The new host of “Wheel of Fortune” <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/ryan-seacrest">Ryan Seacrest</a> brought a boost to the ratings for the popular game show, scoring the biggest audience the show’s had in years.
The season premiere on September 9 brought in more than 9.63 million viewers who tuned in to watch Seacrest host the show, the largest number of viewers for a season opener since 2015, which had 11 million people tune in, <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/wheel-of-fortune-ratings-new-host-ryan-seacrest-1236010833/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according</a> to The Hollywood Reporter.
The viewers appeared to stick around for the entire first week, with the radio personality behind the wheel earning an average of 8.31 million viewers, boosting the ratings 21 percent over the 6.87 million who tuned in for the week opener in September 2023.
Seacrest landed the top gig to host the syndicated show following <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/pat-sajak">Pat Sajak</a>’s announcement in 2023 that he was leaving after hosting “Wheel” for more than 40 years, as previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/new-host-chosen-to-succeed-pat-sajak-on-wheel-of-fortune">reported</a>.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Change in Hosts Propels &#8216;Wheel of Fortune&#8217; to Big Premiere Week Ratings <a href="https://t.co/vJbIgMDz6N">https://t.co/vJbIgMDz6N</a>
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) <a href="https://twitter.com/THR/status/1838646061503779126?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
Sajak’s final episode aired on June 7 and the show scored 11 million viewers, <a href="https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/pat-sajak-final-wheel-of-fortune-ratings-viewers-1236041526/">Variety</a> noted.
<a href="https://www.amiracist.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.amiracist.com/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1726313279401000&amp;usg=AOvVaw115_qPFFEePDP86-Fvo-Vd">Am I Racist? Is In Theaters NOW — Get Your Tickets Here!</a>
In his <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/pat-sajak-delivers-farewell-speech-for-last-wheel-of-fortune-episode">final message</a> to viewers, Sajak acknowledged that the “time has come to say goodbye. I have a few thanks and acknowledgments before I go, and I want to start with all watching out there. It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade.”
“I always felt that the privilege came with the responsibility to keep this daily half-hour a safe place for family fun,” he added. “No social issues. No politics. Nothing embarrassing, I hope. Just a game. But gradually, it became more than that.”
“A place where kids learned their letters, where people from other countries honed their English skills, where families came together along with friends and neighbors, and entire generations. What an honor to play even a small part in all of that,” Sajak continued. “Thank you for allowing me into your lives.”
Last year, Sajak announced he was leaving the show, with co-host Vanna White — who first appeared alongside the host in 1982 — remaining on board.
“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” Sajak wrote on June 12, 2023.
“It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months,” he added. “Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)”
Shortly after the retirement announcement, his replacement was announced with <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/live-with-kelly-and-ryan-seacrest-is-out-heres-whos-in">Seacrest</a> confirming he’d been picked to succeed Sajak, <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanSeacrest/status/1673734940465283077?s=20">posting on X</a> that he was “truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak.”
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/new-host-chosen-to-succeed-pat-sajak-on-wheel-of-fortune" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New Host Chosen To Succeed Pat Sajak On ‘Wheel Of Fortune’</a>

Ryan Seacrest

Ryan Seacrest’s ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ Debut Nets Biggest Ratings In Years

Ryan Seacrest's ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ Debut Nets Biggest Ratings In Years

Celebrities

Entertainment

Pat Sajak

U.S.

Wheel of Fortune

Ryan Seacrest made his hosting debut on “<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/wheel-of-fortune">Wheel of Fortune</a>” Monday night and referenced longtime former host <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/pat-sajak">Pat Sajak</a> but did not say his name.
“So happy to be here,” Seacrest said to <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/entertainment">co-host</a> Vanna White after being introduced by announcer Jim Thornton at the start of the show, per <a href="https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/wheel-of-fortune-host-ryan-seacrest-pat-sajak-first-episode-1236138335/">Variety</a>. 
“So happy to have you!” White replied.
“I am your host, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/ryan-seacrest">Ryan Seacrest</a>. I still can’t believe my luck of being here with you tonight to continue this legacy of this incredible show with all of you. And of course, my good friend Vanna White,” the radio host and TV personality said. 
“Thank you for the very warm welcome,” Seacrest went on. “Hosting ‘Wheel of Fortune’ is a dream job. I’ve been a fan of this show since I was a kid watching it in Atlanta with my family. And I know how special it is that ‘Wheel’ has been in your living rooms for the past 40 years. And I’m just so grateful to be invited in. I also know I’ve got some very big shoes to fill. So, let’s play ‘Wheel of Fortune.’”
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Before Seacrest took over, Sajak hosted the popular game show for more than four decades. The former host discussed his decision to step down during filming in June. 
“I’ve always said this to you, you’ve heard me say this dozens of times, I’d rather leave a couple of years too early than a couple of years too late,” Sajak <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/pat-sajak-opens-up-about-leaving-wheel-of-fortune">told</a> his daughter Maggie Sajak during a Good Morning America interview.
“Could I still do it? Yeah, I think I could for a while,” he went on. “There’s also some other things in life that we’d like to do, and I’m enjoying this last year. It’s been a great 40 years, and I’m looking forward to whatever’s ahead.”
Seacrest previously gushed about taping “Wheel of Fortune” after being on set in July. “I’m still spinning with excitement!” he <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ryanseacrest/reel/C9fm9OXJGPQ/">wrote</a> in an Instagram post caption at the time. 
“I’m so excited, my heart’s pounding,” he said in the video. “The wheel’s maybe smaller than you think — as am I,” Seacrest added. “I could not sleep last night, I was so excited. I slept okay, but still very excited for the alarm to go off.”

