Fans would like to buy a name drop. Monday, September 9 marked the debut episode of Ryan Seacrest as the new host of Wheel of Fortune, but some fans were dismayed to not hear any specific mention of Pat Sajak by name during his replacement’s first time on the job.
Sajak hosted Wheel of Fortune since 1981, joined at almost the same time by letter-turner Vanna White, who has remained on the program. Sajak announced his retirement last summer, though he is staying close in an advisory capacity.
Ryan Seacrest did not mention Pat Sajak by name during his hosting debut
Wheel of Fortune looked a little different during its 42nd season premiere, featuring Seacrest as host for the first time. For one thing, hosts and players alike were on a new set, which Seacrest noted, also came with a lot more lights than the previous venue.
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Additionally, announcer Jim Thornton’s opening line welcomed Seacrest as the one in the driver’s seat with a rousing, “And now together for the first time, here are the stars of our show, Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White.”
In response, Seacrest offered a warm thank you to Thornton, adding, “So happy to be here.” To this, White replied, “So happy to have you!”
His monologue left something to be desired
Before launching into the game proper, Seacrest took a moment to address his first foray into hosting Wheel of Fortune. “I am your host, Ryan Seacrest,” he began. “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.”
“Thank you for the very warm welcome,” he continued. “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.”
Fittingly, it opened with a clue reading “show biz” that eventually spelled out “OPENING NIGHT.” When finally a contestant solved the puzzle, Seacrest exclaimed, “It feels that way over here!”
However, his speech made no specific mention of Sajak by name, as the man who forged much of the show’s history for four decades. However, many remain optimistic for the show’s future. “Warm Welcome to Ryan Seacrest!” one cheered online. “What an entrance! You’ll be fine as a host!” Another mused, “I think we’re off to a stellar start with the Seacrest era.”
According to The New York Times, Seacrest is signed on to host Wheel of Fortune “through the early 2030s.” What did you think of his first day on the job?