End of an Era: Ryan Seacrest 'Stepping Up' for $28 Million 'Wheel of Fortune' Payday as Pat Sajak's Final Episode Date is Revealed
![ryan seacrest tapped replace pat sajak wheel fortune m per yearjpg](https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/x5PSPr5r5/480x251/ryan-seacrest-tapped-replace-pat-sajak-wheel-fortune-28m-per-yearjpg-1687887664574.jpg 480w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/x5PSPr5r5/640x335/ryan-seacrest-tapped-replace-pat-sajak-wheel-fortune-28m-per-yearjpg-1687887664574.jpg 640w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/x5PSPr5r5/768x402/ryan-seacrest-tapped-replace-pat-sajak-wheel-fortune-28m-per-yearjpg-1687887664574.jpg 768w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/x5PSPr5r5/1024x536/ryan-seacrest-tapped-replace-pat-sajak-wheel-fortune-28m-per-yearjpg-1687887664574.jpg 1024w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/x5PSPr5r5/1280x670/ryan-seacrest-tapped-replace-pat-sajak-wheel-fortune-28m-per-yearjpg-1687887664574.jpg 1280w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/x5PSPr5r5/1440x753/ryan-seacrest-tapped-replace-pat-sajak-wheel-fortune-28m-per-yearjpg-1687887664574.jpg 1440w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/x5PSPr5r5/1600x837/ryan-seacrest-tapped-replace-pat-sajak-wheel-fortune-28m-per-yearjpg-1687887664574.jpg 1600w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/x5PSPr5r5/2160x1130/ryan-seacrest-tapped-replace-pat-sajak-wheel-fortune-28m-per-yearjpg-1687887664574.jpg 2160w)
Ryan Seacrest is earning every penny of that reported $28 million 'Wheel of Fortune' salary.
Ryan Seacrest has some big shoes to fill — but he's earning every penny of that reported $28 million Wheel of Fortune salary. After Pat Sajak's final episode air date was announced, sources told RadarOnline.com that his replacement has been "stepping up" in every way.
It was reported in June 2023 that Seacrest had been slated to take over for Sajak's longtime position, later confirmed to be true.
![ryan seacrest tapped replace pat sajak wheel fortune m per year jpg](https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/uKsQwfJsk/480x252/ryan-seacrest-tapped-replace-pat-sajak-wheel-fortune-28m-per-year-2jpg-1687887697147.jpg 480w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/uKsQwfJsk/640x335/ryan-seacrest-tapped-replace-pat-sajak-wheel-fortune-28m-per-year-2jpg-1687887697147.jpg 640w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/uKsQwfJsk/768x402/ryan-seacrest-tapped-replace-pat-sajak-wheel-fortune-28m-per-year-2jpg-1687887697147.jpg 768w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/uKsQwfJsk/1024x536/ryan-seacrest-tapped-replace-pat-sajak-wheel-fortune-28m-per-year-2jpg-1687887697147.jpg 1024w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/uKsQwfJsk/1280x670/ryan-seacrest-tapped-replace-pat-sajak-wheel-fortune-28m-per-year-2jpg-1687887697147.jpg 1280w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/uKsQwfJsk/1440x754/ryan-seacrest-tapped-replace-pat-sajak-wheel-fortune-28m-per-year-2jpg-1687887697147.jpg 1440w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/uKsQwfJsk/1600x838/ryan-seacrest-tapped-replace-pat-sajak-wheel-fortune-28m-per-year-2jpg-1687887697147.jpg 1600w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/uKsQwfJsk/2160x1131/ryan-seacrest-tapped-replace-pat-sajak-wheel-fortune-28m-per-year-2jpg-1687887697147.jpg 2160w)
He won't officially take over until September but has already filmed promos for the show.
The American Idol host, 49, has already filmed a promo, highlighting what's to come when Sajak, 77, takes his final bow after Season 41. His last episode, which has already been taped, is scheduled to air on Friday, June 7.
Sadly, it was recently reported that Sajak didn't get a goodbye party despite holding the Wheel of Fortune gig for four decades.
![wheel of fortune host pat sajak disappointed coworkers didnt plan goodbye party pp](https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/Jlv02lfk5/480x252/wheel-of-fortune-host-pat-sajak-disappointed-coworkers-didnt-plan-goodbye-party-pp-1711147637864.jpg 480w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/Jlv02lfk5/640x335/wheel-of-fortune-host-pat-sajak-disappointed-coworkers-didnt-plan-goodbye-party-pp-1711147637864.jpg 640w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/Jlv02lfk5/768x402/wheel-of-fortune-host-pat-sajak-disappointed-coworkers-didnt-plan-goodbye-party-pp-1711147637864.jpg 768w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/Jlv02lfk5/1024x536/wheel-of-fortune-host-pat-sajak-disappointed-coworkers-didnt-plan-goodbye-party-pp-1711147637864.jpg 1024w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/Jlv02lfk5/1280x670/wheel-of-fortune-host-pat-sajak-disappointed-coworkers-didnt-plan-goodbye-party-pp-1711147637864.jpg 1280w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/Jlv02lfk5/1440x754/wheel-of-fortune-host-pat-sajak-disappointed-coworkers-didnt-plan-goodbye-party-pp-1711147637864.jpg 1440w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/Jlv02lfk5/1600x838/wheel-of-fortune-host-pat-sajak-disappointed-coworkers-didnt-plan-goodbye-party-pp-1711147637864.jpg 1600w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/Jlv02lfk5/2160x1131/wheel-of-fortune-host-pat-sajak-disappointed-coworkers-didnt-plan-goodbye-party-pp-1711147637864.jpg 2160w)
Pat Sajak, 77, said goodbye to 'Wheel of Fortune' viewers on his final show earlier this month.
