Fans have been left stunned as rumors swirl that Ryan Seacrest might not be staying long as the host of Wheel of Fortune. After replacing Pat Sajak in September 2024, Seacrest’s ratings began strong but quickly took a downturn, falling behind Jeopardy in the Nielsen rankings by January 2025. With bosses reportedly frustrated by Seacrest’s delivery, particularly his timing with jokes—something Sajak mastered effortlessly—the pressure is mounting. While Seacrest is under contract until 2026, sources suggest Pat Sajak could make a return sooner than expected. Could the beloved host reclaim his title and restore the magic to Wheel of Fortune? Stay tuned as the future of the show takes another dramatic turn.

Here’s Why Ryan Seacrest Could Be Leaving Wheel of Fortune in 2025

Since stepping into the iconic role of Wheel of Fortune host in September 2024, Ryan Seacrest has faced both praise and criticism for his performance. Replacing longtime host Pat Sajak, who had been at the helm for decades, Seacrest had big shoes to fill. While Seacrest’s tenure started strong with high ratings, a significant dip in the Nielsen ratings in January 2025, where Wheel of Fortune lost ground to Jeopardy!, has fueled speculation about his future on the show. As reports continue to surface, fans and insiders alike are questioning whether Seacrest’s time as host could be shorter than originally anticipated.

Seacrest’s Performance and Falling Ratings

When Ryan Seacrest first replaced Pat Sajak as the host of Wheel of Fortune, his arrival brought with it a flurry of excitement. Seacrest, already a household name thanks to his long tenure on American Idol and his hosting duties for Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, was seen as a natural fit for the iconic game show. The ratings initially reflected this optimism, with Wheel of Fortune drawing in large numbers of viewers.

However, in late January 2025, the Nielsen ratings dipped, with Jeopardy! securing 8.4 million viewers while Wheel of Fortune fell slightly behind at 8.1 million. The drop was particularly notable given the long-standing competition between the two shows. Industry insiders are now pointing to this decrease in viewership as a potential sign that Seacrest’s hosting style may not be resonating as well with audiences as Sajak’s.

A source with Closer magazine expressed the frustrations some insiders have with Seacrest’s approach, particularly with his timing when it comes to jokes. “You’re starting to see what a secret weapon Pat Sajak’s understated sense of humor was for that show,” the insider explained. The source went on to mention that Seacrest might need to adjust his style and suggested he “hire joke writers that can calibrate his on-air persona a little closer to Pat’s.”

Pat Sajak’s Potential Return

While Ryan Seacrest is currently locked into a two-year contract, which is set to keep him as the permanent host for the next season, the question of Pat Sajak’s return is already on the table. According to reports, Sajak has expressed a willingness to return as the primary host of Wheel of Fortune after seeing the positive reception for his role on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune. In December 2024, a special Christmas episode aired, with Sajak hosting the celebrity version of the game show, and many fans reacted positively to his familiar presence.

Sources close to the show reveal that Sajak is “waiting in the wings” to take back control of the main Wheel of Fortune show, should the opportunity arise. His continued popularity and ability to connect with the audience make him a natural candidate to return, particularly with the network’s growing desire for stability and familiarity with longtime fans.

Seacrest’s Packed Schedule and the Strain of Multitasking

Another factor that has contributed to the speculation about Seacrest’s future on the show is the overwhelming demands of his professional life. In addition to his Wheel of Fortune hosting duties, Seacrest is also the host of American Idol, On Air with Ryan Seacrest, and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. While his professional success is undeniable, sources report that the sheer amount of time Seacrest spends juggling multiple projects has left him spread thin. Showrunners for Wheel of Fortune have expressed frustration with Seacrest’s divided focus, and some believe that this could be impacting his ability to fully engage with the show and its audience.

Despite his popularity, Seacrest’s time management issues and the pressure of handling multiple high-profile gigs could be hindering his performance on Wheel of Fortune. The show has always been known for its relaxed and smooth pacing, but Seacrest’s busy schedule may be affecting his ability to maintain the level of comfort and ease that viewers loved in Sajak’s hosting style.

Vanna White’s Future and Its Impact on the Show

The uncertainty surrounding Seacrest’s future on Wheel of Fortune isn’t the only factor causing speculation about the show’s future. Vanna White, Seacrest’s co-host and the show’s longtime letter-turner, is also in a contract negotiation period. Her contract is set to expire in 2026, and while she has expressed no intentions of leaving the show early, her decision could have a significant impact on the program’s future. If both Seacrest and White were to depart or alter their roles, Wheel of Fortune could undergo a major transformation that would affect both the format and dynamic of the show.

NBC executives and producers are already anticipating the need to address these changes in the coming years, with discussions likely centered around securing White’s continued involvement in the show and whether Seacrest’s style aligns with Wheel’s longstanding audience.

What’s Next for Ryan Seacrest?

While it’s clear that Seacrest has made an impression as Wheel of Fortune’s new host, it remains to be seen whether his time on the show will continue past his current contract. With a long history in television and a proven ability to host major shows, Seacrest could very well be the perfect person to maintain the show’s relevance in the evolving media landscape. However, the question of whether he can fully replace Sajak, particularly when it comes to the show’s unique pacing and style, will be a central concern moving forward.

As for Wheel of Fortune fans, they will have to wait and see how this all plays out. Whether Seacrest stays for the long haul or if Sajak returns to reclaim his seat, one thing is certain: Wheel of Fortune will continue to be one of the most iconic and beloved shows on television, no matter who is behind the wheel.