Ryan Seacrest debuts as new host of ‘Wheel of Fortune’

For the predominant time in practically 8,000 episodes, “Wheel of Fortune” did no longer commence with a hi there from longtime host Pat Sajak.

Ryan Seacrest stepped into Sajak’s shoes after his 41-365 days tenure as host of the smartly-known game level to, joining co-host and letter turner Vanna White. Seacrest, a smartly-diagnosed television and radio presence known for hosting “American Idol,” New Year’s Eve programming and a protracted-running radio level to, debuted as the sequence’ new host Monday evening.

“I mute can’t assume my perfect fortune being right here with you tonight to proceed this legacy of this implausible level to with all of you, and, of direction, my appropriate friend Vanna White,” Seacrest said as he opened the level to. “Thanks for the very heat welcome.”

In a short opening monologue earlier than the gameplay began, Seacrest acknowledged Sajak’s affect as host and his retirement on the tip of the forty first season. Sajak received his fourth Emmy Award for easiest game level to host for his last season Saturday on the Inventive Arts Emmys.

“Hosting ‘Wheel of Fortune’ is a dream job. I’ve been a fan of this level to since I was a toddler watching it in Atlanta with my family, and I do know how special it is that ‘Wheel’ has been for your living rooms for the past 40 years,” he said. “I’m valid so grateful to be invited in. I additionally know I’ve bought some very astronomical shoes to bear, so let’s play ‘Wheel of Fortune.’”

In his first episode, Seacrest brought an brisk spirit and his classic appropriate-humored nature. In a departure from his predecessor, he did no longer disclose cue cards to keep in touch with contestants Corina, Terry and Cindy about their backgrounds.

Beyond the obvious substitute of Seacrest taking over for Sajak, the premiere of the 42nd season additionally showcased some gorgeous adjustments.

The vivid wheel and the enduring puzzle board remain largely the same, though White did get dangle of upgraded to a motion sensor board in 2022 to celebrate the Fortieth season. The stage has been updated and now aspects golden wheels and spokes in a extra contemporary, mute beget.

Seacrest asked White how she beloved the new stage at some level of the hallmark banter the host and letter turner share to conclude the level to. White said there bear been “loads of lights, loads of action,” and Seacrest quipped that he hoped it would proceed working thru his first week.

Seacrest told The Associated Press in a most modern interview “the size of the location was soft spectacular” to him when he first stepped on situation.

The taking pictures agenda is mute as fast-paced as ever, with Seacrest asserting that while it can well perhaps perhaps properly be busy to shoot a couple of episodes per day, it makes it convenient for his packed agenda of varied hosting duties.

Many of the acquainted parts of the level to are valid as they bear been when Sajak left the sequence. White mute wears a formal dress, Seacrest sported a suit and tie admire Sajak did, the recognizable sound effects and “devices” contestants disclose to play are the same. The custom on the assist of the scenes additionally looks to bear remained as genial as the 30-minute episodes.

“I’ve additionally bear been impressed with how conclude the family is that works on ’Wheel of Fortune,’ the production team that puts it collectively. It’s loads of folk,” Seacrest said in an interview at an tournament with White promoting the new season. “They’re of direction a family and so that they’ve loads of respect for every single particular person, what they attain on the level to, and that’s special.”

White added that one staff member who started on the level to when she was 18 now has teenagers who are graduating from college. “We’ve been collectively a protracted time,” she said.

___

Producer Liam McEwan contributed to this document.