Ryan Seacrest Makes Debut As ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ Host But Doesn’t Say Pat Sajak’s Name

Ryan Seacrest Hosts 'Wheel Of Fortune,' Doesn't Mention Pat Sajak By Name

Television

<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/pat-sajak">Pat Sajak</a> will return to “Wheel of Fortune” for a special celebrity series this fall following his retirement as host of the popular syndicated game show in June after more than 40 years.
Sajak has been picked as the host of ABC’s “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” when it premiers in October, the <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/pat-sajak-returning-celebrity-wheel-of-fortune-fall-2024-1235945109/">Hollywood Reporter</a> reported. Sources told the outlet that the episodes have yet to be taped and that they will air on Mondays when the network doesn’t have a “Monday Night Football Game.” A press release from ABC to <a href="https://people.com/pat-sajak-returning-to-tv-to-host-celebrity-wheel-of-fortune-after-retirement-8676023?taid=668ed0da68b1fc0001abb636&amp;utm_campaign=peoplemagazine&amp;utm_content=new&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">People magazine</a> also confirmed that Sajak was coming back to TV, calling it his &#8220;final spin&#8221; on the franchise.
Sajak’s last episode aired on June 7 after he hosted the show for 41 years alongside Vanna White. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Pat Sajak Returning to TV to Host &#8216;Celebrity Wheel of Fortune&#8217; After Retirement <a href="https://t.co/1uyadVBOlY">https://t.co/1uyadVBOlY</a>
— People (@people) <a href="https://twitter.com/people/status/1811103133365317720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
In a sweet <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/pat-sajak-delivers-farewell-speech-for-last-wheel-of-fortune-episode">final message</a> to the viewers, Sajak acknowledged that the “time has come to say goodbye. I have a few thanks and acknowledgments before I go, and I want to start with all watching out there. It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade.”
“I always felt that the privilege came with the responsibility to keep this daily half-hour a safe place for family fun,” he added.“No social issues. No politics. Nothing embarrassing, I hope. Just a game. But gradually it became more than that.”
“A place where kids learned their letters, where people from other countries honed their English skills, where families came together along with friends and neighbors, and entire generations. What an honor to play even a small part in all of that,” Sajak continued. “Thank you for allowing me into your lives.”
Last year, Sajak announced he was leaving the show, with cohost Vanna White — who first appeared alongside the host in 1982 — remaining on board.
“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” Sajak wrote on June 12, 2023.
“It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months,” he added. “Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)”
Shortly after the retirement announcement, his replacement was announced with media personality Ryan <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/live-with-kelly-and-ryan-seacrest-is-out-heres-whos-in">Seacrest</a> confirming he’d been picked to succeed him, <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanSeacrest/status/1673734940465283077?s=20">posting on X</a> that he’s “truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak.”
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/pat-sajaks-final-show-on-wheel-of-fortune-scores-massive-ratings-boost" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pat Sajak’s Final Show On ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ Scores Massive Ratings Boost</a>

Pat Sajak To Return To ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ For Special Series

