Ryan Seacrest made his long-awaited debut as the new host of Wheel of Fortune when the game show returned for its 42nd season. For the first time in decades, a new permanent host was introduced.
In June 2023, Pat Sajak, the longtime host of Wheel of Fortune, announced he would be stepping down. Shortly after, Seacrest was named as his replacement. Seacrest, who has hosted numerous television shows, expressed his excitement, saying he had grown up watching the show and was eager to take over after Sajak.
Despite some fans initially doubting his ability to host the game show, Seacrest received a warm welcome from the audience. After being introduced alongside Vanna White by announcer Jim Thornton, Seacrest expressed his gratitude to be part of the show’s legacy and acknowledged the challenge of filling Sajak’s shoes.
Seacrest’s debut was well-received, though fans noticed he didn’t mention Sajak by name. Still, the consensus was positive, with many viewers praising Seacrest’s natural hosting abilities. One viewer remarked on X that Seacrest’s lack of notecards demonstrated his skill and confidence, while others shared their excitement for this new era of Wheel of Fortune.
Ryan Seacrest is off to a rocky start on Wheel of Fortune 🥴
Not a single mention of the ICON @PatSajak?!pic.twitter.com/ccwAhe94Ar
— Noel ☆ (@KingOfHotTopics) September 10, 2024
What are your thoughts on Ryan Seacrest’s debut as the new host of Wheel of Fortune?