obvious pick to host the show. The 48-year-old television personality has hosted American Idol for over 20 years, receiving Emmy nominations and star status. He has also been the face of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve on ABC.
Seacrest took to social media to confirm the announcement, expressing gratitude and excitement for this new adventure:
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. I look forward to learning everything I can from you during this transition.
Many people probably don’t know this but one of my first jobs was hosting a little game show called “Click” for Merv Griffin 25 years ago, so this is truly a full circle moment for me and I’m grateful to Sony for the opportunity.
I can’t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White.
Wheel of Fortune pic.twitter.com/pQeTpWsPx7
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) June 27, 2023
The response to this news has been met with mixed reactions on Twitter. While some welcome the iconic host, many already see him as too prevalent as a presence on ABC. Furthermore, this will now be the third offering on the channel with him as a host, and some people have pointed out the oversaturation online.
The real question is how do we stop ABC from giving Ryan Seacrest every hosting job there is?
— trishuhhhhhh (@ThisIsTrishie) June 27, 2023
The legendary Merv Griffin created Wheel of Fortune, who also started the classic game show Jeopardy Sajak announced his retirement several weeks ago on Twitter. However, he will continue to host Wheel of Fortune‘s 41st season in the fall, and Vanna White is set to stay on for now. Ryan Seacrest will likely not take on his new role until sometime in 2024.
