Wheel of Fortune fans ‘figure out’ reason Ryan Seacrest was named as Pat Sajak’s replacement so quickly

WHEEL of Fortune fans have shared their theories on why Pat Sajak was replaced as host by Ryan Seacrest so quickly.

The longtime game show host taped his last episode earlier this week – nearly one year after announcing his retirement.

5

Wheel of Fortune fans think they know why Pat Sajak was replaced by Ryan Seacrest as host so quicklyCredit: Wheel of Fortune

5

Ryan is taking over as host alongside long-time co-host, Vanna WhiteCredit: ABC/American Idol
Just weeks after Pat, 77, revealed his June 2024 departure, Ryan, 49, was declared the new host, and fans think they know why that happened.

One fan started the discussion in an online thread, suggesting Sony was quick to pick a new host to avoid having a situation like they did on Jeopardy!

The network struggled to land a host following Alex Trebek’s death in November 2020, including firing TV producer Mike Richards, 48, from the gig after one day.

They then had actress Mayim Bialik, 48, and former Jeopardy! champ Ken Jennings, 49, as dual hosts, though Mayim announced in December 2023 that she was also fired.

“They have begun advertising for Ryan Seacrest’s start as host next season. I’m still just glad a jeopardy host search fiasco won’t happen again tbh,” the fan predicted.

Others shared their thoughts in the thread, with one writing, “I know somebody who works for Sony Pictures and he said the same thing. He said there was no succession plan like there was for Jay Leno (although we all remember how all that turned out).”

‘HUGE WAKEUP CALL’

The fan also claimed that Pat’s health scare in November 2019, where he underwent surgery for a blocked intestine, was a “wakeup call” for the network to start searching for his eventual replacement.

“Pat getting rushed off the set for emergency surgery was a huge wakeup call, my friend said at the time that Pat, Vanna [White, and Alex (RIP) were up there in age and everybody knew that the shows would go on without them and yet while they were in their respective positions nobody wanted to say how that would happen, they explained.

The fan also assured others that Ryan swooping in would eventually be well-received, comparing the transition to when Drew Carey, 65, took over for Bob Barker on The Price Is Right in 2007.

“I know there’s a lot of people who don’t like that Ryan is replacing Pat as host, but I remember people feeling the same about Drew Carey replacing Bob Barker and that seems to have died down,” they concluded.

Ryan Seacrest admits to feeling ‘pressure’ about replacing Pat Sajak on Wheel of Fortune as he wants fans to ‘love’ him

PAT’S LAST EPISODE WAS TAPED

The U.S. Sun exclusively reported earlier this week that Pat filmed his final episode to conclude Season 41.

It is scheduled to air on Friday, June 7, 2024.

A Sony rep for Wheel of Fortune exclusively confirmed to The U.S. Sun that Pat has filmed his last slate of six episodes.

His final episode, “Thanks For The Memories,” was filmed on Friday, April 5.

Pat’s co-host, Vanna White, 67, is continuing her role alongside Ryan and was a part of Pat’s sweet send-off.

It’s a sad goodbye for fans who’ve watched the Wheel of Fortune host since his start in 1981.

However, the beloved host isn’t going away completely, as he will stay on as producer to oversee the transition for the next three years.

Ryan has plenty of experience in front of the camera, having hosted American Idol since its inception in June 2002.

He also has numerous other hosting gigs under his belt, including Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve and spending six years as co-host of Live with Kelly Ripa, 53.

RYAN’S READY

“I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak,” Ryan wrote in an Instagram post.

“I can say, along with the rest of America, that it’s been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them.

“Pat, I love the way you’ve always celebrated the contestants and made viewers at home feel at ease. I look forward to learning everything I can from you during this transition,” his post ended.

Ryan already seems comfortable in his new position, as he recently threw a playful quip at Vanna in a behind-the-scenes moment on Idol.

An Instagram video showed Ryan walking off stage to greet his future co-host.

He walked briskly toward Vanna and said, “Next puzzle,” – a line Pat says to Vanna before bringing up a new one.

The pair laughed before embracing in a hug.

5

The U.S. Sun exclusively reported that Pat filmed his final episode on April 5Credit: Getty

5

Vanna White will continue as co-host of the showCredit: Getty

5

Ryan and Vanna recently shared a playful moment in a behind-the-scenes flip on American IdolCredit: Instagram/ officialvannawhite