Pat Sajak Passes ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Torch to Ryan Seacrest and Gushes Over Vanna White
Guess what, Wheel of Fortune fans? After a whopping 41 seasons, Pat Sajak is hanging up his hosting hat (or should we say, spinning wheel?) and passing the torch to none other than the ever-charismatic Ryan Seacrest. Yup, you heard it right! In a heartwarming promo video for the upcoming season 42, which dropped just last Thursday, June 13, we saw the industry titan give the grand tour of their iconic studio to Seacrest—with the ever-gleaming Vanna White by his side, of course.
“Well, this is it, Ryan. What do you think?” Sajak, 77, quipped, showing Seacrest all the bells and whistles of their game show sanctuary.
Seacrest, without missing a beat, responded with that trademark twinkle in his eye, “Impressive, Pat.”
It wasn’t just the studio that impressed our new host. Vanna White, who has signed on for another season (hallelujah!), shared a few kind words. “Ryan, I know the contestants are going to love you,” she said, her enthusiasm evident. And let’s be real—if Vanna approves, we all do.
Sajak also shared what he thinks Seacrest will enjoy the most about the show. “I think what you’re going to enjoy most is meeting the players and getting to know the audience at home,” he said.
Aww, isn’t that sweet? The video even captured an adorable final moment between Sajak and White, who have been shining examples of friendship and professionalism since 1983. Responding to Seacrest’s comment that they “both make it look so easy,” Sajak dished out the ultimate compliment. “Well, you’re never gonna find a better job and you’re never gonna find a better cohost.”
Sajak’s Emotional Goodbye Speech
Pat Sajak’s final episode aired on Friday, June 7, marking the end of an era with over 8,000 episodes! Can you even fathom that number? Talk about dedication. In his touching farewell, Sajak took a moment to thank all the loyal viewers out there.
“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 of you watching out there,” he began. “It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade. And I’ve always felt that the privilege came with a responsibility to keep this daily half-hour a safe place for family fun. No social issues, no politics, nothing embarrassing, I hope. Just a game.”
Take a moment to let that sink in. Forty-one years of fun, laughs, and a place where families gathered without the stress of the world creeping in. It’s genuinely touching, don’t you think?
But wait, there’s more! Sajak went on to express how the game show became much more than he ever hoped for. “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,” he said. “What an honor to have played even a small part in all that. Thank you for allowing me into your lives.”
Seacrest, our new captain at the wheel, officially takes over when season 42 premieres this September. He’s got some big shoes to fill, but if anyone can do it, it’s Ryan. We can’t wait to see what new energy he brings to the show. So, mark your calendars, folks. This season promises to be a memorable one!