<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/pat-sajak-opens-up-about-leaving-wheel-of-fortune">Pat Sajak’s</a> final appearance on “Wheel of Fortune” scored a massive ratings boost as viewers turned in to see the longtime host say goodbye to the game show he made popular.
Sajak’s last episode — after hosting for more than forty years — aired on June 7 and drew an audience of more than 11 million viewers, the <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/pat-sajak-final-wheel-of-fortune-ratings-1235926105/">Hollywood Reporter</a> reported.
It was the largest audience the syndicated game show has seen in more than four years, since April 2020 when the world was at the start of the pandemic. Excluding sports, the final episode for the long-time game show host was the most-watched program on cable TV or broadcast, at any time of day, for the week of June 3-9, the outlet noted.
During Sajak&#8217;s entire last week of hosting, the game show experienced larger than usual viewership, with an average of 8.5 million viewers for the week, hitting an 18-week high in household rating (5.0), the outlet noted.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Pat Sajak&#8217;s &#8216;Wheel of Fortune&#8217; Goodbye Hits Four-Year Ratings High <a href="https://t.co/D9RZ1acyik">https://t.co/D9RZ1acyik</a>
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) <a href="https://twitter.com/THR/status/1803155356828443036?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
Sajak’s <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/pat-sajak-delivers-farewell-speech-for-last-wheel-of-fortune-episode">final message</a> was simple: he told viewers, “Well, the time has come to say goodbye. I have a few thanks and acknowledgments before I go, and I want to start with all watching out there. It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade.”
“I always felt that the privilege came with the responsibility to keep this daily half-hour a safe place for family fun,” he added.“No social issues. No politics. Nothing embarrassing, I hope. Just a game. But gradually it became more than that.”
“A place where kids learned their letters, where people from other countries honed their English skills, where families came together along with friends and neighbors, and entire generations.
&#8220;What an honor to play even a small part in all of that,” Sajak continued. “Thank you for allowing me into your lives.”
Last year, Sajak announced he was leaving the show, with cohost Vanna White — who first appeared alongside the host in 1982 — remaining on board.
“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” Sajak wrote on June 12, 2023.
“It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months,” he added. “Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)”
Shortly after the retirement announcement, his replacement was announced with media personality Ryan <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/live-with-kelly-and-ryan-seacrest-is-out-heres-whos-in">Seacrest</a> confirming he’d been picked to succeed him, <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanSeacrest/status/1673734940465283077?s=20">posting on X</a> that he’s “truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak.”

Pat Sajak’s Final Show On ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ Scores Massive Ratings Boost

Pat Sajak's Final Show On 'Wheel Of Fortune' Scores Massive Ratings Boost

Ratings

Longtime “<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/wheel-of-fortune">Wheel of Fortune</a>” host <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/pat-sajak">Pat Sajak</a> previewed his closing remarks for the final episode he hosted of the popular game show. The episode will air on Friday, June 7.
&#8220;Well, the time has come to say goodbye,&#8221; the 77-year-old <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/television">host</a> began. &#8220;I have a few thanks and acknowledgments before I go, and I want to start with all watching out there. It&#8217;s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade.&#8221;
Sajak began hosting the show back in 1981.
“I always felt that the privilege came with the responsibility to keep this daily half-hour a safe place for family fun,” he continued. “No social issues. No politics. Nothing embarrassing, I hope. Just a game. But gradually it became more than that.”
He added, “A place where kids learned their letters, where people from other countries honed their English skills, where families came together along with friends and neighbors, and entire generations.”
&#8220;What an honor to play even a small part in all of that,&#8221; Sajak concluded. &#8220;Thank you for allowing me into your lives.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
Pat Sajak is signing off. <a href="https://t.co/30ldJIWuYh">https://t.co/30ldJIWuYh</a> <a href="https://t.co/X4A5sn7XQN">pic.twitter.com/X4A5sn7XQN</a>
— New York Post (@nypost) <a href="https://twitter.com/nypost/status/1799069821876961736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 
Sajak first announced his retirement in June 2023 by <a href="https://x.com/patsajak/status/1668392746787418114">sharing the news</a> on his X account. &#8220;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!)&#8221;
Longtime colleague Vanna White got emotional while discussing Sajak’s departure. 
<a href="https://onelink.to/dwapp" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" aria-describedby="sk-tooltip-9096" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://onelink.to/dwapp&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1716990157394000&amp;usg=AOvVaw33qQydjIo8bet419amChif">CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP</a>
&#8220;I can&#8217;t believe tomorrow is our last show together,&#8221; White <a href="https://x.com/MusicJim2/status/1798864313114894380" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>. &#8220;I don&#8217;t know how to put into words what these last 41 years have meant to me. But I&#8217;m going to try. Eight thousand episodes went by like that.&#8221;
&#8220;You made me feel so comfortable, so confident,&#8221; she added. &#8220;You made me who I am. You really did.&#8221;
Ryan Seacrest has been named as Sajak’s <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/ryan-seacrest-on-taking-mantle-from-pat-sajak-on-wheel-of-fortune" target="_blank" rel="noopener">successor</a> to host &#8220;Wheel of Fortune.&#8221; White will continue on the show at least through the 2025-26 season.

