Ryan Seacrest Named New ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Host
Pat Sajak, who hosted the popular game show for more than 40 years, has said he would step down next year Ryan Seacrest at an event in 2019. Photo: Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images By Suryatapa Bhattacharya Updated June 27, 2023 1:53 pm ET Ryan Seacrest will be the new host of “Wheel of Fortune,” succeeding Pat Sajak after the longtime host steps down next year. Sony Pictures Television said Tuesday Seacrest signed a multiyear deal to host the syndicated game show starting in 2024. Seacrest will also serve as a consulting producer on the show, Sony said. Sajak said earlier this month he will retire next year, at the end of Season 41. He will work as a consultant on the show for three years. “We are ecstatic to have Ryan as the next host
Ryan Seacrest at an event in 2019.
Photo: Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images
Ryan Seacrest will be the new host of “Wheel of Fortune,” succeeding Pat Sajak after the longtime host steps down next year.
Sony Pictures Television said Tuesday Seacrest signed a multiyear deal to host the syndicated game show starting in 2024. Seacrest will also serve as a consulting producer on the show, Sony said.
Sajak said earlier this month he will retire next year, at the end of Season 41. He will work as a consultant on the show for three years.
“We are ecstatic to have Ryan as the next host of Wheel of Fortune. Ryan loves Wheel as much as we do and is the perfect person to continue the show’s four-decade success into the future,” said Ravi Ahuja, chairman of global television studios at Sony Pictures.
“Wheel of Fortune,” created by Merv Griffin, became a mainstay of American television as millions tuned in to watch contestants spin a multicolor wheel and try to spell out phrases on the puzzle board for prizes. Its format was as easily recognizable as its hosts. Sajak has helmed the show since 1981, alongside co-host Vanna White for most of that time.
Pat Sajak has led the popular game show for decades.
Photo: Ricky Middlesworth/ABC/Getty Images
“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,” Seacrest said in a statement Tuesday.
Seacrest, who grew up in Dunwoody, Ga., was DJing at Atlanta’s WSTR-FM by the time he was 16 years old. He has hosted a variety of television and radio shows, including “On Air with Ryan Seacrest” and “American Idol” for 21 seasons. His career is most often compared with that of his late mentor Dick Clark, from whom Seacrest inherited hosting duties for “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest.”
One of Seacrest’s first jobs, he said, was co-hosting “a little game show” called “Click for Merv Griffin,” which aired more than 25 years ago.
“So this is truly a full circle moment for me and I’m grateful to Sony for the opportunity,” he said. “I can’t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White.”
Seacrest left the ABC talk show “Live with Kelly and Ryan” in February after six years and one Emmy award. He was succeeded by actor Mark Consuelos, who is married to the show’s other host, Kelly Ripa.
The show was rebranded as “Live with Kelly and Mark.”“While Ryan has some big shoes to fill, I’m confident he will connect with our loyal fanbase and excite a whole new audience as we expand upon the show’s great legacy,” said Suzanne Prete, executive vice president of game shows at Sony Pictures Television.
Write to Suryatapa Bhattacharya at [email protected]
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