When Ryan Seacrest took over as host of “Wheel of Fortune” in September 2024, millions tuned in, giving the iconic game show a ratings boost after Pat Sajak’s retirement. But only time would tell if the longtime “American Idol” host could keep up the momentum.

Four months into his new role, Seacrest has received his first official report card and the news couldn’t be better. On January 6, 2025, the LA Times reported that during Seacrest’s first quarter of hosting “Wheel of Fortune,” he delivered “ratings gold.”

But the next day, wildfires began to burn across Los Angeles as high winds blew in, devastating and displacing entire communities while forcing many Hollywood shows — including “Wheel of Fortune” — to shut down production.

‘Wheel of Fortune’ Tapings On Hold, But Tickets Available for Late January

GettyVanna White and Ryan Seacrest attend the “Wheel of Fortune” season 42 celebration at Santa Monica Pier on August 30, 2024
On January 13, with firefighters still fighting to contain the largest blazes and winds picking up again, The Wrap reported that “Wheel of Fortune” would not tape as planned at its Culver City studio. The outlet said other temporarily shut-down game shows include “The Price is Right” and “Jeopardy!”

Though no one is sure when it will be possible to continue filming, the “Wheel of Fortune” website now has Seacrest and his co-host, longtime letter-turner Vanna White, scheduled to tape new shows beginning on January 29.

When they do return to the studio, they’ll do so knowing they’ve been doing something right, given the ratings they pulled in during not only their highly-promoted first week as a team, but also their first quarter of working together.

When Seacrest replaced Sajak, who retired in June 2024 after 41 seasons, his premiere episode drew 9.63 million curious “Wheel” watchers, per the Hollywood Reporter, making it the most-watched season premiere in nine years.

During the rest of Seacrest’s first week, an average of 8.31 million people tuned in to each episode, the outlet reported. Those ratings equaled a “double-digit percentage increase in viewership in every key demo” over Sajak’s last season, per TV Insider.

But the best news for Seacrest is that viewership has remained high since his debut, per the LA Times, which said that during his first quarter on the show, his episodes earned an average of 7.9 million viewers through December 1. That’s a significant three-percent increase over the previous season’s ratings, with 58 million people tuning in during Seacrest’s first quarter, the outlet said.

Pat Sajak Made a Funny Cameo in 50th Anniversary ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Promo Before Wildfires

Hours before the first fires began to spread in Los Angeles, the “Wheel of Fortune” social media account shared a video hosted by Seacrest, introducing fans to many of the people who work behind-the-scenes on the show — and including a funny cameo from Sajak.

Created in honor of the game show’s 50th anniversary, Seacrest walked around the building giving shout outs to the audience coordinator, camera operators, production team, art department and then nonchalantly pointed out “our former host.”

“Hey Pat,” he said, as Sajak appeared standing nearby, inexplicably scarfing down a sandwich as the audience laughed. White appeared, too, linking arms with Seacrest backstage before they headed out to the stage as the audience applauded.

Fans adored the video, with hundreds commenting on Instagram, including one who wrote, “Omgeee! I love Pat eating a sandwich surprise❤️ this show is just so much fun and I just love watching you guys ~you make my evenings🥰”

“Now you’ve really won me over Ryan,” another viewer wrote. “Appreciation of your work family! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽♥️♥️”

Next up, Seacrest hopes to continue to deliver ratings magic on “American Idol,” which he’s already begun taping with Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and new judge Carrie Underwood. Season 23 is scheduled to premiere on ABC on March 9.