The long-running game show Wheel of Fortune achieved a significant ratings milestone last month. According to Variety, Wheel of Fortune garnered 8 million viewers for its September premiere episode, thanks in large part to the debut of its new host, Ryan Seacrest. Overall, the show drew approximately 40 million total viewers in September, representing a 3% increase compared to last year.
Ryan Seacrest took over the hosting role from Pat Sajak, who had helmed the show for an impressive 41 years. Sajak shared a heartfelt farewell message to fans and his longtime co-host, Vanna White, during his final episode on June 7.
“I’ve always felt that the privilege came with a responsibility to keep this daily half-hour a safe place for family fun,” Sajak said. “No social issues, no politics, nothing embarrassing, I hope. Just a game. But gradually, it became more than that: a place where kids learn their letters, where people from other countries hone their English skills, and where families come together, along with friends, neighbors, and entire generations,” he added. “What an honor to have played even a small part in all that. Thank you for allowing me into your lives.”
Though Sajak has stepped away from Wheel of Fortune, he will continue to host Celebrity Wheel of Fortune until next year. Furthermore, he will remain a consultant for the show for the next three years.
Seacrest has big shoes to fill, but he has already proven himself to be an engaging and energetic host. In an interview at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Festival, Seacrest shared the valuable advice he received from Vanna White.
“She said, ‘Just go out there and have fun and be yourself,'” Seacrest recalled. “The good thing about this game show is that you get to be yourself. It has a little looseness to it. It doesn’t have to be so strict and formatted. It has those moments of real life and humanity.”
