Ryan Seacrest In The Lead As Possible Replacement For Pat Sajak On 'Wheel Of Fortune'

Ryan Seacrest might be the new host of "Wheel of Fortune."

Reports hinting at the possibility of the 48-year-old star taking over from Pat Sajak have begun flooding the internet barely 24 hours after Sajak announced his retirement from the popular game show. Seacrest could be the best candidate for the role following his years-long experience hosting renowned exhibitions, such as "Live with Kelly and Ryan."

Although numerous names are floating around as potential replacements for Pat, the most sought-after on the list is Seacrest. According to Fox News, who first reported the news, the producer is being considered for the "Wheel of Fortune" host position by the show's owner Sony Group Corporation.

Noting his hosting achievements, the outlet stated that he hosts "American Idol," which earned him multiple Emmy Award nominations every year from 2004 to 2014 and again in 2016. The "Get Smart" cameo star's stint with "Live with Kelly and Ryan" also earned him award nominations, and he has been leading the "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" countdown every year since 2007 — which is when Clark stepped down.

Despite Seacrest's many accomplishments that make him a top contender for the role, fans have someone they want to take over for Pat — his daughter, Maggie Marie. As it turned out, Maggie is familiar with the inner workings of the long-running show, as she has been following it since childhood and started working as its social media correspondent in 2021. 

In addition to producing behind-the-scenes interviews and moments with contestants and celebrities, the 28-year-old did an excellent job when she stepped in to turn the letters for Vanna White in 2019 and again in May during "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune."

"There's only one person I want as the new host of Wheel of Fortune, and that is MAGGIE SAJAK," one fan passionately tweeted, as another told her that she "must anchor the show" soon.

At the same time, others want White to take over as the "Wheel of Fortune" host. Today revealed that the 66-year-old is the 'most obvious choice' since she has been on the show for 40 years and got a shot at hosting it in 2019 when Pat underwent emergency surgery for a blocked intestine.

While she is a shoo-in, it is worth noting that White might want something different for herself, as she previously shared that she was not open to imagining the show without her partner-in-crime. In her words:

"I don't even want to think about that. I mean, we're a team. That's depressing. I don't even want to think about it."

It would be understandable if she exited after Pat because having to build the chemistry she and the 76-year-old share might be too much to handle.

The Blast reported that Pat shocked his fans when he took to Twitter to share that the upcoming 41st season of "Wheel of Fortune" would be his last. The Chicago native wrote:

"Well, the time has come. I've decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. It's been a wonderful ride, and I'll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it'll keep the clickbait sites busy!)."

One fan rapidly tweeted, "Pat Sajak is leaving Wheel of Fortune, and I'm not okay. I've watched him on the show since I was a kid. Happy for him, but wow." A second fan claimed that Pat's exit was "the end of an era," his daughter added, "It's so much fun working with my dad…and we're looking forward to even more fun in Season 41💙."

The television personality's impending departure was also confirmed through the statement issued by the EVP of Game Shows at Sony Pictures Television, Suzanne Prete. It read:

"As the host of Wheel of Fortune, Pat has entertained millions of viewers across America for 40 amazing years. We are incredibly grateful and proud to have had Pat as our host for all these years, and we look forward to celebrating his outstanding career throughout the upcoming season. Pat has agreed to continue as a consultant on the show for three years following his last year hosting, so we're thrilled to have him remaining close to the Wheel of Fortune family!"