Wheel of Fortune: Ryan Seacrest Reportedly in the Lead to Replace Pat Sajak as Host

Published on June 13th, 2023 | Updated on June 13th, 2023 | By FanFest

After the announcement of Pat Sajak‘s retirement from Wheel of Fortune, rumors are swirling about the potential next host, and it seems American Idol host Ryan Seacrest is a strong contender. According to Bloomberg, Seacrest has engaged in conversations with the show’s producers, although the extent of the discussions remains uncertain.

Lucas Shaw of Bloomberg took to Twitter to reveal that some sources consider Seacrest as the frontrunner for the position, while others suggest he is merely one of many interested candidates. Seacrest enjoys an advantageous position due to his association with ABC, where both American Idol and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, an event he has hosted and produced since 2006, air. This connection to the network may work in his favor.

Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. 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!)

— Pat Sajak (@patsajak) June 12, 2023

On Monday, Sajak himself confirmed his retirement plans, expressing that he will be stepping away from Wheel of Fortune after Season 41, scheduled to air during the 2023-2024 television season.

In a statement shared on his Twitter, Sajak stated, “Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. 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!)”

Sajak’s retirement doesn’t come as a shock to his followers, as he mentioned last year that he had been contemplating the idea of stepping down.

“While in most television shows, you would have said, ‘That’s probably enough,’ this show will not die,” Sajak remarked about Wheel of Fortune, which debuted in 1975. “It appears I may go before the show. Years go by fast. We’re getting near the end. It’s been a long [time]. We’re not gonna do this for another 40 years. The end is near. It’s an honor to have been in people’s living rooms for that long. People were out there welcoming us. We’re happy and proud.”

Wheel of Fortune is currently available for streaming on Pluto.