LOS ANGELES − Fans of “Wheel of Fortune” will notice significant updates during Ryan Seacrest’s debut as host on the first episode of the 42nd season, airing Monday (check local listings).

During a taping held last month, the audience erupted with excitement in front of a freshly redesigned set featuring shiny gold accents and 264 dazzling LED screens.

“It’s like giving your home a makeover after 40 years,” shares Vanna White, the show’s co-host, as she sits with Seacrest in the green room before they go on stage. “You know it’s familiar, but it just feels refreshed.”

Seacrest humorously adds, “We’re still figuring out where everything is.” But, of course, the chatty 49-year-old host of “American Idol” is the most significant shift for “Wheel of Fortune.” He steps in for Pat Sajak, who retired in June after an impressive 41 years and over 8,000 episodes of this TV classic.

Rest assured, loyal viewers: Seacrest assures that he won’t drastically alter the beloved format. His aim is not to reinvent “Wheel of Fortune.”

“There’s no need for change. Just my presence and charm are enough,” Seacrest explains, noting that he’s spent months honing his hosting skills with practice games. “I want the audience to feel comfortable with this new direction. I hope the transition is smooth and easy for everyone.”

Vanna White remains a ‘Wheel of Fortune’ staple, now with extra comfort

Several familiar elements from the Sajak years continue: The vibrant, multicolored wheel that contestants spin has remained unchanged for two decades, still emitting its characteristic clicking sound as the steel pins hit the rubber flapper. The puzzles also remain the same, and Jim Thornton continues as the beloved announcer. Even the cost of buying a vowel stays at the same price. “It’s been $250 for 42 years,” White proudly remarks.

The iconic co-host, who renewed her contract for another two years in 2023 following Sajak’s retirement, stands as a vital link to the new chapter. White and Sajak have been friends for decades, dating back to when she audibly nervously auditioned for “Wheel” in 1982, eventually becoming a global sensation for elegantly revealing puzzle letters.

“Deciding whether to stay after Pat’s departure was tough. After 40 years together, I thought about whether to leave with him,” White recalls. “But ultimately, I realized I’m not ready to retire yet.”

White chose to remain on the show and received a pay increase along with a subtle enhancement to her work conditions: new foam cushioning added beneath the puzzle board area for added comfort as she navigates in her 5-inch heels. “I think they just wanted to make my walking easier,” she notes.

The dynamic between Seacrest and White has transitioned smoothly. Their on-stage banter feels natural, like they’ve been a team for ages. They even share a charming backstage routine before each show.

“We do a quick teeth check,” Seacrest says, laughing. “It’s really about last looks. If we have something stuck in our teeth, it’s on us to help each other out.”

While Sajak and White would traditionally enter arm in arm from the side stage, Seacrest and White now make a grand introduction through shining, colorful doors at the center stage before heading to their respective positions.

“We get to make our entrance through a big-time show entrance,” Seacrest adds. “It’s such a fun way to start!”

How does Ryan Seacrest manage his time with ‘Wheel of Fortune’?

This raises a question among fans: how often will Seacrest make appearances? His predecessor, Sajak, had also ventured into late-night television with Ryan Seacrest, who became well-known during the 1989-90 season of the “Sajak Show,” is now closely associated with “Wheel of Fortune,” having set a Guinness World Record for hosting the same program.

Seacrest leads an extremely busy life, even by the standards of Hollywood’s fast pace. He presents the daily IHeart radio show “On Air with Ryan Seacrest” and the popular weekly program “American Top 40,” which he took over from the beloved Casey Kasem. As 2025 approaches, he will celebrate his 20th hosting of ABC’s “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest,” a role he inherited from the iconic Dick Clark. In February, he will also begin hosting Season 23 of “American Idol” on the same network.

Seacrest mentions that the production of “Wheel” operates like a “well-oiled machine,” with episodes recorded in organized batches (six episodes a day, four times each month). Thanks to his meticulous planning, he asserts that this new hosting role does not interfere with his sleep schedule.

“My schedule is set until 2026, and if you ask about my workout times, I can provide those details,” he explains. “This show gives me the flexibility to pursue a variety of projects, thanks to how it’s arranged in the schedule. But there’s no shortage of excitement.”

The host of “Wheel” has secured a multi-year contract and expresses his dedication to the show, although he refrains from predicting how long he might be there.

“I hope the audience shares my enthusiasm,” he remarks. “This is something I want to continue for a long time.”

If there are still fans of Pat Sajak who aren’t ready to embrace a new host for “Wheel,” Seacrest hopes they will at least give him a chance to take a turn on the wheel.

“Pat Sajak is unmatched—he’s a true legend and an icon. I can’t replace him, but I can be myself and aim to make the experience both enjoyable and smooth for everyone. That’s my goal.”