‘Wheel of Fortune’ Host Ryan Seacrest Doesn’t Mention Pat Sajak By Name in First Episode, But Says He Has ‘Big Shoes to Fill’
variety.comMichael Schneider Variety Editor at Large It was opening night for Ryan Seacrest on Monday’s episode of “Wheel of Fortune” — and so perhaps it was appropriate that the first puzzle out of the gate was “OPENING NIGHT,” based off the clue, “show biz.” “It feels that way over here!” Seacrest remarked after one of the show’s contestants solved the game.
Syndicated game show mainstay “Wheel of Fortune” returned on Monday for its Season 42 with some big changes, including a new set (which, Seacrest noted, came with a lot of lights) and, of course, the biggest change of them all: A new host.
That was acknowledged up top, when announcer Jim Thornton opened the show: “And now together for the first time, here are the stars of our show, Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White!” After Seacrest thanked Thornton for the open, White turned to her new colleague and welcomed him to the show. “So happy to be here,” Seacrest said to White. “So happy to have you!” White responded.
With that, before introducing the night’s players, Seacrest gave a brief monologue to the audience. “I am your host, Ryan Seacrest.
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