Alright folks, let's talk about Ryan Seacrest. You know him, right? The guy who seems to ooze confidence and focus every time he steps in front of a camera? Well, even he's feeling the pressure with his latest gig. The world of "Wheel of Fortune" is proving to be a tougher challenge than anyone might have expected.
Ryan Seacrest Takes the Wheel
At 49 years old, this television legend is set to take over as the host of the iconic Sony Pictures Television game show, "Wheel of Fortune," starting with season 42, airing later this year. He'll be stepping into some pretty big shoes, replacing the legendary Pat Sajak, whose final episode aired on June 7. That's right, folks, the torch is officially being passed.
With his debut just around the corner, a high-level source close to the show exclusively told Closer, “Nobody in this business has a bigger fear of failure than Ryan.” Now, that might surprise you, given how successful he's been, but it shows just how serious he is about this role. In fact, sources say Ryan began coming into the show for production tests back in mid-April. He's been working hard to prepare, folks.
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Ryan's Approach to the Show
During these tests, Ryan has been anything but the cocky showman we've come to know. According to the source, “Ryan is being humble, he’s listening, he’s sucking up to [letter turner] Vanna [White] and the crew, and he’s utterly focused on interacting with the contestants and the regular people from ordinary America who come in and out of that show.” It's a different side of Ryan Seacrest that we're seeing here, folks.
And speaking of Vanna, Closer confirmed that the 67-year-old icon will also be part of the upcoming season, extending her "Wheel of Fortune" contract through 2026. That's good news for fans who love the dynamic between Pat and Vanna, as Ryan will now have the opportunity to build his own unique chemistry with her.
Ryan's Plan for Success
Ryan is “carefully building a foundation for another 20-year run like he’s had on American Idol,” an insider shared. “But he has to build it one brick at a time and that means doing everything right as far as being charming and deferential to the many female execs involved in the show and, of course, to Vanna.” It's a delicate balance, but Ryan seems determined to get it right.
However, there's some unease about the transition. The source explained, “The hesitation at the top of Sony about working with Ryan is his notorious ego when it comes to his own hosting talent, and that’s a weapon that is also wielded by his business team, who aren’t shy about reminding people of Ryan’s decades-spanning track record in live TV and radio.”
Still, the insider says, Ryan has been “acting accordingly and not like a dumb, arrogant teenager making radio shows in his basement.” It's a big change for him, but it's necessary if he wants this to work long-term.
A New Ryan on the Horizon
“As everybody knows, that’s a little against his hype-beast nature but as hard as it’s been for him to adjust his tone, he’s pulling it off,” the source added. “And if he wants things to work long term, he doesn’t really have a choice in the matter. You’re going to see a different Ryan on this show because there’s already been a big change behind the scenes. But let’s see how long this really lasts!”
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While an official season 42 premiere date hasn't been announced yet, Ryan has already expressed his excitement about the opportunity. “I have been a fan of this show forever,” Ryan said during a September 2023 appearance on Live With Kelly and Mark. “Pat Sajak is a legend. I cannot believe I have the opportunity to take over for him. I cannot wait to be on that set and give out tons of money every night.”
