Vanna White Should Be The Host of ‘Wheel of Fortune’

Vanna White Should Be The Host of ‘Wheel of Fortune’
TV Insider

Aren’t you tired of seeing Ryan Seacrest‘s face everywhere on TV at this point?

For those who don’t know, starting in 2024 (right after seeing his face on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve), Seacrest is replacing Pat Sajak as host of Wheel of Fortune after Sajak retires from the beloved game show. The Live with Kelly & Ryan alum announced the news on Twitter on Tuesday, June 27, confirming he will host alongside Vanna White. The future of her position on the series had been questioned in the days leading up to this announcement.

Instead of bracing themselves that White would take on hosting duties, as it sounded like the most natural conclusion, fans were surprised with Seacrest hosting yet another show.

Instead of those rewarding headlines, she suffered publicity about wanting a raise in her renewed contract after 18 years without one, which saw her replaced for the first time in over half a century when she subsequently contracted COVID during her negotiations. Now that her future as even a letter-turner is in jeopardy, fans are already replacing her with Maggie Sajak, as if White is some hanger-on of the show and not a key element of it.

A source told People that for years, “Vanna was told, ‘If you fight this, you will lose your job. You’re lucky to have the job.’ And when people tell you that for so long, you believe it,’” before adding that White is now ready to fight for her future. “She’s a really, really sweet person. She deserves so much more.”

This is something that should be under investigation if true. It shouldn’t be allowed to be this publically unprofessional without being brought to task.

But it’s hard to hold the powers that be responsible when the public consensus is just as bad. “Why shouldn’t she make as much as Sajak?” one person in our comment section asked.

“Because she has little or no real function and rarely speaks. The board is automated for the bonus round and could be throughout the game, making her as useful as a dead battery,” another person responded.

Not only should she be getting paid,  but Vanna White should be the host of Wheel of Fortune.

The person to replace Sajak should be someone synonymous with the show itself. And besides Sajak, who is more synonymous with the series than the letter-turner herself? If it’s a raise she wants, then the logical decision would be to promote the number two person on the show, especially when that someone has tenure, and the number one spot just opened up.

Another argument we see in the comments is “She’s not even good at hosting!” or “Did you see that one episode where she had to replace Pat? She was terrible!1!1!”

No, she was just unprepared and nervous. She was forced to replace Sajak that day, as he was rushed for emergency surgery, leaving her with only a few hours to prepare for filming. She was never prepared to host that first episode or prepared for the three weeks that followed.

What we’re saying is, show her a little grace. She’s fine hosting Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, and she’d be fine hosting the main show.

Honestly, doesn’t anyone else have Seacrest fatigue?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and try to change our minds!

Wheel of Fortune, Season 41 Premiere, Monday, September 11, Check your local listings




Conversation98 Comments

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  1. C

    CyanPin

    I agree. I don't watch anything with Ryan Seacrest. He is over done and boring. Only Vanna deserves to be the host. She also deserves a big raise and lots of respect. If that Ryan guy is on I will never watch it again.

    30 11

    1. O

      OliveBox

      I think you should keep Ryan Seacrest

      10 2

  2. M

    Maga1961

    Vanna should be host and Pat’s daughter, Maggie replace Vanna.

    26 13

  3. O

    OliveSailboat

    No. When Pat was out with his emergency surgery, Vanna initially did not want to host because, in her own words, they have different skill sets and responsibilities. She didn't know if she would be any good at it. And truthfully, while she was okay, she wasn't very good at it. Now I don't like Ryan Seacrest. But Vanna should not be given he job just because she's been there as long as Pat, or just because she's a woman. The responsibilities of the host of the show are completely different than hers have ever been. So I think the next host should be someone with experience.

    17 5

    1. R

      RedCupcake

      She was thrown into it with no preparation. What part of that don't you get!

      2 8

  4. R

    RedSeahorse

    I don't think she did a good hosting job when she filled in. I think she's fine where she is with a pay raise.

    19 7

  5. P

    PurpleTrumpet

    Hey, at least it isn’t Michael Streyhan (sp?).

    11

  6. B

    BlueFan

    Love Vanna, but i remember when Pat was sick, she doesn't have the gift as the main host, it would become boring. Ryan is a natural, something Vanna doesn't have.

    She's great at what she does, but that's it

    11 1

  7. O

    OrangeWeights

    Absolutely not. She was terrible.

