In his first year hosting “Wheel of Fortune,” Ryan Seacrest has a pretty big goal for 2025.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, the longtime TV host, who took over as Pat Sajak’s “WoF” host alongside Vanna White in September, shared his expectations for next year’s episodes.
“I’ve always been impressed and grateful for what this program meant to me even before I started working there, and what it means to so many people and generations across the country.” The “American Idol” host spoke while attending the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball in December 2018. Dec. 6 at the Intuit Dome. “I love giving away money. I get so excited when people win prizes and win big money. I hope to give away $1 million in 2025.”
‘Wheel of Fortune’ star Vanna White admits her chemistry with Ryan Seacrest was ‘scary’
Ryan Seacrest has high hopes for 2025. (Getty Images)
In June 2023, Sajak announced that he would be leaving the show. A week later, it was announced that Seacrest would take over as host for season 42.
After Sajak’s final episode aired earlier this year, Seacrest said goodbye to the longtime host on social media.
“Pat, congratulations on your incredible work on Wheel of Fortune! Your dedication, charm and wit have made this show a beloved fixture on American television for decades. ” she posted on Instagram along with a photo of herself, Sajak and White. “Our partnership with Vanna is truly iconic and together we have created countless great memories for our viewers. You have set the standard for hosts everywhere and this is the end of an era.” “I wish you all the best for your future.” I will do my best! ”
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Seacrest replaced longtime host Pat Sajak after he retired last year. (Ryan Seacrest Instagram)
WATCH: Ryan Seacrest wants to achieve one giant ‘Wheel of Fortune’ goal in 2025
In Sajak’s final episode, recorded in April, Sajak gave a touching farewell speech.
“It’s time to say goodbye,” he said. “Before I leave, I would like to take a few moments to say thank you and acknowledge you. I want to start with all of you who are out there watching. It is an incredible honor to be invited into your home.”
“I’ve always felt that with this privilege comes a responsibility to keep those 30 hours of each day a safe place for family fun,” Sajak continued. “No social issues, no politics, nothing to be ashamed of. It’s just a game.”
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“But gradually it has become more than that,” he added. “It’s a place where children learn to write, where foreigners hone their English skills, where families, friends, neighbors and entire generations gather.”
“What an honor to have played such a small role in all of that,” Sajak concluded. “Thank you for letting me into your life.”
Seacrest began hosting “WoF” for its 42nd season. (Getty/CBS)
Ahead of its debut, brand expert Eric Schiffer exclusively told Fox News Digital that “Wheel” viewers have a good relationship with Seacrest and his media mastermind.
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“A lot of people are asking, ‘Can he pull it off? Will he pull it off? Will he captivate the audience?'” Schiffer said. “Ryan has a sixth sense for how to make adjustments, and the adjustment here is to hold back the energy until he builds the audience’s trust. Then he uses some of the techniques he learned on ‘Idol.’ We believe we can increase engagement and grow our audience by doing so.”
“Compared to ‘American Idol,’ where there’s a lot of interaction, this is a mostly passive show. You have to charge young viewers.”
“I think Ryan’s challenge is to build enough trust early on that he can put all of his magic into growing the brand and growing his audience without losing his traditional fans. It comes down to trust and being comfortable with him,” Schiffer said. “The star is still the game itself.”
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Fox News Digital’s Tracy Wright contributed to this post.