Pat Sajak Delivers Farewell Speech For Last ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ Episode

Pat Sajak Delivers Farewell Speech For Last 'Wheel Of Fortune' Episode

TV host <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/pat-sajak-announces-next-year-will-be-his-last-on-wheel-of-fortune">Pat Sajak</a> finally opened up about leaving “Wheel of Fortune” after hosting the popular game show for more than 40 years.
During the 77-year-old game show host’s appearance on Monday on “<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/pat-sajak-talks-daughter-final-week-wheel-fortune/story?id=110755590">Good Morning America</a>,” the longtime host was interviewed by his daughter Maggie Sajak about why he felt it was time to step away from hosting the show. ‘American Idol’ alum <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/new-host-chosen-to-succeed-pat-sajak-on-wheel-of-fortune">Ryan Seacrest</a> has been chosen to take over.
&#8220;I&#8217;ve always said this to you, you&#8217;ve heard me say this dozens of times, I&#8217;d rather leave a couple of years too early than a couple of years too late,” Sajak told his daughter.
&#8220;Could I still do it? Yeah, I think I could for a while,” he added. “There&#8217;s also some other things in life that we&#8217;d like to do, and I&#8217;m enjoying this last year. It&#8217;s been a great 40 years, and I&#8217;m looking forward to whatever&#8217;s ahead.&#8221;
When pressed by his daughter how it felt recently going into his final week of the show, Sajak admitted he was doing okay.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
EXCLUSIVE: &#8220;Wheel of Fortune&#8221; host Pat Sajak opens up to his daughter about his final week of shows after a 41-season run: &#8220;It&#8217;s been a little bit wistful and all that, but I&#8217;m enjoying it and taking it all in and reflecting on the great run.&#8221; <a href="https://t.co/vvO8KemRba">https://t.co/vvO8KemRba</a> <a href="https://t.co/HfpBrQ9zlD">pic.twitter.com/HfpBrQ9zlD</a>
— Good Morning America (@GMA) <a href="https://twitter.com/GMA/status/1797598755350290884?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
&#8220;You know, this was announced a long time ago, almost a year ago,&#8221; the host said. “So I&#8217;ve had time to sort of get used to it, and it&#8217;s been a little bit wistful and all that, but I&#8217;m enjoying it and taking it in and reflecting on a great run.&#8221;
&#8220;I do know that somewhere along the line we became more than a popular show, we became part of the popular culture, and more importantly, we became part of people&#8217;s lives,” he added. “And that&#8217;s been awfully gratifying.&#8221;
Last year, Sajak announced he was leaving the show, with cohost Vanna White — who first appeared alongside Sajak in 1982 — remaining on board.
“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” Sajak wrote on June 12, 2023.
“It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months,” he added. “Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)”
Shortly after the retirement announcement, his replacement was announced with media personality <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/live-with-kelly-and-ryan-seacrest-is-out-heres-whos-in">Seacrest</a> confirming he’d been picked to succeed him, <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanSeacrest/status/1673734940465283077?s=20">posting on X</a> that he’s “truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak.”
“I can say, along with the rest of America, that it’s been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna [White] on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them,” Seacrest added. &#8220;I can’t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White.&#8221;
Sajak’s final episode will air Friday June 7, <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/pat-sajak-talks-daughter-final-week-wheel-fortune/story?id=110755590">ABC News</a> noted.

ABC’s “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune”

Pat Sajak Opens Up About Leaving ‘Wheel Of Fortune’

