LOS ANGELES — Ryan Seacrest’s first episode as the new host of “Wheel of Fortune” started just like any other.
The audience chanted the name of the long-running game show, the theme song played and announcer Jim Thornton introduced the stars of the show. But this time, for the first time, the duo that entered arm in arm was Seacrest and “Wheel of Fortune” mainstay Vanna White.
Monday’s episode of “Wheel of Fortune,” which kicked off the syndicated show’s 42nd season, marked the beginning of Seacrest’s tenure as host of the nightly word puzzle series. He takes over for Pat Sajak, who quizzed wheel spinners for 40-plus years — the longest-running host of a nationally syndicated game show.
“Let’s have fun,” Seacrest said at the top of the show. Before introducing the contestants and getting the games started, the new host took some time to acknowledge what this new gig means to him.
“I still can’t believe my luck being here with you tonight to continue this legacy of this incredible show with all of you and, of course, my good friend Vanna White,” Seacrest said. “Thank you for the very warm welcome. Hosting ‘Wheel of Fortune’ is a dream job. I’ve been a fan of this show since I was a kid, watching in Atlanta with my family, and I know how special it is that ‘Wheel’ has been in your living rooms for the past 40 years and I’m just so grateful to be invited in. I also know I’ve got some very big shoes to fill so let’s play ‘Wheel of Fortune.’”
Anybody worried that this new era of “Wheel” would bring big, jarring changes will be pleased to know that almost everything is just as you remember. The only noticeable changes are the look of the set and that Seacrest does not use index cards when introducing the contestants.
Seacrest appeared genuinely happy to be there. Or at least, as genuine as a game show host can appear to be anything. His tenure on the show is off to a smooth start.
