Ryan Seacrest Says Seeing UpdatedWheel of FortuneSet for 'New Era' as Host Was 'Magical' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Ryan Seacrest.Photo:Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty

Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty

Ryan Seacrestis remembering his first time on theWheel of Fortuneset ahead of his newest hosting gig.

Speaking with PEOPLE in this week’s issue, Seacrest, 49, reveals his reaction to seeing the newly renovated set. He explains that his first day there was in May, right after he finished filmingAmerican Idol.

Ryan Seacrest (left) hosting Wheel of Fortune.Eric McCandless/Sony Pictures Television

Eric McCandless/Sony Pictures Television

He jokes that the wheel was heavier than he expected, adding that it was “jaw-dropping” to see it up close.

To usher in the new era as Seacrest takes the reigns from longtime hostPat Sajak, the show received a slight makeover. “We have a new set that we just built and we’ll premiere with this new era," Seacrest says, describing it as “a big, Hollywood shiny floor game show set.”

Seacrest also says he was looking forward to working alongsideVanna White, the shows’s iconic letter-turner.

“I can’t imagineWheel of Fortunewithout Vanna White. It doesn’t seem right, especially if there’s going to be a new host,” Seacrest shares. So far, he says they’ve been having “a magical time together.”

White also spoke to PEOPLE and said “Ryan was a great choice.”

Adding, “He’s professional, he’s kind, he’s hard-working. We’ve known each other for 20 years, so I think he’s a good fit.”

(l-r) Ryan Seacrest, Vanna White, Pat Sajak.Ryan Seacrest/Instagram

Ryan Seacrest/Instagram

Stepping in as host to a show that has been on air for nearly 50 years, Seacrest says he doesn’t feel nervous — especially with 20 years of hosting experience under his belt — but excited.

“I think as a host and as someone that cares about that role, you want people to be happy," he explains. “That’s your job. You want them to feel like they’re comfortable and they’re enjoying themselves, and I do look at that with a pretty serious lens.”

Ryan Seacrest (left) and Vanna White (right).Eric McCandless/Sony Pictures Television

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After 40 years, Sajakretired fromWheel of Fortunewith his final episode airing in June. In a monologue at his exit, he thanked fans as he passed the torch to Seacrest.

“What an honor to play even a small part in all that,” Sajak said about bringing families together who viewed the show every night. “Thank you for allowing me into your lives, every time we taped a show I met three new people from all parts of this wonderful country and the world who were kind and considerate, who rooted for each other, who took great pride in talking about their family, their hometown, their friends, their schools, their jobs, even their pets.”

He concluded, “In the end, they were the real stars of the show. I genuinely like these people and I’ll miss the chance to meet more of them.”

source: people.com