‘Wheel of Fortune’ Fans Excited for Ryan Seacrest to Replace Pat Sajak
After over four decades at the helm, Pat Sajak will officially step down as host of Wheel of Fortune on Friday (June 7), which means fans will have to get used to Ryan Seacrest as host when the show returns this fall.
While there is always trepidation when it comes to replacing a legendary host (see previously Jeopardy!‘s Alex Trebek and Price is Right‘s Bob Barker), many fans are excited about the change and expect Seacrest to deliver in the role.
“I know people are very on the fence about Ryan Seacrest being the new host of Wheel of Fortune. But I honestly believe that he will be a great fit,” wrote one fan on the Wheel of Fortune Reddit forum. “Need I remind you, everyone was on the fence about Drew Carey and The Price is Right after Bob Barker stepped down. And look what happened!”
Others agreed, with one user writing, “If Price could survive with Drew Carey coming after Bob Barker, there’s no way that Wheel will be significantly hurt by Seacrest replacing Sajak. I’m no huge fan of Seacrest, but he’s already a well-established host who has helmed several very successful shows.”
“I don’t see this as a hot take. Ryan is an experienced host, and I’m sure once he gets his feet wet and has the game down pat (no pun intended), he’ll be great,” another added.
Another said, “Ryan Seacrest will be a Wonderful Host!!! I can’t Wait!! He’s so Funny!! And Charismatic.”
Seacrest has hosted American Idol since its debut in 2002 and also succeeded Michael Strahan as Kelly Ripa‘s co-host on Live with Kelly and Ryan in 2017 until departing the show in April 2023. It was confirmed last June that Seacrest would replace Sajak as Wheel host following the latter’s retirement.
The experienced host will be joined by long-time letter-turner Vanna White, at least initially. However, many fans have wondered if Sajak’s daughter, Maggie Sajak, is being primed to take over the White role eventually. Maggie currently serves as the show’s social media correspondent and has filled in for White in the past.
Christopher Willard/ABC via Getty Images
“They are grooming [Maggie] to take over for Vanna after she eventually retires,” wrote one Reddit commenter.
Another agreed, writing, “I’m sure she’ll be the one to take Vanna’s place when she retires.”
One viewer described Maggie as “cringe” and said they “hope the producers pull the chain on [her] once Pat is gone.”
Others disagreed, though, with one user stating, “Our experience with her for WWE Week last year was really good. She’s a professional, puts in a lot of work, and is quite good at what she does. She’s a fresh young face for a show that has aged considerably.”
“I want to hate her. I do. I am not a fan of nepotism and all that. But she has slowly grown on me. Rich and entitled or not? Girl seems to be genuine,” said another.
What do you think? Are you excited for Seacrest to take over as host? And should Maggie be the one to ultimately replace White? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Pat Zachak is a Legend with the show & rightfully so. Ryan Seacrest will likely be an interim host & then move on. Not the same.
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I am a big fan of BB but what I hate is the stars of the show posting on FB BEGGING FOR FANS TO VOTE "YES" FOR THEM TO RETURN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND THEY EVEN HAVE "SCAMMERS" POSING AS THE STARS!!!!!!!!! AND THEY ASK THE FANS TO MESSAGE THEM AND THEN THEY ASK THE FANS EXTREMELY PRIVATE INFO!!!!!!!! I MADE THE MISTAKE OF MESSAGING "SOMEONE" WHO I THOUGHT WAS TOM SELLECK AND THIS PERSON ASKED ME VERY PERSONAL QUESTIONS LIKE "DO YOU LIVE ALONE"? "HOW MUCH MONEY DO YOU EARN"? "WHAT ARE YOU DOING RIGHT NOW"? SO I STARTED GOING INTO THE POSTS AND TELLING PEOPLE "DO NOT RESPOND TO THE BB PAGES BECAUSE YOU DON'T KNOW IF IT IS THE REAL ACTOR OR A SCAMMER!!!!!! I HAVE POSTED THIS ON SO MANY PAGES BECAUSE I DON'T WANT PEOPLE TO GET SCAMMED AND HAVE THEIR PERSONAL INFO STOLEN!!!!!!!!!!!!! MAKE THESE POSTS GO AWAY FOREVER!!!!!!!!! THE FANS DO NOT GET TO DECIDE WHICH SHOWS WILL RETURN!!!!!!!!!!!! ONLY THE TV PRODUCERS AND PEOPLE IN CONTROL OF THE SHOWS GET TO DECIDE WHETHER A SHOW RETURNS!!!!!!!!!!!!
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I sincerely hope they'll make a clean break with the Sajak family and show Maggie the door too.
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Never liked or watched the show and having secrest replace sajak won't make it any better.i watch jeopardy and the twenty one show that comes on late in the morning but combines gambling and trivia and has a really cute girl that turns the cards and the host is good at it.
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NO THEY ARE NOT!Comparing the incredibly nice and fun Drew Carey to Ryan is disgusting.NOBODY wants Ryan.
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Speak for yourself. Millions disagree or he wouldn't have his career.
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Drew Carey dresses like a bum. I think he wears pajamas every day to do that show. And tennis shoes, total bum. I don’t think Ryan’s going to work either and they surely don’t need Vanna either. Those letters will light up without her
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He's forced on us. Millions DO disagree with him hosting
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Can't wait for Ryan's debut as host! He'll bring in tons of younger viewers.
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