Ryan Seacrest fails to mention Pat Sajak by name on ‘Wheel of Fortune’ debut

The wheel keeps spinning.

Legendary talk show host Pat Sajak, 77, exited “Wheel of Fortune” after a run that lasted over four decades — and now, Ryan Seacrest has taken over, kicking off his own run hosting the show and failing to mention his predecessor’s name.

Seacrest, 49, had his first episode on Monday, Sept. 9, and was joined by the show’s longtime co-host Vanna White, 67, whose tenure on the show began in 1982.

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Ryan Seacrest debuts as the new host of ‘Wheel of Fortune’ alongside Vanna White.ABC

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Ryan Seacrest makes his first appearance as host.ABC
His debut was honored by announcer Jim Thornton during the show opener.

“And now together for the first time, here are the stars of our show, Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White!” Thornton said.

“I am your host, Ryan Seacrest. I still can’t believe my luck of being here with you tonight to continue this legacy of this incredible show with all of you. And of course, my good friend Vanna White,” he said during his monologue.

“Thank you for the very warm welcome,” he continued. “Hosting ‘Wheel of Fortune’ is a dream job. I’ve been a fan of this show since I was a kid watching it in Atlanta with my family. And I know how special it is that ‘Wheel’ has been in your living rooms for the pat 40 years. And I’m just so grateful to be invited in. I also know I’ve got some very big shoes to fill. So, let’s play ‘Wheel of Fortune.’”

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Ryan Seacrest during his opening.ABC

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Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White in their first “Wheel of Fortune” episode together.ABC

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Ryan Seacreast at the wheel.ABC
It was hard not to notice that Seacrest did not mention Sajak in the opener, although he did refer to having big shoes to fill.

White recently spoke about her chemistry with Seacrest and her biggest fear of having a new co-host.

“I’ve known Ryan for probably 20 years,” said White. “But in the past couple of months, we’ve done some traveling together for the show, and we got to know each other a little better, too.”

She added that she thinks their “chemistry” is good, but “I had no idea what to expect when I’m used to one person for so long.”

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Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White backstage in a social media post for “Wheel of Fortune.”ryanseacrest/Instagram

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Vanna White and Ryan Seacrest attend the “Wheel of Fortune” Pier Wheel Launch at Santa Monica Pier on August 30, 2024 in Santa Monica, California.Getty Images for CBS Media Ventures / Sony Pictures Television

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Ryan Seacrest hosting the 2024 Disney Legends Awards.REUTERS
“I was very scared,” she admitted, “but he’s doing a great job.”

Last year, Sajak announced he was retiring from the show after 41 seasons. His final episode aired in June, during which he gave an emotional speech praising White.

“To my professional other half. We’ve seen a lot of changes in our lives over the years but we’ve always been there for each other,” he said at the time. “While I’ll very much miss working with her, I take solace that we live about five miles apart. So we’ll see plenty of each other.”

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Ryan Seacrest at the Disney 2024 Upfronts presentation.Variety via Getty Images

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Ryan Seacrest during his opening.ABC
After his departure, Sajak went on to win his first Emmy in 26 years, taking home the trophy for Outstanding Host for a Game Show at Saturday’s Creative Arts Emmy Awards ceremony.

At the time, Seacrest saluted his predecessor on social media.

“Pat, congratulations on an incredible run with Wheel of Fortune!” he wrote via Instagram.

“Your dedication, charm, and wit have made the show a beloved part of American television for decades. Your partnership with Vanna has been nothing short of iconic, and together, you’ve created countless wonderful memories for viewers.”

Seacrest told “Good Morning America” that he “watched countless episodes” to prepare.

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Pat Sajak poses with Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White on the set of “Wheel of Fortune.”ryanseacrest/Instagram

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Ryan Seacrest starts new gig as ‘Wheel of Fortune’ host: ‘Spinning with excitement,” he posted on social media.Ryan Seacrest/X
Additionally, he “played mock ‘Wheel of Fortune’ games in many cities across America,” even “on conference tables, in meeting rooms,” and with “makeshift wheels and makeshift contestants for months” to get into the flow of the show.

“Pat and Vanna both said to me when I first got here, the best part is you’re going to meet three new people every night,” Seacrest recalled. “And they walk away with cash!”

On Sept. 5, White told Variety about her new co-host: “He has a hard job. He rehearsed and rehearsed and rehearsed and put everything into it so he would do a good job. And he’s accomplished that.”

Seacrest told the outlet that hosting “Wheel of Fortune” is a “full circle” moment for him since series creator Merv Griffin gave him one of his breakout roles in the ’90s, tapping him to host the teen game show “Click.”

Seacrest recalled discussing “Wheel of Fortune” with Griffin at the time. “He told me that it’s something that could last forever, because it’s a simple show that people love to play along with. You can have a busy, stressful, hectic day, and sit down and take your mind off everything else. He said that’s the key ingredient,” he said.

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Ryan Seacrest preparing for his gig as “Wheel of Fortune” host.Ryan Seacrest/X

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Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White on the set of “Wheel of Fortune.”officialvannawhite/Instagram
“Not at one point during that conversation did I ever think I’d have the opportunity to host.”

Seacrest recalled that when he stopped by the studio to observe Sajak and White after landing the gig, Sajak told him, “Vanna’s the greatest to work with. It’s the best show on TV. You’re just going to be moving people along through a game as they win money. There’s not too much to think about.”

The former host of “Live with Kelly and Ryan” also promised he wouldn’t make drastic changes.

“Don’t make any changes, don’t touch it. This show works,” Seacrest said.

“All I need to do is keep it moving, and all we need to do is have fun every night. If that’s what happens, I think this show continues for a long time.”