For its first year as host of the “Wheel of Fortune”, Ryan Seacrest has a good target for 2025.
During an interview with Fox News Digital, the longtime television anchor, who took over Duties of “WoF” host Pat Sajak alongside Vanna White in September, opened up about his hopes for next year’s episodes.
“I’m always impressed and grateful for what the show meant to me before I even started working there and what it means to so many people and generations across the country,” the “American Idol” host said while attending the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball on June 6. December at the Intuit Dome. “I love giving away money. I get so excited when people win money, and they win a lot of money. I hope to give away a million dollars in 2025.”
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Ryan Seacrest has high hopes for 2025. (Getty Images)
In June 2023, Sajak announced that he was leaving the show. A week later, it was announced that Seacrest would be taking over the duties of host in season 42.
After Sajak’s final episode aired earlier this year, Seacrest hit the ground running social media to say goodbye to the longtime host.
“Pat, congratulations on an amazing ride on Wheel of Fortune! Your dedication, charm and wit have made the show a beloved part of American television for decades,” he wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of himself, Sajak and White. “Your partnership with Vanna is nothing short of iconic and together you have created countless wonderful memories for viewers. You have set the standard for presenters everywhere and this marks the end of an era. Best wishes for all your future endeavours!”
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Seacrest replaced longtime host Pat Sajak after his retirement last year. (Ryan Seacrest Instagram)
WATCH: RYAN SEACREST HOPE TO ACHIEVE ONE MEGA ‘WHEEL OF LUCK’ GOAL IN 2025
During Sajak’s last episode, which was filmed in April, Sajak delivered emotional farewell speech.
“Well, it’s time to say goodbye,” he said. “I have a few thanks and acknowledgments before I go, and I want to start with all of you watching out there. It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade.”
“I’ve always felt that the privilege comes with the responsibility to make this half hour of the day a safe place for family fun,” Sajak continued. “No social issues, no politics, I hope nothing unpleasant, just the game.”
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“But it gradually became more than that,” he added. “A place where children learned their letters, where people from other countries honed their English skills, where families gathered together with friends and neighbors, and entire generations.”
What an honor to play even a small role in all of this, concluded Sajak. “Thank you for letting me into your lives.”
Seacrest began hosting “WoF” in its 42nd season. (Getty/CBS)
Ahead of his debut, the brand expert Eric Schiffer exclusively told Fox News Digital that “Wheel” viewers are in good hands with Seacrest and his media mastermind.
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“A lot of people are asking, ‘Can it work? Will it do it? Will it turn the audience off?'” Schiffer said. “Ryan has a sixth sense for how to adjust, and the adjustment here lowers the energy until he builds the trust of the audience. Then, I believe he can use some of the techniques he mastered on ‘Idol’ to increase engagement and grow the audience.”
“It’s mostly a passive show, compared to ‘American Idol,’ where there is much more interaction. They have to be charged to a younger audience.”
“I think Ryan’s challenge will be building enough trust in the early stages where he can bring all his magic to brand development and audience expansion without losing old fans, and that will come with trust and a sense of comfort,” Schiffer said. “The star remains his own game. .”
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Fox News Digital’s Tracy Wright contributed to this post.
