After a 40-year run on the program, longtime “Wheel of Fortune” host Pat Sajak announced that he was retiring at the age of 76. Now, some of television’s prime hosts are vying for the coveted spot on the show. Among the alleged candidates is Ryan Seacrest, according to a Bloomberg report. Seacrest currently also hosts “American Idol,” “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve”, the “On Air With Ryan Seacrest” podcast, and recently stepped down from “Live With Kelly and Ryan.”
“Wheel of Fortune” has aired on NBC since 1975. The game show allows contestants to make guesses on words that appear on the literal wheel of fortune, and potentially win prizes if the wheel spins in their favor. Whoopi Goldberg also confessed on “The View” that she would like to throw her hat in the ring for the hosting job. She said it would be “tons of fun.”
Not so fast, Ryan Seacrest: Whoopi Goldberg wants to host 'Wheel of Fortune,' too: 'I think it would be tons of fun'
READ MORE ➡️ https://t.co/iAuXoDi14k pic.twitter.com/TdtUSLQrlo
— UPROXX (@UPROXX) June 13, 2023
Longtime viewers of the show had mixed reactions to the news that Seacrest might be next in line for the job. Some are not convinced yet that he will successfully fill Sajak’s shoes.
I’ve been watching @WheelofFortune for 40 years. If Ryan Seacrest is Pat’s replacement, my streak will end.
— Matt Lohmus (@Lohmus) June 13, 2023
Others suspect that the takeover is already underway, given Seacrest’s seemingly sudden departure from “Live With Kelly and Ryan.”
it would explain the odd timing of him leaving Live with Kelly Lee and Ryan Lee in April
— Chris Lambert ???? (@lambertman) June 13, 2023
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Seacrest has long cemented himself as one of the most familiar names in television. Some feel that adding another show to his already lengthy resumé takes the opportunity away from a newer host that could use the experience.
Come on now. Someone new please
— mscuna62 (@mscuna) June 13, 2023
Since the host’s abrupt departure, “Live With Kelly and Ryan” is now “Live With Kelly and Mark,” with Kelly Ripa’s husband actor Mark Consuelos filling his spot. Seacrest is yet to comment directly on the “Wheel of Fortune” rumors, and Sajak has also not spoken on his wishes regarding his replacement after he retires from the program.
