Ryan Seacrest starts as host of the new season of “Wheel of Fortune”

RY_N SE_CREST officially took over the lead of “Wheel of Fortune” on September 9, ushering in a new era for the legendary game show.

We’re talking, of course, about Ryan Seacrest, who stepped into huge shoes when he took over as co-host of the show alongside Vanna White following Pat Sajak’s exit from the show last June.

In his opening remarks as the game show’s new host, Seacrest began his first episode with a special message for longtime viewers.

“Welcome to Wheel of Fortune. I’m your host, Ryan Seacrest. I still can’t believe my luck to be here with you tonight to continue the legacy of this incredible show with all of you and of course my good friend Vanna White,” Seacrest said. “Thank you for the warm welcome. Hosting Wheel of Fortune is a dream job.”

“I’ve been a fan of this show since I was a kid and watched it with my family in Atlanta. I know how special it is that ‘Wheel’ has been in your living rooms for 40 years,” he continued. “And I’m so grateful to have been invited. I also know I have big shoes to fill. So let’s play ‘Wheel of Fortune.'”

This season is the 42nd of Wheel of Fortune, and while the most noticeable and questioned change will be Seacrest instead of Sajak, the show promises plenty of fun that will keep viewers glued to their television sets.

Seacrest is thrilled to be joining a show that is an institution in living rooms across the country and will take over the role of host from Sajak, who won his first Emmy Award on September 8.

“If you’re offered ‘Wheel of Fortune,’ just don’t say no. Just don’t say no. You’re going to have bad karma for the rest of your television life, I promise you,” he told E! News earlier this month.

“This is such a big part of American culture. I think this show means so much to the people who watch it on a regular basis,” he added.

In July, Seacrest lifted the curtain and showed his fans how his new job was going: He posted a video on Instagram from his first day at “Wheel of Fortune.”

“A quick look at my first day at @wheeloffortune and I’m still so excited!” he wrote under the clip.

Sajak will continue to host primetime “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” after announcing in June 2023 that the past season would be his last on “Wheel of Fortune.” That same month, Seacrest was chosen as his successor and he spoke highly of his predecessor.

“Your dedication, charm and wit made the show a beloved part of American television for decades,” he wrote on Instagram, among other things. “Your partnership with Vanna was nothing short of iconic and together you created countless wonderful memories for viewers. You set the standard for hosts everywhere and this marks the end of an era.”

The season premiere of “Wheel of Fortune” aired on September 9. Check your local TV guides for availability.