Ryan Seacrest is about two weeks into his new job as host of Wheel Of Fortune following Pat Sajak’s retirement after more than four decades in the job.
And with that handful of shows now on the books, Sajak’s daughter, Maggie Sajakrevealed that he thinks Seacrest is doing “very well” and has been “very professional” as the iconic game show’s new host.
“I’m sure you would assume that, but he really appreciates the program and knows how important it is,” Maggie, 29, said. Us weekly while attending the iHeartRadio Music Festival on Saturday, September 21. “You can really tell by how prepared he is and how he treats the contestants and how he treats the whole experience.”
While Seacrest has stepped in as the newcomer, there will still be some familiarity on set with Vanna White back as co-host.
The show became something of a family affair considering Maggie has been working on the Wheel Of Fortune team as an official social correspondent since 2021.
Pay Sajak’s daughter Maggie Sajak revealed that she thinks Seacrest is doing “very well” and has been “very professional” as Wheel Of Fortune’s new host since taking over on September 9.
Sajak has loved White so much as a co-worker and friend for decades that Maggie and her relatives consider her part of their family.
“We jokingly say she’s Aunt Vanna, but I’ve actually known her since before I was born,” he told the outlet. ‘She’s great, I love being able to see her at work now. We have a lot of fun, I feature her in the TikToks I do and stuff like that, so she’s the best.”
Maggie added: “She truly is an icon, a legend and also a great person.” It’s as sweet as it looks.
The WOF social correspondent went on to describe what it was like growing up on the set of such an iconic game show over the years.
“It’s such a special show for so many people and it’s more than just a show, which maybe sounds a little cheesy, but it really is.” I mean, this is bringing generations together,’ Maggie said, before sharing about the importance the production has had for viewers.
‘This is the time when families dine together. I mean, it’s really special,” he explained. “When people come up to my dad or tell me how special the show is to them, it goes beyond just saying ‘I love that show’ and being a part of it now is really meaningful to me.”
Maggie and her family have been protective about Wheel Of Fortune’s legacy and how it would move forward after Pat’s departure, but she feels “it’s in good hands, so we’re excited to see where it goes.”
Pat Sajak first announced his plan to retire as host of Wheel Of Fortune in June 2023 after 41 years in the role.
Seacrest shared some glowing comments about Pat Sajak when he stepped down to hand over the reins to him after more than four decades.
Sajak, 77, said a final goodbye to the show’s devoted fans on June 7.
The veteran Sajak-White team had emotions running high as they said goodbye
He said he felt he needed to leave on his own terms and would rather leave a couple of years earlier than too late.
The Chicago, Illinois native officially retired from the legendary show during last season’s finale that aired on ABC on June 7.
‘Pat, congratulations on your incredible career with Wheel of Fortune! “His dedication, charm and wit have made the show a beloved part of American television for decades,” Seacrest shared in a heartfelt tribute to Sajak. ‘His partnership with Vanna has been nothing short of iconic and together they have created countless wonderful memories for viewers. You’ve set the standard for hosts everywhere and this marks the end of an era. Best wishes for all your future projects!’
Seacrest officially began his hosting career on September 9, marking the start of the show’s 42nd season.
Ryan Seacrest, with Vanna White at his side, took over as host of Wheel Of Fortune on September 9, following Sajak’s departure in June.
“I’m sure you would assume that, but he really appreciates the show and knows how important it is,” Maggie Sajak told Us Weekly while attending the iHeartRadio Music Festival on Saturday, September 21.
Vanna White addresses rumors that she ‘doesn’t see eye to eye’ with Seacrest by sharing a photo of the two eating together as friends off-camera.
While Seacrest is already carving out his own legacy at the helm, Pat Sajak will return to host his final season of Celebrity Wheel Of Fortune, premiering on Monday, October 7.
Maggie and the Sajak family as a whole have been protective of Wheel Of Fortune and how it would move forward after Pat’s departure, but she feels “it’s in good hands, so we’re excited to see where it goes.”
Created by Merv Griffin, Wheel of Fortune ranks as the longest-running syndicated game show in the US, with 8,000 episodes taped and broadcast as of June 7, which is the last episode Pat Sajak served as host before to hand over the reins to Seacrest.
The show, which airs on CBS, has been airing continuously since its debut on January 6, 1975.