‘Wheel of Fortune’ Host Ryan Seacrest Fails to Mention Pat Sajak by Name in First Episode — but Admits He Has ‘Big Shoes to Fill’

Ryan Seacrest made his much-anticipated debut as the host of Wheel of Fortune, but one notable aspect of the episode caught fans off guard: he failed to mention Pat Sajak by name. Seacrest, who officially took over hosting duties from Sajak after the longtime host signed off in June, acknowledged the legacy of the show and the challenge he faces as the new host but skipped over recognizing his predecessor directly.

The episode kicked off with Announcer Jim Thornton introducing Seacrest and Vanna White to the audience. Once on stage, Seacrest expressed his excitement, telling White and the viewers how thrilled he was to be part of such an iconic show. “Hosting Wheel of Fortune is a dream job,” he said, reflecting on his childhood memories of watching the show with his family in Atlanta.

Despite his enthusiasm, Seacrest’s commentary didn’t include any direct acknowledgment of Sajak, who had steered the show for over 40 years. Instead, he referred to the “big shoes” he had to fill—a phrase that many fans felt was an indirect nod to Sajak, yet they criticized him for not thanking the veteran host more explicitly.

Reactions poured in on social media, with some fans noting that Seacrest could have easily mentioned Sajak’s name to pay tribute to his significant contributions to the show. One fan expressed disappointment, saying it felt like a slight to Sajak after the years he dedicated to making Wheel of Fortune a household name.

While some viewers defended Seacrest, suggesting that his comments were understood within the context, others believed a direct reference to Sajak would have been more appropriate. The debate reflects the strong feelings fans hold regarding the show’s history and the legendary figure of Sajak.

As Seacrest settles into his role, he has previously expressed gratitude for the opportunity to follow in Sajak’s footsteps, noting his admiration for the way Sajak engaged with contestants and created a welcoming atmosphere for fans. Whether his omission was intentional or an oversight remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the transition from Sajak to Seacrest marks the beginning of a new era for Wheel of Fortune.