    10

  8. G

    GoldBlowdryer

    Vanna White does not have the personality to be host of Wheel of Fortune. She does a no brainer job--lightinĝ up the electronic board. Honestly, she lacks the bubbly personality that Pat has. John Michael Higgins would be an ideal host.

    11 1

    1. R

      RedBulb

      I must admit I am crazy about John Michael Higgins. He is a fabulous host!! But I still think that Vanna deserves a chance to host.

      10

  9. O

    OliveUmbrella

    I didn't enjoy the show when Vanna stood in for Pat a couple of years ago. She isn't as witty or as fun as Pat. She's a wonderful person, just not host material.

    9

  10. P

    PurpleAnchor

    I think you should go with Ryan Seacrest, Vanna filled in for Pat when he was out, and she had no chemistry with the contestants.

    9

  11. B

    BlueBeer

    No way! When Pat had that emergency she was so stiff and difficult to watch. At least Ryan Seacrest has personality.

    11 2

  12. P

    PurpleBattery

    she needs to go, time for someone new.

    11 2

  13. O

    OrangeCherries

    Time to replace everyone. The show needs new blood, Vanna should just travel and enjoy her family.

    8

  14. R

    RedHat

    So, 3 millions a year is not enough?

    9 1

    1. R

      RedBulb

      It's amazing that you should bring that up, but since you did, you can say the same thing about most of them! So how do you feel about Ryan Seacrest's $450 million?

      1 2

  15. G

    GoldButterfly

    Vanna has the personality of a turnip. Both Pat & Vanna need to be replaced with younger vibrant people! Especially after seeing the international hosts!

    10 2

    1. G

      GoldBlowdryer

      Thank you! I agree.

      6

  16. O

    OrangeFries

    I dislike Ryan Seacrest. I also want to know publicly, if Vanna got her raise, and if she wanted this job. If she wanted the job as primary host of real fortune, she should be given that job. I'm very disappointed that they selected Ryan Seacrest.

    19 11

  17. G

    GoldLeaf

    Keep Vanna!

    20 12

    1. C

      CyanFish

      I am for keeping Vanna and having Maggie as letter turner. As when Seacrest joined Kelly I quit watching her show. Ryan has no camera charisma

      6 10

      1. G

        GoldDucky

        Ryan isn't very reliable either. Just look back at how many times Kelly Rippa had to bring her husband into the show because Ryan didn't bother to show up.

        5

  18. B

    BlueBeer

    She was awful when she hosted!

    14 6

  19. G

    GreenWrench

    Please, God, no. Vanna should not replace Pat. That time she filled in when he was out sick, she was way too bubbly and overly happy every time she said something — totally unreal. She ended up looking fake and insincere. I like Vanna and support her in her quest for a raise, but she is not host material. Not to mention she’s getting up in years and close to retirement age. Ryan Seacrest doesn’t need to host “Wheel,” either. He’s overkill because of hosting too many other shows and events, and would probably leave “Wheel” to chase after some other job if he got tired of it. He’s too unstable.

    8 1

  20. O

    OrangeCoathanger

    She should not be the host, she doesn’t know what she is doing. Touching the board to get it started takes no talent.

    9 3

  21. O

    OliveSnow

    Vanna is getting long in the tooth. She should be replaced by Pat Sajak‘s daughter.

    8 2

  22. C

    CyanDog

    We are long time viewers but when Pat Sajak is done we are no longer watching. Vanna should be the replacement, Ryan Seacrest has enough jobs, which has just caused major over exposure! No thanks.

    17 11

  23. G

    GoldChilli

    I don't care much for Seacrest. I think it would be great to have Vana as the host of Wheel of Fortune. I think she would be the perfect host for the job. Its about time for more women to do jobs like this instead of always picking a man everything something like this opens where women can do the job just as well as men or even better. Give her the job. She deserves it and raise to boot.

    15 9

  24. C

    CyanBottle

    It's time for a whole remake of the show. Out with the old and in with the new.

    Take a look at the European wheel shows

    They are HOT!!!

    7 2

    1. R

      RedBulb

      If that's the way you feel about people, I feel really sorry for you!

  25. G

    GoldSubmarine

    I am tired to see Vanna Whitei.

    4 1

  26. P

    PurpleBattery

    time to replace Vanna White, let someone else make the money. She has earned enough doing nothing. Someone else rather than sea rest as host too.

