‘Wheel of Fortune’ Player Reveals What Ryan Seacrest is Really Like & More Off-Camera Secrets

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How does Wheel of Fortune host Ryan Seacrest behave when the cameras aren’t rolling? Many viewers might be curious now that he has banked two full months as Pat Sajak’s replacement alongside Vanna White. For the first time, fans got insight from a contestant who just competed, sharing what Seacrest is really like behind the scenes.

A player who appeared recently took to the WoF Reddit forum after their episode aired to share a lengthy post about their experience and how Seacrest is during commercial breaks.

“Ryan was SO friendly during the commercial breaks,” they wrote in part. “He had individual conversations with each of us. He would talk to the audience. He was just the absolute best. At one point mid-sentence, I just stopped and said, ‘I can’t believe I’m literally talking to you right now.'”

The player (who requested to stay anonymous) went on to share that Seacrest finished his conversation with them despite being interrupted by a producer.

“Something else that stood out to me was when I was talking to him and a producer interrupted to say something to him. I figured that was the end of the conversation, and then he turned to me and said ‘sorry, go on!’ It was so small but so NICE and polite. He genuinely cared about the conversations he was having! All three of us told him how he’s doing such an amazing job as host, and he was visibly touched.”

Fans loved the takeaway that Seacrest puts on the charm on and off camera and is making an effort to get to know each player.

“Congrats on such a lovely experience! It’s great to hear all these details, one fan wrote.

“Thanks for sharing your experience!” wrote another.

In their post, the player also detailed exactly how a WoF tape day goes, starting with a practice session, rehearsal, and the randomized division of the group of players.

First, everyone is taken to a “big empty warehouse type area” on the Sony studio lot where that day’s group of contestants, “sat at tables.” They continued, “We had a talk from a lawyer right off the bat. He was pretty funny too. They went over what to expect for the day.” A producer went over what Seacrest would ask each contestant in their intro.

Next, the players were ushered into the set.  “Now we practiced our intros and spinning the wheel. One of the producers acted as Ryan.” They continued, “Three people went up at a time, and we basically played a mini game. Spun the wheel, shouted out random letters to practice enunciating, and our intros.”

Then, “We went back into the warehouse area, which is when I had my makeup touched up. During that time, they started announcing the show lineup. They said three names, then pulled a ball from a bowl and whatever number was on it, was the show you’d be on.” Their game was up first.

And right before the game, they players were brought back to the set. “We did our rehearsal in our groups and in the order of our shows. It was similar to practicing spinning the wheel, but this time we actually had practice puzzles too. There are also platforms behind the wheel, and they were raising and lowering those for each contestant so everyone was at a comfortable height for the wheel.”

While not competing everyone sits in the audience, then came their episode, which entailed some “devastating” bankrupts. “It took about an hour to film the episode.” There was a mishap involving “the fire alarm and a couple technical difficulties.” They closed, The producers were amazing. They really made us all feel like we belonged there. Everyone on the set had such a positive attitude.”

What do you think of Ryan Seacrest as Wheel of Fortune host? Let us know in the comments section below!

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  1. G

    GoldBottleOpener

    After watching Pat for years l didn't think he could be replaced. I WAS WRONG. Ryan is doing a GREAT job in so many ways.

    14 1

  2. O

    OliveProcessor

    Ryan is perfect for the show. He really makes the viewers as well as the players feel great.

    10 1

  3. O

    OliveClover

    Ryan is a FANTASTIC host! He easily took to the role as if he had been doing it for years. When I think about all of the jobs he handles, it makes me want to take a nap!

    10 1

  4. C

    CyanScissors

    I was a bit leary at first about Ryan Seacrest but he has really done such a great job as the host and he really gets into the game and he is so good with every contestants and I really do like him as the host of one of my favorite program wheel of fortune 😀 keep up the good work Ryan

    5 1

  5. P

    PurpleWheel

    He's ok but I still like pat sajak better

    3

  6. G

    GreenPalmtree

    I think he is fantastic. An exceptional host

    3

  7. G

    GoldScooter

    I just knew he would be good, and I was right. A very sincere and nice person all around.

    3 1

  8. B

    BlueBandAid

    I think he is great! I stared watching it again! He bought a lighter side to this show!

    2

  9. O

    OlivePaw

    He’s doing a great job. Only suggestion I have is for him to take his hands out of this pockets. I think it looks tacky.

    1

  10. G

    GoldTeepee

    Ryan is wonderful! He is real, genuine and very caring toward everyone! He is perfect for this show! His young energy is abounding! So glad they chose him to Host WOF.

    1

  11. G

    GreenButton

    I've caught a few episodes since Ryan Seacrest began hosting and it seems like he really enjoys what he's doing and takes a genuine interest in the contestants. He's brought a fresh energy to the show that it desperately needed, IMO.

    1

  12. G

    GreenCarrot

    I miss Pat Sajak

  13. G

    GreenRocket

    Ryan is doing a great job. He is relaxed and friendly.

  14. P

    PurpleButterfly

    He should stop kepping hands in his pockets

  15. R

    RedBowtie

    I really don't like him a bit, my husband watches only on Friday because the sweepstakes puzzle

  16. P

    PurplePuzzle

    Ryan is doing a great job. I love his interaction with the players and he is great talking with Vanna White . They have great chemistry. They could not have hired a better host for the show. Love Ryan Seacrest.

  17. C

    CyanPin

    Bring back Pat

    1 1

    1. P

      PurplePopsicle

      It seems like Ryan really has better things to do than WoF