After it was confirmed that Pat Sajak will be leaving Wheel of Fortune at the conclusion of the upcoming season, many fans were left wondering just who would be taking over the game show. Would you mind leaving the table, Vanna White? Would an unrelated stranger be hired? Or would it go to a person who works compulsively and has come to stand in for hosting duties? It turns out that Wheel of Fortune will be hosted by Ryan Seacrest.
In a statement, Ryan Seacrest announced his intention to replace Pat Sajak as host of the renowned game show Wheel of Fortune while also paying gratitude to Sajak, who began hosting the syndicated version of the program in 1983. I am incredibly humbled to be following in Pat Sajak’s iconic footsteps…I can speak for the majority of Americans when I say that watching Pat and Vanna on television for an astounding 40 years has been a privilege and a source of pure joy for us, making us laugh every night and feel right at home with them. Pat, I appreciate how you consistently give props to the rivals and relax the home crowd. I look forward to learning everything I can from you as this transformation unfolds.
By giving a brief overview of his resume, Ryan Seacrest even went so far as to argue his candidacy for the Wheel of Fortune. A modest game show called Click for Merv Griffin, which many people probably aren’t familiar with was one of my first jobs. This was 25 years ago. This is a real “full circle” moment for me, and I appreciate Sony giving me the chance. I can’t wait to work with the famous Vanna White and continue the wheel-spinning tradition. White is reportedly discussing her contract, according to reports.
Before actually breaking through with American Idol and other endeavors, he started off by hosting shows like Gladiators 2000 and Wild Animal Games. It’s likely that Ryan Seacrest referenced the previously stated Click because of how it relates to Wheel of Fortune. But Pat Sajak’s aren’t the only big shoes he’s stepped into; alongside Kelly Ripa, he replaced Regis Philbin’s and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve (via Michael Strahan).
How do you feel about Ryan Seacrest hosting Wheel of Fortune? Consider him to be a worthy Pat Sajak replacement. Post your thoughts in the comments section!
