It’s official. Ryan Seacrest is the new host of Wheel of Fortune after Pat Sajak’s exit
Ryan Seacrest confirmed in an Instagram post on Tuesday that he will take over “Wheel of Fortune” from longtime host Pat Sajak.
“I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak,” the American Idol host wrote. “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.”
Ryan added: “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.”
Competition for the job was fierce
Earlier this month, after Sajak announced he will be retiring as host of Wheel of Fortune at the end of its upcoming 41st season, reports surfaced that Ryan was in talks to take the veteran host’s place. Bloomberg reported that Ryan was at the top of the list of potential new hosts.
Ryan has signed a multi-year agreement with the show and will also serve as a consulting producer, according to a Sony Entertainment press release. The veteran host will officially take over Wheel of Fortune in 2024.
Other parties were interested in the gig, including The View’s Whoopi Goldberg who made her intentions clear on air. “I want that job!” she stated. Reportedly, letter-turner Vanna White was also interested in the job.
Ryan can add another job to his lengthy resume. He has served as host of American Idol since it’s premiere in 2002 and recently left a six year gig as co-host on Live with Kelly and Ryan. He also has also helmed the annual Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve special since 2007. And he hosts his own iHeart syndicated radio show and America’s Top 40.
Taking over iconic brands is a thing he does. He joined Rockin’ Eve after Dick Clark could no longer host it. After Casey Kasem died, he took the reins at America’s Top 40.
