Ryan Seacrest Drops Jaw-Dropping Bombshell About ‘Wheel of Fortune’ — What He Just Revealed About the Show’s Future Timeline Will Leave Longtime Fans Speechless and Sparks Intense Speculation About Pat Sajak’s Departure and What’s Really Coming Next 

Ryan Seacrest is perhaps the most iconic American host of this generation. Between a stint as a morning talk show co-host, helming his own radio show, and the face of American Idol since day one, Seacrest has made his mark on American media. But Wheel of Fortune may have been the toughest job yet. Stepping into the iconic hosting role made famous by Pat Sajak, Seacrest may have actually been lined up for the job longer than we thought. 

Speaking to the Hollywood Reporter, Seacrest shared, “There were conversations — actually, years ago — about me doing this show, and I expressed interest even back then.” When asked if there was any trepidation about taking over for the host, he said, “When you look at what Pat and Vanna [White] have built over the years … they are your friends. What they’ve established is special. So that’s why I said yes.”

“It required a lot more prep than you’d think. I made flashcards for myself and, when I could, logged in remotely to watch tape days,” he told the Hollywood Reporter. “About six months out, my producer built a little travel-friendly wheel for me so I could play in hotel conference rooms with random people.” He noted that it’s a tough job filling in for Sajak.

Ryan Seacrest Is a Lifelong ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Fan

Seacrest shared that he has been a lifelong fan of the program. “I have a lot of fun with the job, but I take the responsibility very seriously. We all have memories of watching Wheel with our families. I mowed lawns growing up in Atlanta just to save money to buy a Zenith TV for the kitchen so we could watch Wheel during dinner!” Seacrest said. After a successful first season, Seacrest and White will return this fall for a new batch of episodes. A premiere date has yet to be disclosed. Additionally, no word on whether Seacrest will take over for Sajak again should Celebrity Wheel of Fortune return for another season.

Seacrest is notorious for taking the reins from prominent icons of the industry. In 2004, he took over for Casey Kasem on American Top 40. In 2009, after Dick Clark‘s passing, he took over the hosting duties on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. Then, in 2017, he replaced Michael Strahan on Live. He left that post in 2023. Will there be another iconic program that Ryan Seacrest will take over next?

Speaking to the Hollywood Reporter, Seacrest shared, “There were conversations — actually, years ago — about me doing this show, and I expressed interest even back then.” When asked if there was any trepidation about taking over for the host, he said, “When you look at what Pat and Vanna [White] have built over the years … they are your friends. What they’ve established is special. So that’s why I said yes.”

“It required a lot more prep than you’d think. I made flashcards for myself and, when I could, logged in remotely to watch tape days,” he told the Hollywood Reporter. “About six months out, my producer built a little travel-friendly wheel for me so I could play in hotel conference rooms with random people.” He noted that it’s a tough job filling in for Sajak.

Ryan Seacrest Is a Lifelong ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Fan

Seacrest shared that he has been a lifelong fan of the program. “I have a lot of fun with the job, but I take the responsibility very seriously. We all have memories of watching Wheel with our families. I mowed lawns growing up in Atlanta just to save money to buy a Zenith TV for the kitchen so we could watch Wheel during dinner!” Seacrest said. After a successful first season, Seacrest and White will return this fall for a new batch of episodes. A premiere date has yet to be disclosed. Additionally, no word on whether Seacrest will take over for Sajak again should Celebrity Wheel of Fortune return for another season.