After 40 years of hosting the ever-popular Wheel of Fortune, Pat Sajak has announced that he will be leaving the beloved game show. Sajak announced his retirement on Twitter, stating that the 41st season will be his last. Fortunately, a replacement has been found, and it’s none other than Hollywood TV personality, Ryan Seacrest.
Seacrest has worked on numerous reality TV shows before his latest gig on Wheel of Fortune. He was a producer for Keeping Up with the Kardashians and other Kardashian-related TV programs. He was also worked on the terrible (and somewhat manipulative) TV show, I Wanna Marry ‘Harry,’ a dating show where women would win a chance to marry an impersonator who looked similar to the Duke of Sussex. He is also the host of American Idol.
So, knowing his extensive history working in Hollywood, how much will he earn once he hosts this game show?
What is Ryan Seacrest’s Wheel of Fortune salary?
Fox News reported that Seacrest has an estimated net worth of $450 million, which is fair considering that he worked on numerous reality shows. While his salary for his new game show gig has not yet been revealed, OK! Magazine speculated that he would be making around $28 million per year. In comparison, Forbes reported that Sajak earned $15 million per season back in 2016. His current rate was not disclosed. If these numbers are true, this will make Seacrest one of television’s highest-paid personalities
Wheel of Fortune first aired in 1975, and since then, numerous hosts have come and gone, passing on the mantle to various people over the years. It was first hosted by Chuck Woolery and Susan Stafford, who were paid at the time $5,000 to $10,000 per week, according to The U.S. Sun. Now it’s Seacrest’s turn, who will be carrying the torch for future seasons of the game show. Knowing how influential he is, he’s likely getting a great paycheck.
Seacrest’s debut appearance on Wheel of Fortune is scheduled for 2024. Until then, you can watch Sajak’s final season every weeknight on ABC.
