‘Wheel of Fortune’ New Season Changes Ahead Of Debut
The 42nd season of Wheel of Fortune will bring in a new chapter as longtime host Pat Sajak officially retired on June 7. One of the most notable changes? The appearance of the show’s puzzle board which has been creating quite a stir online as photos of the updated set emerge.
Fans got their first look at the modernized set through Instagram posts. One from ABC 7 LA reporter George Pennacchio and another from the official Wheel of Fortune account.
New Changes Coming to Wheel of Fortune
The show’s centerpiece, the puzzle board, now features a larger, more polished look with a new gold-tiled border, as seen in the first poster of Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White as the new co-hosts. Photos posted on BuzzerBlog’s X account show the new puzzle board positioned on rounded steps, a departure from the previous rectangular ones, against a brightly lit teal blue background.
Fan reactions are mixed. “It’s certainly… interesting, to say the least,” one commented on X. Another added, “I miss the old one with Pat—nothing will ever replace the original host.” However, some are embracing the change—”I love it!” said a third fan.
Seacrest has expressed some nerves about stepping into Sajak’s role. “My heart’s pounding,” he said on Instagram. “I’m so excited… You know, I could not sleep last night, I was so excited. I slept OK, but still very excited for the alarm to go off.” Fans are eager for his debut as well. “It’s like your first day of school, so excited!! We will miss Pat but can’t wait to see your debut! [hand clap emoji] [movie reel emoji],” one commenter noted.
Wheel of Fortune returns on September 9, with Seacrest also hosting Celebrity Wheel of Fortune on ABC, scheduled to premiere on October 7.
Fans can rest easy, though. Major changes won’t disrupt the familiar format. “With this game show, it’s such a success and has been for generations,” Seacrest told PEOPLE. “You don’t mess with it, just don’t mess with it. Just get out of the way, say ‘Good evening’ and let’s play… I think I have so much adrenaline rushing through my body. Excitement is the word because it’s such a phenomenal show. I’ve been a fan. I grew up watching the show, and I can’t wait to take over after the legendary Pat Sajak.”
Seacrest is also pleased that Vanna White will continue as co-host. “We texted recently, and she’s the most lovely person,” he told PEOPLE. “We’ve known each other for a long time, and I think we both feel excitement about all of this… And also, just to watch Pat and Vanna celebrate their final year together after 40-plus years co-hosting that show, it’s history in the making.”
