Ryan Seacrest on Pressure to Continue Pat Sajak’s ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Legacy

Ryan Seacrest has opened up about the pressure he’s been feeling ahead of taking the Wheel of Fortune reins from Pat Sajak later this year.

During a recent conversation with People magazine, the radio personality shared what’s going through his head before he steps into Sajak’s hosting shoes in September 2024. The longtime host’s final episode of the hit game show airs June 7.

“Well, no one can ever do what Pat has done. He is incredible,” Seacrest said. “He has made that show just something so very special for so long, and he has done such a seamless, remarkable job, so no one can be him.”

He continued, “So do I feel pressure? Sure. People love watching him. I want them to keep love watching it, and I hope to do a great job as well.”

While he does have some nerves already building up, the longtime American Idol host admitted that he has spent a lifetime unknowingly preparing for the role.

“I’ve been watching the show all my life, and I’ve been watching it as much as I can as an adult and as a child,” Seacrest explained, adding, “I think that this is a show that means so much to a lot of people. It’s a part of their lives, they like to get together at the end of the day and try and solve the puzzles. And for me, it’s a chance to give away cash and prizes and work with the legendary Vanna White.”

It was announced in June last year that Sajak would be retiring after a four-decade run as host of Wheel of Fortune. “Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” he said in a statement at the time. “It’s been a wonderful ride.”

Weeks later, it was revealed that Seacrest would be taking over as host of the syndicated game show beginning with the 2024-25 season.