‘Wheel Of Fortune’ Host Pat Sajak Offers Advice To His Successor
The longtime Wheel Of Fortune host spoke to Ryan Seacrest about what to expect when he takes over hosting duties in 2024.
It’s not always sunshine and rainbows when replacing an incumbent at their job. Oftentimes there might be a sense of hostility towards the successor. But Pat Sajak, appears to be all smiles as he hands the reins of Wheel Of Fortune over to Ryan Seacrest. Sajak has been the host of Wheel Of Fortune since 1981 when he took over for Chuck Woolery.
On June 12, the 76-year-old TV personality announced on X that Season 41 would be his last as the Wheel Of Fortune host. In typical Pat Sajak fashion, he included plenty of his witty sarcasm as he put in his “resignation” notice.
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!)
— Pat Sajak (@patsajak) June 12, 2023
Making Way For The New Wheel Of Fortune Host
Unlike Jeopardy!, it took only a few weeks for Wheel Of Fortune to announce Sajak’s successor. On June 27th, Ryan Seacrest was chosen to follow in Sajak’s footsteps. Seacrest quickly took to social media to proclaim his excitement for his new opportunity.
Wheel of Fortune pic.twitter.com/pQeTpWsPx7
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) June 27, 2023
Season 41 of Wheel Of Fortune kicked off on September 11. The season is expected to end on June 7, 2024, when Sajak hosts his final game. When Seacrest takes over hosting duties next September, he will be joined by Sajak’s longtime partner Vanna White. It was reported that White will now be under contract until at least 2026. Which will give Wheel Of Fortune fans plenty of time to ease into the new era of the show.
For fans not ready to move on just yet, don’t worry. Sajak won’t be completely out of the picture. He will serve as a consultant on the show until 2027. It seems likely that Sajak will offer plenty of advice to Seacrest on how to best manage the hosting of the show. In fact, it seems as if the mentorship is already well underway.
Pat Sajak’s Advice To Ryan Seacrest
In an interview with ET, Seacrest spoke highly of his predecessor. “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,” he said.
Seacrest is no stranger to hosting game shows. He hosted the short-lived game show Click for two years before it was canceled in 1999. Seacrest also hosted the even shorter-lived game show The Million Second Quiz. The show only aired 10 episodes before it was canceled in 2013.
When it comes to Wheel Of Fortune, there will likely be just a bit more job security. According to Seacrest, Sajak offered him very simple words of encouragement when it came to being the host of Wheel Of Fortune. “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?”
Seacrest then echoed Sajak’s excitement in response. “I can’t wait to meet the contestants and do it,” he said. But for now, Seacrest says it’s all about Pat Sajak. “He’s enjoying his last season. I start next year. I think it’s a big celebratory season for him and the show.”
Are you excited for Ryan Seacrest to take over as Wheel Of Fortune host? Or are you sad to see Pat Sajak go? Let us know how you feel down below in the comments.
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