The face of countless beloved television programs, Ryan Seacrest, is stepping into his newest role as host of “Wheel of Fortune” with bold ambitions for the game show’s 50th anniversary in 2025. In true Seacrest style, he’s aiming high: a $1 million jackpot moment to commemorate the milestone unforgettably.
At the 2024 KIIS FM’s iHeartRadio Jingle Ball event on December 6, Ryan Seacrest spoke with Good Morning America about his plans for celebrating “Wheel of Fortune’s” milestone 50th anniversary. “I plan to walk out and give away a lot of money to celebrate the 50 years,” he shared. “Hopefully we give away a million dollars. I want that million dollar wedge to make it to the end so somebody gets to win that.” To that end, plans are underway to ensure the elusive million-dollar wedge reaches the bonus round, giving one contestant the chance to spin their way into history.
The million-dollar wedge, introduced in 2008, has only been claimed three times in regular gameplay: Michelle Loewenstein Moore in 2008, Autumn Erhard in 2013, and Sarah Manchester in 2014. Even celebrity contestants have struggled to win it, with actress Melissa Joan Hart famously securing the prize for charity in 2021.
Seacrest, who took over hosting duties in September 2023, has brought a fresh yet respectful energy to the show. He noted that the excitement of someone winning a large sum of money or a car makes the show a life-changing experience for participants.
Fans have embraced Seacrest’s approach. The show drew nearly eight million viewers in his first month, making it the most-watched program on traditional television. Seacrest is clear about his approach as the new host of “Wheel of Fortune:” he isn’t looking to change what already works. For him, sticking to the formula that has made the show successful is the best way to ensure it thrives for years.
Still, Seacrest faces the challenge of stepping into the shoes of Pat Sajak, who hosted the show for 41 years before retiring. Sajak remains a towering figure in the show’s history and will return for one final season of “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” in 2025. The two hosts have publicly expressed mutual admiration, but comparisons are inevitable.
The anniversary celebration promises to be more than just a look back. It will honor the show’s full history, including its roots as a 1974 daytime program hosted by Chuck Woolery and Susan Stafford, while also looking ahead to its next chapter.
Seacrest’s tenure has not been without controversy. A recent ruling during a triple-toss-up puzzle—where a contestant was disqualified for answering too soon—sparked online debates about the strictness of the game’s rules. Seacrest has also navigated personal challenges, including accusations of sexual misconduct in 2018 that he vehemently denied. An internal investigation found insufficient evidence, but the allegations resurfaced during his transition to “Wheel of Fortune.”
Despite the challenges, Seacrest remains optimistic about what lies ahead. He views the anniversary as an opportunity to honor everyone who has been part of the show’s journey, from contestants to fans. For “Wheel of Fortune” enthusiasts, the milestone is a celebration of its legacy and the beginning of an exciting new chapter under Seacrest’s leadership.