Ryan Seacrest’s ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ Debut Nets Biggest Ratings In Years

The new host of “Wheel of Fortune” Ryan Seacrest brought a boost to the ratings for the popular game show, scoring the biggest audience the show’s had in years.

The season premiere on September 9 brought in more than 9.63 million viewers who tuned in to watch Seacrest host the show, the largest number of viewers for a season opener since 2015, which had 11 million people tune in, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The viewers appeared to stick around for the entire first week, with the radio personality behind the wheel earning an average of 8.31 million viewers, boosting the ratings 21 percent over the 6.87 million who tuned in for the week opener in September 2023.

Seacrest landed the top gig to host the syndicated show following Pat Sajak’s announcement in 2023 that he was leaving after hosting “Wheel” for more than 40 years, as previously reported.

Change in Hosts Propels ‘Wheel of Fortune’ to Big Premiere Week Ratings https://t.co/vJbIgMDz6N

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) September 24, 2024

Sajak’s final episode aired on June 7 and the show scored 11 million viewers, Variety noted.

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In his final message to viewers, Sajak acknowledged that the “time has come to say goodbye. I have a few thanks and acknowledgments before I go, and I want to start with all 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,” he added. “No social issues. No politics. Nothing embarrassing, I hope. Just a game. But gradually, it became more than that.”

“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 continued. “Thank you for allowing me into your lives.”

Last year, Sajak announced he was leaving the show, with co-host Vanna White — who first appeared alongside the host in 1982 — remaining on board.

“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” Sajak wrote on June 12, 2023.

“It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months,” he added. “Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)”

Shortly after the retirement announcement, his replacement was announced with Seacrest confirming he’d been picked to succeed Sajak, posting on X that he was “truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak.”

Related: New Host Chosen To Succeed Pat Sajak On ‘Wheel Of Fortune’