Ryan Seacrest made his debut Monday as the new host of a long-running game show Wheel of FortuneThe TV host took over from Pat Sajak, who hosted the show for more than four decades, and began a new chapter, this time behind the wheel.
Seacrest made his debut on the newly remodeled gold-laminate set, complete with 264 LED screens, that heralded a new era. He first thanked the audience and regular announcer Jim Thornton, the former American Idol And Live with Kelly and Ryan The presenter told White he was “so happy to be here with you” after she officially welcomed him to the show.
“Host Wheel of Fortune is a dream job,” Seacrest said after joining the three candidates behind the wheel. “I’ve been a fan of this show since I was a kid watching with my family in Atlanta, and I know how special it is that Wheel has been in your living rooms for 40 years and I am so grateful that I was invited.”
While Seacrest didn’t mention Sajak by name, he did indirectly acknowledge the game show legend who earned a Guinness World Record for his longevity.
“I also know I have some really big shoes to fill,” he said, “so let’s play Wheel of Fortune.”
After his brief introduction, Seacrest kicked off the game show, which proceeded pretty much as usual (although the new host had ditched all the get-to-know-you notecards). This was apparently intentional.
“Nothing has to change. Just me standing there with my voice and my mannerisms, that’s different enough,” Seacrest told USA Today. “I want [the show] to be something that is not disruptive, that is seamless.”
In addition to the shiny new set, loyal fans of the show will recognize the same goal of contestants spinning the wheel, guessing letters to solve word puzzles like “Before and After,” while trying to avoid the dreaded “Bankrupt” tile on the wheel. Show sponsors have returned to provide items like luxury trips or extra cash.
Seacrest reportedly signed a multi-year deal with the show and says he wants to commit to it. The terms of the contract, however, have not been made public.
“I hope the audience feels the same way,” he told USA Today. “But this is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.”
Seacrest said Good morning America In an interview that aired on September 3, Sajak and White gave the new host some advice on his first day on set before taking over the reins for Season 42.
“Pat and Vanna both said to me when I first got here, the best part is you meet three new people every night,” Seacrest said. “And they walk away with money!”
When GMA When co-host George Stephanopoulos asked Seacrest, who was back on the show Monday, if Sajak had given him any words of wisdom, Seacrest told viewers.
“[Sajak] really said, ‘You’re going to love the reactions of people to being on the show,’ Seacrest said. ‘I mean, they’ve been waiting a lifetime. They’re so excited that they got the call to be on the show because it means so much.’
After wrapping up his first episode, White asked Seacrest how he was feeling.
“I feel like we’ve done one! We’ve got one under our belt,” he said.
It wasn’t clear who in the audience supported Seacrest, but the host posted a message on Instagram Stories on Monday after introducing White to his mother, Connie.
While there can only be one Wheel The winner, Seacrest, saw all three contestants go home with a cash prize.
“What was great was that everyone went home with some money,” he said. “I was really hoping that would happen on my first night.”
An evening full of winners.