    6 4

  27. R

    RedCoffee

    I think someone new and younger should get a chance to host the show with a new letter turner into the next generation, Vanna may retire soon.

    3 2

  28. J

    Judy

    Vanna has been shortchanged on not any pay raises. They need to fix that. Whether they chose Vanna or not, Ryan Seacrest is tiresome. I won’t watch it if they don’t do something positIve for Vanna after all those years of no pay raise.

    11 10

  29. C

    CyanBottle

    So tired of Ryan Seacrest he is so over rated. We have watched wheel of fortune since the beginning my father in law loved to watch every night until he passed away. When Ryan Seacrest takes over no more wheel of fortune here. Vanna deserves that position not Ryan

    15 14

    1. R

      RedBowtie

      Same here in this household.

      1 9

  30. C

    CyanPin

    Vanna White should be the one to replace Pat once he retires and leaves the show!

    14 13

  31. G

    GreenToast

    There was no reason for that vast difference in pay. There are a lot of Vanna fans and a lot of Pat fans. I think she should host upon Pat's retirement. But if they replace Vanna after Pat retires then I can pretty much guarantee that they will lose a lot of the audience.

    1

    1. P

      PurplePopsicle

      I strongly agree that Vanna should be the best choice to step up to hosting the show. She's earned that much and executive's should really realize that. If they let her go I will definitely refuse to watch the show.

      2 11

    2. R

      RedCupcake

      They will lose me!

      1 11

  32. G

    GreenCupcake

    It's simple, hire me to take over for Vanna.

  33. P

    PurpleCar

    This is satire right? This is as silly as the posters who think every character on TV should have a spinoff. "Letter turner" is not a proving ground for hosting.

    Don't you see? Clearly Sony should do like they did with Jeopardy, and pick a high-scoring contestant to be the host! Because that makes so much sense, right??

    5 6

  34. R

    RedPretzel

    I think Vanna got screwed without the kissin. Most definitely she should have gotten a raise! I mean 18 YEARS WITHOUT A RAISE IS , IF NOT ILLEGAL, IT US AT THE VERY LEAST INHUMAN OAND INCOMPREHENSIBLE! She was a big part of that show, and I would hope really really hope that she should be. She’s certainly qualified, and should have an enormous raise.

    If Seacrest does become the host, I’m outta here! I am underwhelmed, to say the least.

    Vanna…fight the “Powers that Be But Shouldn’t!,

    2

  35. B

    BlueProcessor

    It is different skills as a letter turner and a host. Also considering that age is going to play a role here. When I first watched the show it was because Vanna was mesmerizing but now the show is probably looking to find another young woman to try to attract people to watch the show. But, I think the show should honor Vanna

    by at least letting Vanna do one last season and give her a hefty bonus for retirement and starting the show.

    2

  36. B

    BlueDice

    Merv Griffin is turning over in his grave!!!

    After so many years of loyal service to the job that they treat Vanna White this way!!! This is so disrespectful and you should all be ashamed of yourselves. No pay raise in 18 plus years. Despicable and again disrespectful.

    This is a family game and they get the biggest chauvinist to host this family show. After he's through with his women he dumps them for a newer model. That is not a family show host material. 😕

    2 4

    1. B

      BlueDice

      I forgot to say. We won't be watching anymore!

      7

  37. R

    RedCupcake

    I think Vanna is perfect for the job. I won't watch if its seacrest. She has put in her time, she is up for the task and will fit iin comfortably after all the hype is over. She is talented and witty and will be a perfect host. She deserves the opportunity, she has been in the trenches, she knows what to do. That is my opinion.

    8 11

  38. R

    RedHat

    Vanna is a greedy American birthing person!

    1 4

    1. R

      RedBulb

      It's amazing how different people see things differently...You think Vanna is greedy and I think Ryan is greedy!!!

      1 2

  39. C

    CyanPopcorn

    WOF Is billed as AMERICA GAME thus America should choose Pats replacement!!!!! Vanna vote here. More intetest in this election than the other CIRCUIS!!!!!!!

    4

  40. G

    GoldSubmarine

    Seacrest is overrated, over used, overpaid and under talented. He even works for iHeart Radio as a DJ. Ugh too much

    5

  41. G

    GreenGoggles

    I think it would be great if Vanna took on the role of Host of the show! Thanks for asking.

