Ryan Seacrest just announced this one huge goal he has set for “Wheel of Fortune” in 2025
Former American Idol host Ryan Seacrest has taken the wheel from Pat Sajak.
Sajak stepping down as the host of the wildly popular Wheel of Fortune after 41 years left some big shoes to fill.
And now Ryan Seacrest just announced this one huge goal he has set for Wheel of Fortune in 2025.
For his first full year hosting Wheel of Fortune, new host Ryan Seacrest has set quite the goal for 2025.
“I love giving away the money”
During a recent interview with Fox News Digital, the longtime television host, who took over Pat Sajak’s Wheel of Fourtune hosting duties in September, shared his hopes for 2025’s episodes.
“I am always impressed and grateful for what the show has meant to me before I even started working there and what it means to so many people and generations around the country,” the American Idol host said at the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball on December 6.
He continued, “I love giving away the money. I get so excited when people win the money, and they win a lot of money. I’m hoping to give away a million dollars in 2025.”
This goal is huge for both fans of the show and for future contestants.
And it has many wondering if Seacrest has some new twists planned to help give away that million dollars.
Seacrest has only been the host since September of 2024, but already many Wheel of Fortune fans are impressed.
Sajak announced he was exiting the show in June of 2023.
Just a week later, it was announced that Seacrest would be taking over as host in Season 42.
After Sajak’s final episode aired earlier this year, Seacrest took to social media to say farewell to Sajak.
“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 in a post on Instagram that included a photo of himself, Sajak and White. “Your partnership with Vanna has been nothing short of iconic, and together, you’ve 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 endeavors!”
An emotional goodbye
During Sajak’s final episode, which was taped in April, Sajak delivered an emotional goodbye speech to his legion of fans.
“Well, the time has come to say goodbye,” he said. “I have a few thanks and acknowledgements before I go, and I want to start with all you watching out there. It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade.”
“I always felt that the privilege came with the responsibility to keep this daily half hour a safe place for family fun,” Sajak continued. “No social issues, no politics, nothing embarrassing I hope, just a game.”
“But gradually it became more than that,” he added. “A place where kids learned their letters, where people from other countries honed their English skills, where families came together along with friends and neighbors, and entire generations.”
“What an honor to play even a small part in all of that,” Sajak concluded. “Thank you for allowing me into your lives.”
Many fans of the show wondered how Seacrest would fare as the new host.
But brand expert Eric Schiffer told Fox News Digital that Wheel of Fortune viewers are in good hands with Seacrest and his media mastermind.
“Many people are asking, ‘Can he pull it off? Will he tank it? Will he turn off audiences?’” Schiffer said. “Ryan has a sixth sense of how to make adjustments, and the adjustment here is toning down the energy until he builds audience trust. Then, I believe he can use some of the techniques mastered on ‘Idol’ to increase engagement and grow the audience.
“It’s largely a passive show, compared to ‘American Idol,’ where there’s a lot more interaction. They’ve got to bill to younger audiences.”
“I think Ryan’s challenge will be building enough trust in the early stages to where he can bring in all of his magic to grow the brand and to grow the audience without losing legacy fans, and that’s going to come with trust and him being comfortable,” Schiffer said. “The star remains in the game itself.”
One way Seacrest can build that trust in his first full year of hosting is to give away that million dollars!
