A remodel of the set of “Wheel of Fortune”? Vanna White and Ryan Seacrest explain.
Vanna White and Ryan Seacrest talk with USA TODAY’s Bryan Alexander about updates on the “Wheel of Fortune” set.
LOS ANGELES – Fans of “Wheel of Fortune” who tune in Monday for Ryan Seacrest’s highly anticipated debut as host (check local listings) can expect big changes in the 42nd season of the still-legendary game show.
At a taping last month, the studio audience went wild in front of a brand new set decorated with gold metal laminate and covered with 264 brilliant LED screens.
“It’s like renovating your house after 40 years,” says famous letter writer and co-host of “Wheel,” Vanna White, sitting next to host Ryan Seacrest in the show’s green room before the first taping.. “It still feels like home, but it’s just a little bit modernized.”
“We’re still trying to figure out where the outlets are,” Seacrest adds with a laugh. Of course, he’s joking. Because the 49-year-old, boyishly coiffed and deadly quick-witted “American Idol” host is the real big change at “Wheel.” Seacrest replaces Pat Sajak, 77, who retired in June after 41 years and more than 8,000 episodes of the Hangman-inspired TV game show.
Don’t worry, die-hard fans: Seacrest promises that the modifications will be limited. He won’t try to reinvent the “Wheel of Fortune.”
“Nothing has to change. Just me standing there, with my voice and my gestures, that’s different enough,” says Seacrest, who has spent months practicing hosting with simulated games and contestants. “I want the audience to feel like this is the right decision. I want (the show) to be something that isn’t jarring, but seamless.”
Vanna White is ‘Wheel of Fortune’ constant, with new foam under the heels
Reassuring constants remain from the Sajak era: the colorful wheel that the three candidates spin has remained unchanged even after 20 years and still makes the characteristic clicking sound that occurs when the outer steel pins hit the rubber flap. The puzzles will not change. Jim Thornton with the golden whistle will remain the “wheel” commentator. And buying a vowel still costs the same. “It’s cost $250 for 42 years,” says White proudly.
The famous co-host, who extended her contract for two years following Sajak’s 2023 retirement announcement, remains the ultimate and fashionably dressed facilitator of the new era. Sajak and White have been close friends since the former Miss Georgia nervously auditioned for “Wheel” in 1982 and became a global star, elegantly revealing the letters of the puzzle board.
“When I heard Pat was leaving, it was a hard decision. I just thought, ‘Gosh, we’ve been together for 40 years. Should I go with him?'” White says. “But then I thought, I’m not ready to go. I’m not ready to retire yet.”
White stayed on board and received a raise and a subtle performance upgrade: several inches of foam padding were discreetly placed under the game board, which she steps on as she activates correctly guessed letters. “I think they just wanted to make it easier for me to walk in five-inch heels,” she says.
The relationship between the new Seacrest and White has had a similarly smooth, professional landing. The chitchat between the two, in smiling conversations on and off stage, is effortless. It’s as if they’ve always done this. Seacrest and White even have an adorable moment backstage before each episode.
“We do a dental exam,” Seacrest says. “That’s honestly the last look. Because if there’s something between our teeth, I’m responsible for her. She’s responsible for me.”
Sajak and White entered arm-in-arm from the side stage; Seacrest and White now make a grand entrance behind brightly lit sliding doors in the center of the stage before heading to their respective “Wheel” stations.
“We’re walking through the door of a big show,” Seacrest says. “It’s a great gig for us.”
How does Ryan Seacrest find time for “Wheel of Fortune”?
If there’s one question that remains for fans of “Wheel,” it’s how often Seacrest will appear. Sajak, who hosted CBS’ failed late-night talk show “The Pat Sajak Show” in 1989-90, is synonymous with “Wheel” and set a Guinness record as host of the same show.
Seacrest has a famously busy schedule, even by Hollywood’s demanding standards. He hosts the daily iHeart radio program “On Air with Ryan Seacrest” and the weekly “American Top 40” show (which he took over from the legendary Casey Kasem). He will ring in 2025 by hosting his 20th edition of ABC’s “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” (which he took over from the legendary Dick Clark) before preparing to host the network’s 23rd season of “American Idol” in February.
Seacrest says the new job keeps him awake at night, between the “well-oiled machine” of “Wheel,” where episodes are shot in strategic batches (six a day, four times a month), and his notoriously crazy scheduling.
“You can look at my schedule through 2026, and if you want to know when I’m training, I can tell you,” Seacrest says. “This show allows me to do a lot of different things because they’ve put them into the (scheduling) puzzle. But there’s never a dull moment.”
The “Wheel” presenter has signed a multi-year contract and is “committed,” but does not want to speculate on how long he will stay.
“I hope the audience feels the same way,” he says. “But this is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.”
And if there are still loyal Sajak fans who don’t fully support a new “Wheel” host, Seacrest is asking that he at least be given a chance to spin the wheel.
“Nobody can beat Pat Sajak. He’s a legend and an icon. I can’t be Pat, I can be myself. And hopefully I can make it as fun and smooth as possible. That’s all I can hope for.”