    6

  42. G

    GoldCorn

    ABSOLUTELY NO TO SEACREST AS HOST! Vanna is the obvious choice for the hosting job!! We love the show, but may need to watch something else during our supper hour. They will be losing a HUGE audience if SEACREST is the new host!!

    6

  43. B

    BlueCactus

    Give her a raise and the job of hosting!! I can’t bare watching it being hosted by Seacrest 🤦🏼‍♀️

    6

  44. O

    OliveBox

    Is tgerr no one ekse bur Seacrest? I will never watch wheel if he is rge replacement host. Nowxwr know why he quit his daytime histing gig. He knew this was voming.

    1 7

  45. B

    BlueBox

    I think that it is only right that Vanna be given the opportunity to host the show she has been a part of for so long. I will not go into detail so I will just say this with my vote.... if she does not get that chance that is one less viewer that watches the show. If enough people do this the powers that be will notice.

    4 10

  46. R

    RedCupcake

    If Ryan Seacrest is the new host of Wheel of Fortune I'll quit watching!

    7

  47. B

    BlueBullhorn

    Frankly, I’m not a Seacrest fan. Gave up on Rockin Eve and same with Kelly and Ryan because he is so plastic. What great publicity had they promoted Vanna White, but no, the glass ceiling is still firmly in place.

    7

  48. C

    CyanFries

    I think Ryan Seacrest grabs the golden ring for many available slots on TV. And yes I do have Seacrest fatigue, give Vanna a chance, she’s synonymous with the WHEEL OF FORTUNE!! She surely should become the HOST!

    7

  49. R

    RedGoggles

    Ryan is NOT COOL AND CURRENT

    Are you out of your mind?

    3 10

  50. R

    RedElephant

    I’ve watched Kelly ripa for years and quit when Ryan secrets started hosting I will do the same thing if he hosts the wheel of fortune. Enough of him.

    2 9

  51. O

    OliveUmbrella

    Why in the world, would Ryan need "more" stuff to do...NO! I don't see him as a Host for he show "whatsoever"!🤦‍♀️

    3 10

  52. O

    OliveBeer

    I think Vanna White should be the host. We are tired of seei.g.Seacrests face in everything.He wasn't good on Ryan and Kelly. Give somebody else a.chance Vanna deserves a raise all these years

    3 10

  53. C

    CyanScissors

    Seacrest makes enough already. Vanna paid her dues. Let Maggie turn letters. Same thing with Strahan and Harvey how many jobs they have. Give someone else a shot.

    3 10

  54. R

    RedCupcake

    If they absolutely must have Ryan Seacrest on the show, he should be the one turning letters for the same pay as Vanna now (or even less — since new) and Vanna should be host at Pat’s current pay or more!!

    6 13

  55. O

    OliveChefHat

    It hosting position should go to Vanna White. If Ryan Seaquest takes over I will no longer be viewing your show. I'm so tired of seeing him every time you turn around and really he's not that good. I didn't like him on Kelly and Ryan and didn't watch it so going without wheel I'll have to get through. Vanna would be great if you would just give her a chance. But then again men think they know it all and will do what they want. They seem to have forgotten women are no longer submissive but rather a force to be recond with. We are here to stay so get use to it. Give Vanna a chance just like NASA did with their mathematician that worked on the liftoffs.

    4 11

  56. B

    BlueUmbrella

    My last day is Mr seacrest first day. Love Vanna and Mr Sajak.

    4 11

  57. C

    CyanMagnet

    I believe Vanna and Pat are the Wheel of Fortune!

    With Pats retirement, Vanna should have a choice to host or turn the Letters. She’s performed her job, she’s beautiful, she’s been loyal for all these years, the world viewers adore her….

    This should be a No Brainer!

    4 11

  58. O

    OrangeScissors

    Miss Vanna should absolutely be the host

    Of Wheel Of Fortune

    2 10

  59. O

    OrangeBus

    Let Vana host, she deserves it. I also will likely stop watching

    2 10

  60. G

    GoldLeaf

    If Vanna White is not part of the show, I will stop watching

    2 10

  61. G

    GreenBee

    This is the most natural progression that should occur for Vanna White

    9

  62. C

    CyanCherries

    Like the idea, she will be a terrific choice

    9

  63. P

    PurpleWheel

    As soon as we learned that Sajak was retiring, I started posting that Vanna should be chosen to replace him. I think she did a decent job filling in for him during the weeks he was recuperating, and with more experience, and secure in the job as permanent host, she'll get even better at it. Let Maggie Sajak do the letter-turning.

