How Ryan Seacrest is doing as ‘Wheel of Fortune’ halts production

On By Littum

When Ryan Seacrest took over as host of “Wheel of Fortune” in September 2024, millions tuned in, giving the iconic game show a ratings boost after Pat Sajak’s retirement. But only time would tell if the longtime “American Idol” host could keep up the momentum.

Four months into his new role, Seacrest has received his first official report, and the news couldn’t be better. On January 6, 2025 That was reported by the LA Times that during Seacrest’s first quarter as host of “Wheel of Fortune” he delivered “ratings gold.”

But the next day, wildfires began burning across Los Angeles as high winds blew in, destroying and displacing entire communities while forcing many Hollywood shows — including “Wheel of Fortune” — to shut down production.

‘Wheel of Fortune’ filming on hold, but tickets go on sale at the end of January

Vanna White, Ryan SeacrestGetty
Vanna White and Ryan Seacrest attend the “Wheel of Fortune” Season 42 Celebration at the Santa Monica Pier on August 30, 2024

On January 13 with firefighters still fighting to contain the biggest fires and the wind picks up again, The Wrap reported that “Wheel of Fortune” would not shoot as planned at its Culver City studio. The outlet said other game shows temporarily shut down include “The Price is Right” and “Jeopardy!”

Although no one is sure when it will be possible to resume filming, the “Wheel of Fortune” website now has Seacrest and his co-host, longtime pen pal Vanna White, scheduled to record new shows begins on January 29.

When they return to the studio, they will do so knowing that they have done something right, given the ratings they achieved during not only their highly-promoted first week as a team, but also their first quarter of the collaboration.

When Seacrest replaced Sajak, who retired in June 2024 after 41 seasons, his premiere episode drew 9.63 million curious “Wheel” viewers, according to the Hollywood Reportermaking it the most-watched season premiere in nine years.

During the rest of Seacrest’s first week, an average of 8.31 million people tuned in to each episode, the outlet reported. These ratings corresponded to a “double-digit percentage increase in viewership in each key demo” over Sajak’s last season, per TV Insider.

But the best news for Seacrest is that ratings have been strong since his debut, according to the LA Times, which said his episode during his first quarter on the show averaged 7.9 million viewers through Dec. 1. That’s a significant three percent increase over the previous season’s ratings, with 58 million people tuning in during Seacrest’s first quarter, the outlet said.

Hours before the first fires began to spread in Los Angeles, the “Wheel of Fortune” social media account shared a video hosted by Seacrest that introduced fans to many of the people who work behind the scenes on the show — and including a fun cameo from Sajak.

Created in honor of the game show’s 50th anniversary, Seacrest walked around the building yelling at the audience coordinator, camera operators, production crew, art department, then nonchalantly pointed out “our former host.”

“Hey Pat,” he said as Sajak appeared standing nearby and inexplicably wiped down a sandwich as the crowd laughed. White also appeared and linked arms with Seacrest backstage before walking out on stage as the crowd applauded.

Fans loved the video, with hundreds commenting on Instagram, including one who wrote“Omgeee! I love Pat eating a sandwich surprise this show is just so much fun and I just love watching you guys ~You make my nights “

“Now you’ve really won me over Ryan,” another viewer wrote. “Appreciating your work family! ”

Next, Seacrest hopes to continue delivering ratings magic on “American Idol” as he is already started recording with Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and new judge Carrie Underwood. Season 23 is scheduled to premiere on ABC on March 9.