Ryan Seacrest will be the new host of Wheel of Fortune, replacing longtime host Pat Sajak in 2024, he announced today. Seacrest will continue to host American Idol and had recently stepped away from his co-hosting duties on Live With Kelly, making this move one rumored for several weeks—Sajak announced he was stepping down just two weeks ago. Read on to discover when Seacrest will start and whether Vanna will stay.
"I'm truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak," Seacrest wrote on Instagram, announcing his hire. "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."
Letter turner Vanna White, who has been with the show since 1996, has a contract that is up next year but she is reportedly in negotiations to stay on with the show. Born on February 18, 1957, in South Carolina, White began her career as a professional model before joining Wheel of Fortune in 1982. Her elegant presence and warm rapport with the contestants have made her an iconic figure in the world of television game shows, earning her a place in pop culture history. And now Ryan Seacrest joins her there.
"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 said when he announced his leaving. Born on October 26, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, Sajak's career in broadcasting began in the 1960s, but Wheel of Fortune made him a household name.
With its catchy theme music, vibrant audience participation, and the thrill of winning remarkable prizes, Wheel of Fortune continues to captivate viewers of all ages, solidifying its status as a cherished and enduring television institution since Sajak's inception as its host. "In the most recent television season, Wheel of Fortune averaged 8.6 million viewers a night, just a shade behind the 9.1 million who watched Jeopardy!, according to Nielsen. Those audiences are nearly as big as anything on prime-time TV, aside from football games," reports the New York Times.
Seacrest has become the closest thing the modern era has to Dick Clark. Born on December 24, 1974, in Atlanta, Georgia, Seacrest has carved a prominent place for himself as a television host, radio personality, and producer. Best known as the longtime host of the popular singing competition show American Idol and Live, he has also hosted numerous other shows and events, including the annual New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square.
