Ryan Seacrest Documents First Day as ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Host After Pat Sajak’s Exit: Watch

Ryan Seacrest is spinning with excitement!

Seacrest, 49, recently replaced Pat Sajak, 77, as Wheel of Fortune host. He will be joining returning hostess Vanna White, 67, for season 42. The American Idol emcee took to Instagram on Tuesday to show his 6.5 million followers how his first day went. 

“A glimpse of my first day at @wheeloffortune, and I’m still spinning with excitement!” Seacrest captioned a video documenting his first day.

In the clip, Seacrest gives the iconic wheel a spin, and jokes that he finds the sound “soothing.”

“My heart’s pounding. I’m so excited,” Seacrest says while on set, later continuing, “You know, I could not sleep last night, I was so excited. I slept OK but still very excited for the alarm to go off.”

Seacrest then walked around his new stage, examined vintage Wheel of Fortune footage and artifacts, and even attempted a feet clap leap.

“To be continued,” the video concluded.

Last month, Sajak – who announced on June 12, 2023, that he was retiring following the beloved game show’s 41st season – turned over the wheel to Seacrest in a new promo. 

“Well, this is it, Ryan,” Sajak tells Seacrest in the video. “What do you think?”

After Seacrest remarks that the set is “impressive,” White assures her new co-worker, “Ryan, I know the contestants are going to love you.”

“I think what you’re going to enjoy most,” Sajak tells Seacrest, “is meeting the players and getting to know the audience at home.”

Sajak’s final episode of Wheel of Fortune was filmed on April 5 and aired on June 7. Last week, ABC revealed that Sajak will be back to host Celebrity Wheel of Fortune one last time. Sajak has also already landed his first gig post-retirement: starring in a new take on Prescription: Murder, which will run from July 31 to Aug. 10, 2025, at Honolulu’s Hawaii Theatre.

Seacrest spoke out after Sajak’s final episode, penning a lengthy message on Instagram.

“Pat, congratulations on an incredible run with Wheel of Fortune! Your dedication, charm, and wit have made the show a beloved part of American television for decades,” he wrote. “Your partnership with Vanna has been nothing short of iconic, and together, you’ve created countless wonderful memories for viewers.”

He added, “You’ve set the standard for hosts everywhere, and this marks the end of an era. Best wishes for all your future endeavors!”

But Seacrest is ready to take the wheel.

“I’m so excited!” Seacrest told ET in September of working with White. “She’s beloved by this nation, she is just such an important part of the show. She has been for so many years. I’m honored to be on stage with her soon.”

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