Ryan Seacrest has been named as the new host of Wheel of Fortune, following news of Pat Sajak's impending retirement.
Seacrest will take over as host of the syndicated game show beginning with the 2024–25 season. In a statement, the American media personality wrote that he was "truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak."
Sajak, who has hosted Wheel of Fortune with Vanna White since its debut in 1983, announced his retirement on June 12, sharing, "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."
Seacrest continued, "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.
"One of my first jobs was hosting a little game show called Click for [Wheel of Fortune creator] 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."
Sajak and White also hosted prime-time spinoff Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, which premiered in 2021. The Hollywood Reporter notes that co-host White has a year left on her current Wheel contract.
Earlier this year, Seacrest left his co-host post on syndicated morning show Live with Kelly and Ryan after a six-year run.
Seacrest will take over as host of the syndicated game show beginning with the 2024–25 season. In a statement, the American media personality wrote that he was "truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak."
Sajak, who has hosted Wheel of Fortune with Vanna White since its debut in 1983, announced his retirement on June 12, sharing, "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."
Seacrest continued, "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.
"One of my first jobs was hosting a little game show called Click for [Wheel of Fortune creator] 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."
Sajak and White also hosted prime-time spinoff Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, which premiered in 2021. The Hollywood Reporter notes that co-host White has a year left on her current Wheel contract.
Earlier this year, Seacrest left his co-host post on syndicated morning show Live with Kelly and Ryan after a six-year run.
