Ryan Secret Reveals Pat Sajak’s Advice For Him As New ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ Host

Sep 20, 2023

"Wheel of Fortune" is one of America's most popular television game shows. Created by Merv Griffin, the game show has aired continuously since 1975. During the game show, contestants can win cash prizes by solving word puzzles similar to those in Hangman. Since its inception, "Wheel of Fortune" has undergone several changes in scheduling. In addition, thousands of contestants have competed on the show, which has also seen several hosts. However, one person has remained attached to the show since 1983 – that person is none other than Pat Sajak. 

From 1981 onwards, he hosted the game show's daytime and syndicated evening versions. Sajak's longevity as a game show host was heralded when he became the longest-running game show host in the 36th season of "Wheel of Fortune" in 2018-2019.

However, after four decades of hosting the beloved game show, Sajak announced that he would be stepping down as the show host. Following the announcement, many fans took to social media to react to Sajak's retirement and express their love for him.

Along with bidding Sajak goodbye as the host, fanatics of the show had one question in mind, who would replace him? A lot of names had been thrown into the mix, including other prominent television game show hosts. But after much waiting, the new host of the beloved game show has finally been revealed, and it's no other than Ryan Seacrest!

Although some have expressed their disappointment on the casting choice, pointing out that Seacrest doesn’t possess the same vibe that Sajak has been known for for years. However, Sajak was thrilled to pass the baton to Seacrest and he gave him an important piece of advice that many would appreciate. 

On Jun. 13, 2023, Sajak took to Twitter to announce his retirement from "Wheel of Fortune." His tweet read: 

"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. Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it'll keep the clickbait sites busy!)."

"Wheel of Fortune" also posted Sajak's retirement announcement on its Instagram page, and many fans commented, expressing their thoughts about the development. 

Among the people that were speculated to replace Sajak was Vanna White, Sajak's co-host since 1982. Maggie, Sajak's daughter, who is also a social media correspondent on the show, is also in the running. 

Whoopi Goldberg also expressed interest in filling in for Sajak in a conversation on "The View" with "Jeopardy!" host Ken Jennings, "Dancing With The Stars" host Tom Bergeron was also a loud name. In an Instagram comment, Bergeron confirmed that he wouldn't be replacing Sajak and instead said that Seacrest seemed to be the frontrunner for that position. 

Alas, Bergeron was right! After much waiting, it was finally announced that Seacrest would be filling Sajak's big shoes! According to a press release from Sony Pictures Television, as quoted by Reuters, Seacrest signed a "multi-year" agreement, but it did not specify when it would last. 

The move came after Seacrest left "Live with Kelly and Ryan." Mark Consuelos took his spot as he now becomes the new host alongside his wife, Kelly Ripa. 

Hailed by Sony Pictures Television as "one of the most nationally recognized voices in media today," Seacrest will also serve as a consulting producer on the show. In a statement, Seacrest said that he was "truly humbled" by the opportunity. 

"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," he wrote.

Elsewhere in his heartfelt message, Seacrest penned a note to Sajak: "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." 

At the end of his statement, he expressed his enthusiasm for his big new role on television: "I can't wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White." 

However, news that Seacrest would be stepping into the role left vacant by Sajak hasn’t been a hit with everybody. Some corners of the internet have begun to express their disappointment with the new hire. Many believed Seacrest didn’t quite fit the bill, while others called for new blood as they were tired of seeing the same old faces on television.

One social media user said that Seacrest doesn’t possess the same type of homey vibe Sajak radiated and was popular for, and tweeted:

“Ryan is too flashy, too show business. Wheel of Fortune is a family show that needs a host with a goofy grandpa-like demeanor.”

Another user said she held nothing against Seacrest but would have preferred to see a new face onscreen. 

Entertainment Tonight spoke to a still-in-disbelief Seacrest about the huge shoes that he is about to fill. 

"I wanna close my eyes and hear you say it," Seacrest told the outlet when the topic of “Wheel of Fortune” came up. "I can't believe that's real."

White will also be alongside Seacrest at the start of a new era on the beloved television game show that has bridged generations. 

In an exclusive interview of the outlet with Seacrest on Sept. 19, 2023, the host revealed that Sajak has given him words of wisdom and advice as to what he should keep in mind when the time comes. 

"He is a legend. I've looked up to him forever. He's so good at that job, which, you know, is a little bit of pressure here. But he just said, 'You're going to have a great time. It's so much fun. What's better than giving away money and doing that every single night?’" he told the outlet. 

Since then, Seacrest admitted that he could not wait to meet the contestants and be a part of that longstanding familial culture that Sajak has taken care of in the past few decades. For those who have missed it, Sajak won’t be leaving the show altogether, as he will be working as a consultant for the show for three more years. 

"So, yeah, he'll be bossing me around," Seacrest joked, before saying that Sajak deserves to do that. 

Sajak will be working until the end of 2023 for Season 41, which marks a milestone for the show. 

"He's enjoying his last season," Seacrest said. "I start next year. I think it's a big celebratory season for him and the show."

Do you think Ryan Seacrest would be a good replacement for Pat Sajak? If not him, who do you think would best replace Sajak? Let us know, and pass this on to your family, friends, and other loved ones too!