After Pat Sajak’s announcement on June 12 regarding his plans to retire after Wheel of Fortune’s upcoming 41st season, Sony Pictures Television revealed on Tuesday that Ryan Seacrest has been chosen as his successor.
Seacrest, the former co-host of Live with Kelly and Ryan, has signed a multi-year deal that will commence next year once Sajak concludes his remarkable 40-year tenure.
“I feel truly honored to be stepping into the shoes of the legendary Pat Sajak. I can confidently say that it has been a privilege and an absolute joy for all of us in America to watch Pat and Vanna on our TV screens for an unprecedented 40 years, bringing smiles to our faces every night and making us feel at home,” expressed Seacrest, who is 48 years old. “Pat, I admire the way you have always celebrated the contestants and made viewers feel comfortable. I am eager to absorb all that I can from you during this transition.”
Wheel of Fortune pic.twitter.com/pQeTpWsPx7
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) June 27, 2023
The host of American Idol further shared, “Not many people know this, but one of my first jobs was hosting a small game show called Click for Merv Griffin 25 years ago, so this truly feels like a full circle moment for me. I am grateful to Sony for this opportunity. I am thrilled to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the incredible Vanna White.”
Ravi Ahuja, Chairman of Global Television Studios at Sony Pictures, also commented on the change in hosts, stating, “We are overjoyed to have Ryan as the next host of Wheel of Fortune. Ryan shares our deep affection for the show and is the perfect individual to lead its continued success for decades to come.”
This news follows Pat Sajak’s earlier announcement this month, where he disclosed his retirement plans before the commencement of the show’s 41st season, scheduled to begin filming in September.
Taking to Twitter, Sajak shared, “Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. It has been a remarkable journey, and I will have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to all of you. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)”
Suzanne Prete, the EVP of Game Shows at Sony Pictures Television, confirmed Sajak’s forthcoming retirement, stating that the 76-year-old TV personality would serve as a consultant for the show over the next three years. Prete expressed gratitude for Sajak’s 40 years of entertainment on Wheel of Fortune and shared excitement about celebrating his remarkable career throughout the upcoming season.
“In his role as the host of Wheel of Fortune, Pat has captivated millions of viewers across America for 40 incredible years,” remarked Prete. “We are immensely grateful and proud to have had Pat as our host all these years, and we eagerly anticipate honoring his outstanding career throughout the forthcoming season. Pat has also agreed to continue as a consultant on the show for three years
Fans are all saying that they think it should have been left to someone else to take over… One fan wrote on Twitter:
Why the hell would they choose ryan secrest to host Wheel Of Fortune after Pat leaves ??? They couldnt give the position to a new face !?
— Plenty Peppa ✨ (@FullOfVibe) June 27, 2023
Another said:
All the people in the world and @WheelofFortune picks fkn ryan secrest to host🤦♂️ yall need someone way different then him, he isnt a good host to start with, he will be even worse on #wheeloffourtune
— SCRESINWRKS (@Kingchaloux802) June 27, 2023
While a third wrote:
Ryan Secrest? Really? Wheel couldn't bring itself to do something creative like put Maggie Sajak on the wheel and replace Vanna with a young guy? #wheeloffortune
— ChangeServant (@changeservant) June 27, 2023
Do you agree?