"Pat would have thought they'd have some sort of celebration planned, cake and champagne at least, but no one's told him anything," insiders close to the TV star dished to the National Enquirer, claiming that it left Sajak "disappointed."
Meanwhile, producers and crew are reportedly thrilled with Seacrest's work — at least, so far — and can't wait to see what he brings to the show when he officially takes over hosting duties in September.
![wheel of fortune host pat sajak disappointed coworkers didnt plan goodbye party](https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/x0O_XVYVM/480x252/wheel-of-fortune-host-pat-sajak-disappointed-coworkers-didnt-plan-goodbye-party-2-1711147609672.jpg 480w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/x0O_XVYVM/640x335/wheel-of-fortune-host-pat-sajak-disappointed-coworkers-didnt-plan-goodbye-party-2-1711147609672.jpg 640w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/x0O_XVYVM/768x402/wheel-of-fortune-host-pat-sajak-disappointed-coworkers-didnt-plan-goodbye-party-2-1711147609672.jpg 768w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/x0O_XVYVM/1024x536/wheel-of-fortune-host-pat-sajak-disappointed-coworkers-didnt-plan-goodbye-party-2-1711147609672.jpg 1024w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/x0O_XVYVM/1280x670/wheel-of-fortune-host-pat-sajak-disappointed-coworkers-didnt-plan-goodbye-party-2-1711147609672.jpg 1280w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/x0O_XVYVM/1440x754/wheel-of-fortune-host-pat-sajak-disappointed-coworkers-didnt-plan-goodbye-party-2-1711147609672.jpg 1440w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/x0O_XVYVM/1600x838/wheel-of-fortune-host-pat-sajak-disappointed-coworkers-didnt-plan-goodbye-party-2-1711147609672.jpg 1600w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/x0O_XVYVM/2160x1131/wheel-of-fortune-host-pat-sajak-disappointed-coworkers-didnt-plan-goodbye-party-2-1711147609672.jpg 2160w)
He's been the show's beloved host for four decades.
- Ryan Seacrest's 'Wheel Of Fortune' Jitters: Fighting Off 'Inevitable Nerves' With Sleep, Herbal Tea Ahead of Hosting Gig
- Wheel of Fortune's Vanna White Wants to 'Walk Away' Before Contract Is Up, Doesn't 'Jibe' With New Host Ryan Seacrest
- Ryan Seacrest Cooking Up Celeb Chef Gig, Furiously Spins Plates Trying to Kick Bobby & Rachael From Kitchen
The famous radio personality has been a long-time fan of Sajak and his leggy sidekick Vanna White. He recently opened up about his successor's retirement, admitting the pressures of stepping into his place.
“Well, no one can ever do what Pat has done. He is incredible,” Seacrest told PEOPLE in April. “He has made that show just something so very special for so long, and he has done such a seamless, remarkable job, so no one can be him.”
"So do I feel pressure? Sure," the seasoned host continued. "People love watching him. I want them to keep love watching it, and I hope to do a great job as well."
Seacrest said he grew up watching the show.
Never miss a story — sign up for the RadarOnline.com newsletter to get your daily dose of dope. Daily. Breaking. Celebrity news. All free.
![ryan seacrest](https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/kbtgAEksP/480x252/ryan-seacrest-1687904298360.png 480w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/kbtgAEksP/640x335/ryan-seacrest-1687904298360.png 640w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/kbtgAEksP/768x402/ryan-seacrest-1687904298360.png 768w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/kbtgAEksP/1024x536/ryan-seacrest-1687904298360.png 1024w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/kbtgAEksP/1280x670/ryan-seacrest-1687904298360.png 1280w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/kbtgAEksP/1440x754/ryan-seacrest-1687904298360.png 1440w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/kbtgAEksP/1600x838/ryan-seacrest-1687904298360.png 1600w, https://media.radaronline.com/brand-img/kbtgAEksP/2160x1131/ryan-seacrest-1687904298360.png 2160w)
Ryan admitted to being a lifelong fan of the show.
"I've been watching the show all my life, and I've been watching it as much as I can as an adult and as a child," he admitted.
"I think that this is a show that means so much to a lot of people. It's a part of their lives, they like to get together at the end of the day and try and solve the puzzles. And for me, it's a chance to give away cash and prizes and work with the legendary Vanna White."
Powered by RedCircle