Ryan Seacrest has signed an exclusive multiyear contract to host the popular game show “Wheel of Fortune” starting in 2024, Sony Pictures Television announced on Tuesday.
Seacrest will take over from the long-time host Pat Sajak, who recently announced his departure after hosting the show for an impressive four decades. Sony stated that Sajak will continue to serve as a consultant, while Seacrest will also become a consulting producer, adding to his roles.
Seacrest expressed his humility at following in the legendary footsteps of Pat Sajak, stating, “I am honored to step into the shoes of the iconic Pat Sajak. For 40 years, America has had the privilege and joy of watching Pat and Vanna [White] on their television screens, bringing us smiles and a sense of home each night.”
Aside from “Wheel of Fortune,” Seacrest is widely recognized for his work as a host, including 21 seasons on “American Idol,” his previous role on “Live With Kelly and Ryan,” and his annual appearance on “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.” He also hosts a radio program called “On Air With Ryan Seacrest” in Southern California, where the production of “Wheel of Fortune” takes place.
According to Sony, “Wheel of Fortune” has over 20 million viewers, and each year, thousands of people audition for the show, with only a few hundred making it through the final selection process.
Seacrest will officially take over as the host in 2022, following the conclusion of Pat Sajak’s 41st and final season, which will begin airing in September. Sajak holds the Guinness World Record for the longest career as a game show host for the same show.
Interestingly, Seacrest has always aspired to a role like this. In a 2009 interview with the New York Times, he expressed his admiration for the career of Merv Griffin, the creator of “Wheel of Fortune,” and his desire to build a successful career while maintaining balance and leveraging his assets.
This article has been updated.