    9

  64. C

    CyanRaindrop

    No more Ryan Seacrest.enough enough

    9

  65. O

    OrangePin

    So Vanna White and Maggie Sajak both get passed up for...Ryan Seacrest?!

    Say it ain't so. Nothing against Ryan but miscast here.

    Vanna - obvious choice. Maggie? Heir to the throne and could host for the next 50 years...so maybe the best way to go.

    9

  66. O

    OrangeCoathanger

    Tired of seacrest!!!!Seacrest!!!!!

    Almost single handedly ruined Idol.

    I won't watch Wheel if he takes over.

    Yuk!

    9

  67. C

    CyanFish

    I definitely think Vanna should be the host! Ryan Seacrest has never had anything to do with the show! I really don’t think Ryan Seacrest has any talent and should give back most of the millions he has earned just for having a good voice. Vanna has put all those years into that show and definitely should be the host especially considering she has gone 18 years without a raise I don’t know anyone who would work for 18 years without a raise if that doesn’t show her loyalty and love for the show I don’t know what could.

    9

  68. B

    BlueBoomerang

    Vanna White should host Wheel of Fortune when Pat retires

    9

  69. O

    OrangeStrawberry

    I'm sick of Ryan Seacrest. If Vanna wants the job, they should give it to her with a big raise in salary. Where else are they going to find someone whose name is synymous with Wheel of Fortune? Certainly not in Seacrest. I'll stop watching if he's the host.

    2 11

  70. O

    OliveCone

    Sick of Seacrest

    1 10

  71. G

    GreenRocket

    Vanna should be host.I will never watch again if she leaves.

    3 12

  72. B

    BlueBox

    If these people commenting on Vanna because of her age and they were employers making decisions based on age there would be a lawsuit. Live and let live, be kind. VANNA DESERVES the chance. Ryan is an outsider with many other options, cmon people....

    2 11

  73. R

    RedPretzel

    Vanna as host and Ryan as letter turner....lol

    2 11

  74. B

    BlueFlower

    Vanna should be the one to take over Pat's job. That's the only thing that makes sense. And get paid as much as he did. It's a disgrace to see someone be treated like that's stuck with a job for so long,especially without a raise. Does corporate think 🤔 that ONLY A MAN HANDLE A THAT JOB!!!

    She's perfect for it! No offense to Ryan. corporate may want to reconsider because they are probably going to lose a lot of viewers and probably be canceled soon after.

    6 15

    1. G

      GoldDucky

      Maybe that's what Corporate wants...Dumb it down so the ratings dip far enough that they can cancel this beloved show and replace it with a other one of their cheap to produce "IGNANT" ?REALITY? shows. That's probably it...we really need one .ore of those "GEMS"!!!

  75. G

    GoldHammer

    Vanna is the greatest and should be the host/hostess of Wheel of Fortune not Seacrest, Maggie the flipper, enough said

    9

  76. G

    GoldHammer

    I would think Vanna should be given first shot at host. But, I thought for sure Maggie Sajak was being prepped for the position. I would love to see either/or as host!

    10

  77. C

    CyanStrawberry

    I'm tired of Seacrest

    10

  78. R

    RedCoffee

    Get someone new. Don't like Ryan. Never did. Lacks talent. Boaring

    10

  79. R

    RedBulb

    I wrote from the very beginning of this situation that Ryan Seacrest should be ashamed to take that job away from Vanna! And doesn't he have enough jobs already? He should have spoken up for Vanna instead of signing that contract. Talk about greedy people...Wow!!

    1 11

  80. O

    OrangeLamp

    Yes they could have done better than Seacrest!!! Vana should hang in there, don’t think the show will be as popular!

    1 11

  81. B

    BlueBox

    Give Vanna the job and let Ryan turn letters in a tux

    1 11

  82. A

    Arthur

    Vanna should have been a shoe in for Pat's job

    1 11

  83. B

    BlueBoomerang

    Vanna should be the host and maybe Maggie the letter turner. But Seacrest will end the show for sure. I know our house will not be watching with Seacrest as host.

    11

  84. C

    CyanRaindrop

    Yes, Vanna should be host! She has more than earned it!!! I won’t continue to watch if Ryan is host.

    1 12