Who Should Host ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Next? (POLL)
It’s official: Pat Sajak is stepping away from being onscreen in the thrilling world of television game shows, as it was announced he would be leaving Wheel of Fortune as host after over 40 years. (He will serve as a consultant following his exit after the upcoming 41st season.) There have already been discussions about who could (and should) take over the helm in his stead.
First, we have the ever-charming and multi-talented Ryan Seacrest, a household name in the entertainment industry. Known for his quick wit, affable personality, and masterful hosting skills, he just recently left Live with Kelly and Ryan (and Kelly Ripa’s husband Mark Consuelos has joined her), so his rather busy schedule may be a little more open.
And, of course, there are discussions about bumping longtime co-host Vanna White as the official lead. Or to even keep the family legacy going and bring Pat’s daughter Maggie Sajak into the fold, as she is no stranger to appearing on the long-lasting game show.
But there are a few other charismatic personalities who could fill the shoes of the host. Scroll down to check out some possibilities and vote in the poll below.
Don Lemon
Don Lemon is ready for the next chapter of his career following his unceremonious exit from CNN on Monday, April 24. Although he’s already expressed interest in relaxing for the summer, it sounds like he’s open to the possibility of returning to work. Perhaps he will try his hand at game show hosting.
Jane Lynch
Jane Lynch has been hosting the revival of Weakest Link since 2020 and serves as its executive producer. She uses her sarcastic snark delivery viewers know from Glee to shine as a memorable host. Weakest Link is now enjoying its third season with Lynch, but she’s already solidified her stamp of originality on the show. Although she’s on NBC, she can always have the best of both worlds as a game show host.
Maggie Sajak
Maggie Sajak joined Wheel of Fortune in 2021 as its Social Correspondent. She’s been providing viewers of Wheel and ABC’s primetime Celebrity Wheel of Fortune with exclusive digital content and behind-the scenes looks at what makes the Wheel go ‘round. She could go on to usher in an entirely new generation still rooted in what came before if she ever decided to step in front of the screen full-time.
Ryan Seacrest
Seacrest is a man of many jobs and titles. As such, he’s proven himself as one of the elite hosts of our time. And although his schedule forever remains busy, the gap left in the wake of formerly hosting Live with Ripa could be filled with the long-lasting legacy of Wheel.
Vanna White
White is very much just as important to the identity of the show as Sajak is, and having her step into the forefront would be something fans might call a long time coming. As soon at Sajak announced his retirement, fans immediately thought of White to be the official lead host of the show, and no one could be mad if that’s how it all ends up.
Wayne Brady
Wayne Brady is widely known for being a regular on Whose Line Is It Anyway? Before long, he transitioned to being the host of the daytime talk show The Wayne Brady Show. He was also the original host of Fox’s Don’t Forget the Lyrics! and has been the emcee of Let’s Make a Deal since its 2009 revival. He would be a delightful change of pace for the show, and his charm and banter with the audience might be a perfect fit.
Whoopi Goldberg
During the June 13 episode of The View, Whoopi Goldberg enthusiastically entered the race to become the next host of Wheel of Fortune, seizing the opportunity not even 24 hours after Sajak announced his retirement. She said that it could be a lot of fun and a lot of fun to see the jovial side of her personality, which the role of host so often requires.
