Here’s Who Could Replace Pat Sajak on ‘Wheel of Fortune'
Longtime Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak announced on Monday that after 41 seasons on the syndicated game show, he would be stepping away in 2024. And while a replacement has yet to be named for the 76-year-old TV legend, the rumor mill seems to be pointing to one rather obvious frontrunner.
According to TMZ, Ryan Seacrest is in early talks with Sony to be the next host of Wheel. In addition to having an opening in his schedule since stepping down from LIVE with Kelly and Ryan earlier this year, Seacrest was a close personal friend of late Wheel of Fortune creator Merv Griffin. And obviously, the 48-year-old Hollywood veteran has plenty of experience, between LIVE and other hosting gigs including American Idol, New Year's Rockin' Eve, and E! News.
Sajak broke the news to fans in a statement on Twitter, more than 40 years after making his hosting debut on Dec. 28, 1981.
"Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last," he wrote, "It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all."
"If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!" he added in parenthesis.
It's unclear if Sajak's co-host Vanna White, who has been by his side since 1982, will also be departing. Shortly after Sajak's announcement, White released her own statement in support of her colleague.
"When we started Wheel of Fortune who could have imagined we’d still be at it 41 seasons later?" she wrote. "I couldn’t be happier to have shared the stage with you for all these years with one more to come."
When we started @WheelofFortune who could have imagined we’d still be at it 41 seasons later? I couldn’t be happier to have shared the stage with you for all these years with one more to come. Cheers to you, @patsajak! https://t.co/yYmo3G0Dtb
— Vanna White (@TheVannaWhite) June 13, 2023
Until a replacement host is officially named, the speculation is certain to continue.