Ryan Seacrest said he’s preparing to take up the mantle from legendary game show host Pat Sajak when he becomes the host of “<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/wheel-of-fortune">Wheel of Fortune</a>” this year, but made it clear he could never replace him.
The TV host takes over this year, becoming only the second host ever for the show, after Sajak became the first man to call out the letters for the puzzle game more than 40 seasons ago.
&#8220;He [Sajak] has made such an impact on this whole country,” the “American Idol” host told <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/american-idol-host-ryan-seacrest-admits-one-thing-cannot-do-wheel-of-fortune">Fox News</a>.  “He’s become a companion, a best friend to a lot of people.”
&#8220;I have so much respect and admiration for what he’s been able to do,” he added. “He’s a total pro. No one’s smoother and [more] seamless than Pat.&#8221;
&#8220;No one can replace him,” Seacrest continued. “I just want to come in and continue to have fun with those contestants.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
&#8216;American Idol&#8217; host Ryan Seacrest admits the one thing he cannot do when he takes over &#8216;Wheel of Fortune&#8217; <a href="https://t.co/LQawbVRDD5">https://t.co/LQawbVRDD5</a>
— Fox News (@FoxNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/FoxNews/status/1784865882667204742?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
Last year, Sajak made the announcement that after 43 years helming the show he was leaving at the end of his 41st season.
&#8220;Well, the time has come,&#8221; Sajak <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/pat-sajak-leaving-wheel-fortune">wrote in June</a>. &#8220;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!).&#8221; 
Later that month the game show announced his replacement was <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/new-host-chosen-to-succeed-pat-sajak-on-wheel-of-fortune">Seacrest</a>.
&#8220;I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak,&#8221; Seacrest said in a statement at the time.
“I can say, along with the rest of America, that it’s been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them,” he added.
&#8220;Pat, I love the way you’ve always celebrated the contestants and made viewers at home feel at ease,” Seacrest continued. “I look forward to learning everything I can from you during this transition.&#8221;
Sajak reportedly has already taped his final episode which is expected to air, Friday, June 7, to coincide with the season 41 finale, <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/wheel-fortune-legend-pat-sajak-tapes-final-episode-iconic-game-show-air-date-announced">Deadline</a> reported.
Seacrest has previously hosted “American Idol,” “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’Eve,” and the podcast “On Air With Ryan Seacrest.”
After Sajak’s announcement, Vanna White — who first appeared alongside Sajak in 1982 — took to social media to celebrate her costar and all the seasons they worked together.
“When we started [Wheel of Fortune] who could have imagined we’d still be at it 41 seasons later? ” White tweeted. “I couldn’t be happier to have shared the stage with you for all these years with one more to come. Cheers to you [Pat Sajak]!”

Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2015

Ryan Seacrest Weighs In On Taking Mantle From Pat Sajak On ‘Wheel Of Fortune’

The iconic host of “Wheel of Fortune,” Pat Sajak, who became the longest-running host of a game show in television history in 2018, will appear as the host <a href="https://deadline.com/2024/04/pat-sajak-final-wheel-of-fortune-episode-air-date-1235877034/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">for the last time</a> on June 7.
Sajak started hosting the show in 1981, when he took over from Chuck Woolery; he has received 19 nominations for the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host and won three times.
He announced his impending retirement last June, tweeting, “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 was born in Chicago in 1946, went to Columbia College, then served in the U.S. Army as a disc jockey during the Vietnam War for American Forces Vietnam Network. He later worked as a weatherman before becoming a weather reporter for KNBC in Los Angeles.
Merv Griffin fought for Sajak to become the host of “Wheel of Fortune” to succeed Chuck Woolery, he took over as host in 1981. In the 2018-19 season, he became the longest-running host of any game show, passing Bob Barker, who had hosted The Price Is Right.
Sajak, a staunch political conservative, has served as an external director of Eagle Publishing and served on the board of directors of the Claremont Institute.
Sajak’s rapier wit on Twitter has endeared him to conservatives for years. Targeting the non-stop coverage of Great Britain’s Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle amidst ferociously incessant coverage of the woke couple because of Harry’s new memoir, “Spare,” Sajak <a href="https://twitter.com/patsajak/status/1612831630888165377?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tweeted</a>, “Having trouble finding information about Prince Harry and his wife (Meghan, I think). Any sources you might suggest?”
In November 2019, Sajak, then 73, took notice of the unhinged climate alarmists on the Left who had decided to avoid having children in order to save the planet. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) <a href="https://www.jpost.com/American-Politics/Ocasio-Cortez-Is-it-okay-to-still-have-kids-in-light-of-climate-change-582150" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pontificated</a>, “Our planet is going to hit disaster if we don’t turn this ship around and so it’s basically like, there’s a scientific consensus that the lives of children are going to be very difficult. And it does lead, I think, young people to have a legitimate question, you know, ‘Is it okay to still have children?’”
Offering his own hilarious solution for the problem.  Sajak tweeted, “In order to save our planet, I’m asking everyone in America who’s 73-years-old or older to join me in pledging not to have any more children.”
Sajak had lanced the self-importance of celebrities before as well. In October 2017, he issued a tweet in the wake of the plethora of uninformed opinions offered by celebrities (in response to the Las Vegas massacre), writing, “OK, let me explain this again: We&#8217;re celebs. We&#8217;re wiser &amp; more empathetic than you. We are famous. Please take our opinions more seriously.”

