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In a surprising turn of events, Ryan Seacrest’s stint as host of Wheel of Fortune has come to an unexpected end after just a few months. Seacrest, 49, took over the iconic game show this fall, stepping into the shoes of legendary host Pat Sajak, who had helmed the show for over four decades.
Fans were excited about the change, as Seacrest brought his signature charisma and experience from hosting American Idol and Live with Kelly and Ryan. However, reports are now surfacing that his daughter, Maggie Sajak, is set to take over the coveted hosting role.
Maggie Sajak, 28, has been a familiar face to Wheel of Fortune viewers, having made occasional appearances on the show over the years, primarily as a social correspondent. As the daughter of Pat Sajak, who had served as the face of the show for 41 years, Maggie had often been seen as a potential successor. However, the news that she would replace Seacrest comes as a shock to many.
Sources close to the show have confirmed that Maggie Sajak will officially take over the hosting duties from Ryan Seacrest in the coming weeks. The decision, though surprising to some, is believed to be part of a long-term strategy to keep the show fresh and in tune with a new generation of viewers. Maggie’s natural on-screen presence, combined with her understanding of the Wheel of Fortune legacy, makes her a fitting choice to continue her father’s iconic legacy.
Ryan Seacrest’s brief tenure as host of Wheel of Fortune was met with mixed reactions from fans and critics alike. While some praised his smooth transition into the role, others felt that the show lacked the spark and chemistry that Pat Sajak and Vanna White had established over the years.
The younger generation of Wheel of Fortune fans, however, appeared to be more receptive to Seacrest’s hosting style, but his time on the show seemed short-lived compared to his predecessors.
With Maggie Sajak stepping into the spotlight, Wheel of Fortune fans can expect a new chapter in the show’s rich history. Maggie’s familiarity with the show’s format, coupled with her personal connection to the legendary Sajak family, provides an interesting dynamic for the program’s future.
The move has sparked a wave of anticipation, as viewers eagerly await how Maggie Sajak will put her own spin on hosting the beloved game show. As for Ryan Seacrest, while his time as host was brief, his legacy within the entertainment industry remains strong, and it seems his next big venture is just around the corner. For now, Wheel of Fortune prepares for a new era with Maggie Sajak at the helm, promising a fresh yet familiar face for audiences.
Maggie Sajak could take over Wheel of Fortune hosting job from Ryan Seacrest if he ‘can’t work out new contract’
WHEEL of Fortune social media correspondent Maggie Sajak could end up taking over Ryan Seacrest’s hosting job if he doesn’t sign a new contract.
Ryan, 49, took over Maggie’s dad Pat’s longtime job this fall after the iconic star hosted the game show for over 40 years.
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Maggie Sajak stunned in a red gown for a charity Wheel of Fortune game in May 2023.Credit: Getty
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Ryan Seacrest, here on the season 42 premiere in September 2024, took over Pat Sajak’s longtime jobCredit: Wheel of Fortune
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Maggie is still very close to dad Pat, who still serves as a consultant on the showCredit: Getty
Despite her beloved dad’s departure, Maggie, 29, has remained on Wheel of Fortune in her role as social media correspondent.
Maggie has proven popular with viewers, and has created buzz for the show through her use of Instagram and TikTok.
“It’s important to allow Maggie to develop her own voice when it comes to the Wheel fan base, and that makes her incredibly valuable to Sony TV,” an insider told The U.S. Sun.
“Because the whole point of bringing in Ryan Seacrest was to reach more young people.”
UNCERTAIN FUTURE
As The U.S. Sun previously reported, Ryan’s arrival on the show has brought a major boost in ratings.
But he has only reportedly signed an official contract for two years, leaving Wheel of Fortune’s future uncertain.
“Sony loves the ratings and wants to negotiate a much longer contract for Ryan, but right now they have to have contingency plans in place in case Ryan simply decides to move on,” the insider claimed.
“Maggie has positioned herself to help out if there’s a hosting vacancy, and the franchise is in her blood and her appreciation for the world of Wheel of Fortune is genuine.”
Whether Ryan stays or goes, Wheel of Fortune execs hope to keep Maggie on the show for years to come.
“Maggie’s already proven herself to be a super-valuable member of the Wheel family, especially during this time of transition,” the insider said.
Wheel of Fortune’s Maggie Sajak takes fans on behind-the-scenes tour of new set & reveals detail that will stay the same
LAWYER LIFE
In addition to her job on Wheel of Fortune, Maggie also recently became a licensed attorney.
“Thank you to everyone who supported me through this journey,” she proudly posted in November.
“Excited to do some good with this in the future.”
As The U.S. Sun exclusively reported, Maggie’s law license was issued on September 7, 2024, by the State Bar of California.
She graduated from Georgetown University Law School in Washington, DC in May 2023.
Wheel of Fortune’s big changes
The game show has undergone a major transformation now that Ryan Seacrest has taken over hosting duties for Pat Sajak.
-Ryan and Vanna White now host on a brand-new set, featuring a blue-toned stage, a green screen and art-deco wheel design.
-Ryan and Vanna make their big entrance from behind new sliding, brightly lit doors.
-Vanna turns – or now, touches – a modern, digital puzzle board controlled by lasers.
-Ryan brings a new hosting style, and has ditched Pat’s signature cue cards.
-The prizes have also been upgraded, and now include tickets to NFL games, and tickets to A-list concerts.
VANNA’S REPLACEMENT?
In May 2023, Maggie filled in for longtime Wheel of Fortune co-host Vanna White, and fans thought she could take over upon the 67-year-old beauty’s eventual retirement.
Vanna seemed to hint Maggie could take on her legendary position standing next to the letterboard in the future.
“I think she’s a good replacement if I can’t be there for some reason,” she told E! in October 2023.
“She’s been around it her whole life, so I think she can fill in for me for sure.
“She’s precious, she’s beautiful, she’s very good.
“I think she learned a lot from her father because he’s such a good interviewer. I think she’s good for our show.”
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Maggie offered fans a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse of the contestants’ point of view behind the wheelCredit: Instagram/maggiesajak
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Pat is is still the host of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, which filmed earlier this year but will air in 2025Credit: Getty
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Maggie and Pat posed together on set in 2023Credit: Getty
