Mario Lopez On Short List To Replace Pat Sajak As Host Of 'Wheel Of Fortune'
By Mike Walters on June 21, 2023 at 2:01 PM EDT
Mario Lopez is in the running to replace Pat Sajak as host of 'Wheel Of Fortune,' following the game show host's retirement after 41 years.
According to sources familiar with the situation tell us the 'Access Hollywood' host is among a short list of names being considered for the famous hosting gig. As you know, Sajak announced he would be stepping down from the famous television game show after this season.
Several media executives confirmed to The Blast, Mario's name being tossed into the conversation is in the "very early stages."
The move makes sense, considering Lopez represents one of the largest growing audiences on television. According to a recent Nielsen study, "Latinos represent 19% of the U.S. population, yet they account for 42% of the country's most-watched content on the streamers." Nielsen's Senior Vice President, Stacie de Armas, noted, "They account for many new subscribers to streaming platforms."
She added, "I think that's a really important marker for how Latinos are influencing America's most watchable entertainment. It's important to have Latinos on camera."
Of course, this is one of the most coveted jobs in Hollywood -- and it's not an easy one. Sajak's replacement must have years of television hosting experience and be able to film tons of daily and weekly content. Well, Mario Lopez has been hosting a daily Entertainment News show for over a decade, including 'Extra' and 'Access Hollywood.' In other words, he's got the chops.
Plus, Lopez hosts "Must See Movies with Mario" on the Hotel Channel, which reaches 20 million travelers a month -- inside over 650,000 luxury hotel rooms across the country.
As we've reported, another frontrunner for the position is Ryan Seacrest, who has also spent many years on daily programming. Ryan is reportedly in talks with Sony about the job, considering he has time in his schedule now, as he's no longer hosting 'LIVE with Kelly and Ryan.'
Obviously, being the host of this franchise is an opportunity of a lifetime.
But, the network and production company will need to find a person willing to get up everything to host 'Wheel of Fortune.' Our sources say, Lopez loves his current hosting job at 'Access Hollywood' and is very tight with the crew and staff. In this situation, our guess is that...money talks.
Pat Sajak went public with his massive decision public, saying in a statement, "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." Several years ago, Sajak surpassed Bob Barker as the longest-running game show host in history.
Who wants to solve this puzzle?!