Sajak

‘Wheel Of Fortune’ Host Pat Sajak’s Last Show Will Be June 7

&#8220;Wheel of Fortune&#8221; fans claim that a contestant gave the correct answer and got snubbed by the show, losing out on winning the grand prize of $40,000.
The controversy stemmed from the show that aired Tuesday, when Megan — a high school choir director from California — made it to the final round of &#8220;Wheel of Fortune&#8221; and ended up getting into the bonus puzzle round as well, <a href="https://www.tmz.com/2024/01/31/wheel-of-fortune-contestant-robbed-judges-prize-puzzle/">TMZ</a> reported.
Megan got through to the final round after winning $14,000 where she chose &#8220;Living thing&#8221; for her final puzzle. With the given letters to start out being &#8220;RSTLNE&#8221; the puzzle looked like  &#8220;_ _N_  _R_ _ _ _.&#8221;
She then got the chance to add three more letters and the final puzzle read, &#8220;P_N_  _RC_ _ D.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
&#8220;Wheel of Fortune&#8221; fans are OUTRAGED over THIS $40K prize ruling! <a href="https://t.co/BMVDZ2XrQN">pic.twitter.com/BMVDZ2XrQN</a>
— E! News (@enews) <a href="https://twitter.com/enews/status/1752806383123407171?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2024</a></blockquote>
Fans of the show are convinced that Megan either said what sounded like &#8220;something&#8221; or &#8220;pink&#8221; &#8220;orchid&#8221; leading them to believe she gave the correct answer which was &#8220;Pink Orchid.&#8221;
They then took to social media to make it clear that they were disgusted that the contestant had lost and to push the idea she was robbed.
&#8220;There is no question, she absolutely said &#8216;pink orchid,&#8217; one fan wrote on <a href="https://x.com/ashleeeeeejune/status/1752492010227818833?s=20">X</a>. &#8220;Please give this girl her winnings! Rooting for you, Megan!&#8221;
Another <a href="https://x.com/PaganWitch87/status/1752490177484685561?s=20">added</a>, &#8220;Okay Wheel of Fortune if you play tonight’s episode again for the final puzzle, the one that just aired, you will hear clearly that she said &#8216;pink orchid,&#8217; You did not properly credit the winner. Go and play it back. Seriously, she said exactly that! &#8216;Pink Orchid!'&#8221;
While a third person wrote, &#8220;Wheel of Fortune We listened 5 times at high volume and will swear that Megan said &#8216;pink orchid&#8217; for her first guess in the prize round Jan. 30th. Anyone else?&#8221;
Listening to the clip it&#8217;s clear Megan said &#8220;Pony Orchid” at one point, but unclear if she said &#8220;pink.&#8221; Plus, the fact that when the host <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/new-host-chosen-to-succeed-pat-sajak-on-wheel-of-fortune" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pat Sajak</a> revealed the answer was &#8220;Pink Orchid,&#8221; it appeared that the contestant was surprised to learn the answer.
In 2023, the longtime host of the show <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/new-host-chosen-to-succeed-pat-sajak-on-wheel-of-fortune" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> he would be leaving at the conclusion of the current season.
&#8220;Well, the time has come. I&#8217;ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,&#8221; Sajak tweeted on June 12. &#8220;It&#8217;s been a wonderful ride, and I&#8217;ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it&#8217;ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)&#8221;
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/new-host-chosen-to-succeed-pat-sajak-on-wheel-of-fortune" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New Host Chosen To Succeed Pat Sajak On &#8216;Wheel Of Fortune&#8217;</a>

DENVER, CO–MARCH 22RD 2006–Wheel of Fortune Production assistants, Rochell ( no E on the end) Smith,  left, from Denver, and Scott Markowitz,  from Los Angeles,  during a last minute sound and video check on the set of Wheel of Fortune a

Fans Claim ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ Contestant Said Correct Answer, Got Snubbed By Show

Fans Claim 'Wheel Of Fortune' Contestant Said Correct Answer, Got Snubbed By Show

