Wheel of Fortune

Ryan Seacrest is just a few weeks into his new gig hosting "Wheel of Fortune" ... and he's still spinning with excitement!

We caught up with Ryan in NYC Monday, and he was all smiles, telling us he's having a total ball giving away piles of cash -- and a new car here and there.

Ryan, who was joined by sister Meredith, added he always knew the hosting gig would be a blast, and he's now at the point where he's just trying to contain his excitement about the whole thing.

Don't pinch Ryan Seacrest, because he's living the dream ... hosting "Wheel of Fortune."

Ryan is making his 'Wheel' debut right now on ABC and he opened his first show by explaining why he feels so lucky to be taking the reigns from Pat Sajak.

In a heartfelt speech, Ryan recalled watching 'Wheel' with his family as a kid growing up in Atlanta ... and he said he's been a fan ever since.

Ryan Seacrest is living his best life ... soaking up the good vibes with his "Wheel of Fortune" co-host Vanna White as they gear up for the new season!

We caught the duo rolling into ABC Studios in NYC ... where Ryan declared he’s got zero jitters and is pumped for everyone to enjoy the classic CBS show they know and love.

For her part, Vanna raved about their on-screen chemistry ... a huge relief considering she’d previously worried about clicking on-stage with Seacrest after so many years with Pat Sajak.

Vanna White had some fair fears going into her new partnership with Ryan Seacrest for "Wheel of Fortune" ... saying she worried the two wouldn't click.

The longtime television host discussed working with Seacrest during an interview with CBS Sunday Mornings ... explaining that even though she's known Ryan about 20 years, she didn't know if they'd be compatible onstage.

When asked if she worried about their chemistry, Vanna admits she didn't know what to expect because she'd partnered with Pat Sajak for so long ... and, she wondered if they'd have the same natural rapport.

Pat Sajak is NOT coming out of a short-lived retirement to host the upcoming "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune" season -- instead, this was always in the cards ... TMZ has learned.

Here's the deal ... when ABC announced Wednesday Pat would be hosting the fifth season of 'Celeb Wheel' this fall, there was speculation he was pulling a Tom Brady by quickly backing out of retirement.

That's not exactly the case, because sources with direct knowledge tell us it was always part of Pat's succession plan to do one last season of 'Celebrity Wheel' ... before riding off into the sunset and completely handing over the reigns to Ryan Seacrest.

Ryan Seacrest is now the host of "Wheel of Fortune," and he paid homage to his predecessor with a classy tribute.

Ryan posted a tribute to Pat Sajak, saying, "Pat, congratulations on an incredible run with Wheel of Fortune! Your dedication, charm, and wit have made the show a beloved part of American television for decades."

Ryan posted the pic of him and Pat with Vanna in the middle.

It's official ... Pat Sajak has retired from "Wheel of Fortune" after more than four decades, because his last show aired Friday night.

Wow! What a run for the now-former host of the popular TV game show, which also featured his beautiful sidekick, Vanna White, who will stay on as chief letter turner. Going forward, Vanna will be joined by Pat's replacement Ryan Seacrest.

Friday night's show was indeed the last for Pat after 8,000 episodes over 41 seasons.

Pat Sajak's run on "Wheel of Fortune" ends tonight -- and before his last episode even airs, he's already bidding the audience farewell, getting ahead of the looming moment.

A pre-taped goodbye from Pat was released Friday -- well ahead of 'Wheel' airing later this evening -- and it looks like we already got a sense of what he's going to say on TV ... his remarks are incredibly heartfelt as he reflects on his time on the game show.

Watch ... PS says he feels privileged to have been invited into people's homes for more than 40 years -- something he says he feels came with a particular responsibility.

Vanna White is saying farewell to her "Wheel of Fortune" cohost Pat Sajak after more than 4 decades ... with an emotional tribute celebrating their strong friendship.

In a video posted Thursday to Instagram, Vanna got choked up talking about their long journey working together at the popular syndicated TV game show.

Vanna opened by saying she could not believe Friday would be their last telecast after 41 years and 8,000 episodes, which she says went like that as she snapped her fingers.

Pat Sajak's last episode of "Wheel of Fortune" may air Friday, but he isn't slowing down in terms of entertaining ... 'cause the dude's already landed his next gig, and it's in the spotlight.

Pat is set to show off his acting chops in a crime play, titled "Prescription: Murder," which is being put on by a community theater in Hawaii. He's got a lead role in the production -- which is set to kick off next summer.

While you'd think someone of Pat's fame would be performing on Broadway, the game show legend actually has a long history with Hawaii Theatre. The show reunites Pat with his longtime friend Joe Moore, who you may know as a newscaster for KHON-TV.

Pat Sajak is already eyeing his next role ahead of his "Wheel of Fortune" exit ... telling his daughter, Maggie, he's ready to be a grandpa.

The longtime game show host sat down with his daughter days before his exit from the game show, explaining why he's ready to say goodbye to 'WoF.' As Pat put it ... he wanted to leave on the earlier side, instead of overstaying his welcome.

After more than 40 years and over 8,000 episodes, Pat says he's at peace with his decision ... and like we said, he gave a wink and a nod to his daughter about kids.

Pat Sajak is about to hang it up after what may be the longest tenure on any show in TV history -- 43 years as host of "Wheel of Fortune," and he did something special for his fans.

The one-time local weatherman is showing folks what it looks like behind the scenes at "Wheel," and it's pretty awesome.

Pat revealed what's behind the puzzle board, where Vanna White has performed her duties for decades.

Tavaris Williams knows he is the butt of a lot of jokes after his recent gaffe on "Wheel of Fortune".... but he's ready to turn lemons into lemonade... or should we say, ass stuff.

As you'll recall ... Tarvaris was a contestant on 'Wheel' featuring a phrase puzzle with letters popping up one after the other. After a few appeared, Tavaris buzzed in with the now TV-iconic "Right in the butt!" guess. He was wrong, of course ... yet the moment was so right.

Anyway, now ... Tavaris tells TMZ that he's ready to cash in on the moment and be a spokesperson for any and all butt services and/or products that might wanna hire him.

This "Wheel of Fortune" contestant's getting major props for NOT winning big -- butt he lost in spectacular fashion ... with a guess that you just gotta see to believe.

The episode of 'WoF' aired Thursday night, featuring a phrase puzzle to start off the game with letters popping up one after the other. After a few letters appeared, a contestant named Tavaris throws out his best guess. Well, a guess.

Take a glance at the board, as Tavaris did, and maybe you also came up with, "Right In The Butt!" 🤣

Turns out not everyone knows Travis and Jason Kelce ... and actress Krysten Ritter is one of those people, 'cause the "Celebrity Wheel Of Fortune" contestant had NO IDEA who the famous bros were during a recent episode!

The "Jessica Jones" actress appeared on the long-running game show on Monday, alongside Sarah Levy from "Schitt's Creek" and designer Christian Siriano ... when they were confronted with the seemingly simple puzzle.

The category was "Family" ... and as the letters nearly filled the entire puzzle, it was clear Ritter wasn't hip to the NFL's most famous siblings.