&#8220;Wheel of Fortune&#8221; has <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/new-host-chosen-to-succeed-pat-sajak-on-wheel-of-fortune" target="_blank" rel="noopener">chosen a new host</a> – &#8220;American Idol&#8221; alum Ryan Seacrest, according to a Tuesday statement from Sony – but outgoing host Pat Sajak&#8217;s longtime letter-turner Vanna White, 66, may or may not be ready to join him.
According to a <a href="https://puck.news/vanna-white-would-like-a-raise/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">report</a> from Puck News, White, 66, hired an attorney last week amid claims that she had not had a pay raise in nearly two decades. The report claimed that White, who has been turning the iconic letters since 1982, has been stalled at $3 million per year for the last 18 years – occasionally receiving bonuses rather than pay raises. Sajak, in contrast, pulled in $15 million annually for hosting the show – according to a Forbes <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/natalierobehmed/2016/10/06/the-worlds-highest-paid-tv-show-hosts-dr-phil-leads-with-88-million/?sh=74425167343b" target="_blank" rel="noopener">report</a> published in 2016.
White hired attorney Bryan Freedman, known for his aggressive representation of television personalities against their respective networks. Freedman <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/25/business/media/carlson-lemon-lawyer-freedman.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">made headlines</a> recently when he was reportedly hired to represent <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/tucker-carlson-and-don-lemon-hire-the-same-attorney-after-both-were-fired-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ousted cable news hosts</a> Tucker Carlson and Don Lemon against Fox News and CNN, respectively.
White&#8217;s contract is up at the end of the 2023-2024 season, and Freedman is expected to &#8220;hit the pay discrepancy issue hard &#8230; as well as possible gender discrimination with respect to White’s salary&#8221; if Sony Pictures wants to keep her on the show.
White has not yet commented on Seacrest&#8217;s announcement, but the the former &#8220;Live with Kelly and Ryan&#8221; host made it clear that he was looking forward to the new gig.
&#8220;I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak. I can say, along with the rest of America, that it’s been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them,&#8221; Seacrest said in a statement.
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&#8220;Pat, I love the way you’ve always celebrated the contestants and made viewers at home feel at ease. I look forward to learning everything I can from you during this transition,&#8221; he added. &#8220;I can’t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White.&#8221;
&nbsp;

VANNA WHITE

Vanna White Lawyers Up After Seacrest Named New ‘Wheel’ Host: Report

Vanna White Lawyers Up After Seacrest Named New 'Wheel' Host: Report

TV host <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/live-with-kelly-and-ryan-seacrest-is-out-heres-whos-in" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ryan Seacrest</a> has confirmed he&#8217;s been picked to succeed <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/pat-sajak-announces-next-year-will-be-his-last-on-wheel-of-fortune" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pat Sajak</a> as host of the hit game show &#8220;Wheel of Fortune.&#8221;
Seacrest took to <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanSeacrest/status/1673734940465283077?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> on Tuesday and tweeted that he&#8217;s &#8220;truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak.&#8221;
&#8220;I can say, along with the rest of America, that it&#8217;s been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna [White] on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them,&#8221; he added.
&#8220;I can&#8217;t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White,&#8221; Seacrest concluded.
Seacrest&#8217;s post comes after the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/27/business/media/ryan-seacrest-wheel-of-fortune.html?partner=slack&amp;smid=sl-share" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New York Times</a> reported on Tuesday that the 48-year-old media personality — who&#8217;d been considered a top contender for the job among speculators — would be the next host of the game show in 2024.
<a href="https://www.cinemablend.com/television/vanna-white-lawyered-up-wheel-of-fortune-future-could-go-different-directions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reports</a> surfaced on Monday that Sajak&#8217;s longtime co-host Vanna White was interested in staying on board, but was currently in contract negotiations to continue with the show. She is under contract for another year, the NYT noted.
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Breaking News: Ryan Seacrest will succeed Pat Sajak as the next host of “Wheel of Fortune,” according to people familiar with the plan. <a href="https://t.co/Q3h3RkzjoT">https://t.co/Q3h3RkzjoT</a> <a href="https://t.co/RexKaRld9O">pic.twitter.com/RexKaRld9O</a>
&mdash; The New York Times (@nytimes) <a href="https://twitter.com/nytimes/status/1673733422433419284?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Seacrest, White, and even Whoopi Goldberg were previously speculated as possible replacements for Sajak after he announced earlier this month that he was leaving the show.
&#8220;Well, the time has come. I&#8217;ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,&#8221; Sajak tweeted on June 12.
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&#8220;It&#8217;s been a wonderful ride, and I&#8217;ll have more to say in the coming months,&#8221; he added. &#8220;Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it&#8217;ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
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!)
&mdash; Pat Sajak (@patsajak) <a href="https://twitter.com/patsajak/status/1668392746787418114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Seacrest has previously hosted &#8220;American Idol,&#8221; &#8220;Dick Clark&#8217;s New Year&#8217;s Rockin&#8217;Eve,&#8221; and the podcast &#8220;On Air With Ryan Seacrest.&#8221;
After Sajak&#8217;s announcement, White — who first appeared alongside Sajak in 1982 — took to social media to celebrate her costar and all the seasons they worked together.
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When we started <a href="https://twitter.com/WheelofFortune?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WheelofFortune</a> 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, <a href="https://twitter.com/patsajak?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@patsajak</a>! <a href="https://t.co/yYmo3G0Dtb">https://t.co/yYmo3G0Dtb</a>
&mdash; Vanna White (@TheVannaWhite) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheVannaWhite/status/1668644683667628032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&#8220;When we started [Wheel of Fortune] who could have imagined we&#8217;d still be at it 41 seasons later? &#8221; Vanna tweeted. &#8220;I couldn&#8217;t be happier to have shared the stage with you for all these years with one more to come. Cheers to you [Pat Sajak]!&#8221;
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/here-are-the-names-being-floated-to-replace-retiring-wheel-of-fortune-host-pat-sajak" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Here Are The Names Being Floated To Replace Retiring &#8216;Wheel Of Fortune&#8217; Host Pat Sajak</a>

New Host Chosen To Succeed Pat Sajak On ‘Wheel Of Fortune’

New Host Chosen To Succeed Pat Sajak On 'Wheel Of Fortune'

This article is adapted from today’s Morning Wire Afternoon Update. To listen to the podcast version, click <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/podcasts/morning-wire" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
<a href="https://www.nbc15.com/2023/06/16/arrests-made-thefts-yogi-berras-world-series-rings-warhol-pollock-art/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Arrests Made Over Theft Of Yogi Berra World Series Rings</a>
Charges against a ring of nine people for thefts of millions of dollars worth of paintings, sports memorabilia, and other valuables have been announced by federal authorities. The thefts took place over more than two decades at 20 museums, institutions, and stores across several states. The stolen goods included an Andy Warhol silkscreen, a Jackson Pollock painting, and nine World Series rings belonging to the late Yankees catcher Yogi Berra.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/jun/14/synthetic-human-embryos-created-in-groundbreaking-advance" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stem-Cell Babies</a>
Scientists in the United Kingdom claim that they have achieved a remarkable scientific feat — creating synthetic human embryos by using stem cells without any eggs or sperm. Professor Magdalena Żernicka-Goetz, of the University of Cambridge and the California Institute of Technology, announced the news on Wednesday at a conference in Boston, but the potential method is still a long way from being used clinically. It also raises serious ethical and legal questions.
<a href="https://campusreform.org/article?id=23476" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TCU To Host Class About Drag</a>
Texas Christian University’s course catalog shows the school will offer a course called “The Queer Art of Drag” this coming fall. The course will be taught by Dr. Nino Testa, who also goes by his drag name “Maria von Clapp.” A syllabus for the course indicates that students will use worksheets and vision boards to develop their own drag personas, culminating in a live lip-sync performance.
<a href="https://globalnews.ca/news/9768269/drug-bust-canola-oil-jugs-bc-australia-cbsa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Global Meth Ring Busted</a>
After a five-month investigation, law enforcement in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand have busted a massive drug syndicate accused of smuggling six tons of methamphetamine from Canada to Australia and New Zealand. The traffickers were intercepted smuggling the drugs through shipments of maple syrup and canola oil.
<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/ufc-fighter-conor-mcgregor-accused-of-sexual-assault-at-nba-finals-game-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Conor McGregor Accused Of Sexual Assault</a>
UFC superstar Conor McGregor has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman in the bathroom at Kaseya Center, home to the Miami Heat. According to a report from TMZ, the incident allegedly took place at Game 4 of the 2023 NBA Finals between the Heat and Denver Nuggets. McGregor’s representatives have denied the allegations. According to demand letters from attorney Ariel Mitchell, the victim was separated from her friend by Heat and NBA security, where she was forced into a bathroom inside the arena. McGregor then emerged from a stall and forcibly kissed the woman while security guards allegedly guarded the doors.
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<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/why-viewers-of-all-political-stripes-came-to-appreciate-pat-sajaks-all-american-appeal" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pat Sajak Resigning</a>
After 41 years at the helm of “Wheel of Fortune,” Pat Sajak has announced that this will be his final season. As Sajak told NBC’s Al Roker, he always put the show first.
Sajak took over for Chuck Woolery in 1983 and now holds the Guinness world record for the longest-serving host of a single game show. Ryan Seacrest, Whoopi Goldberg, and letter spinner Vanna White have all been mentioned as replacements.
<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/justice-department-probing-pga-tour-liv-golf-merger-over-antitrust-concerns" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DOJ Investigating PGA-LIV Merger</a>
The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division has informed the PGA Tour that it will review the organization’s proposed merger with LIV Golf. The announcement of the deal last week immediately triggered antitrust concerns and sent shockwaves through the golf world.
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