Blog

Nancy Travis Explains Her Big ‘Shifting Gears’ Decision, Sparking Fan Uproar Over Tim Allen Reunion.

Last Man Standing’s Nancy Travis Doesn’t Want to Be Tim Allen’s ‘Shifting Gears’ Wife: ‘Too Meta’ (Exclusive)

Nancy Travis and Tim Allen. Michael Becker / FOX

After playing Tim Allen‘s wife for nearly 10 years on Last Man Standing, Nancy Travis was excited to try something new when they reunited on ABC’s Shifting Gears.

During an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Travis broke down her guest appearance on Shifting Gears, which airs Wednesday, February 12.

“I got a call that there was a part that they wanted me for and I love that they created this relationship with the role of Charlotte. She is not this cliché of a wife or a girlfriend,” Travis, 63, teased. “[Instead it is] like two ships passing in the night [with Charlotte and Matt]. They really affect the trajectory of each other’s lives —probably more so for Matt.”

Travis enjoyed getting to share the screen with Allen, 71, again, adding, “Charlotte is a catalyst for him. It was fun to play the role of someone who has a shared experience with Tim’s character, which is true in real life. We shared the experience of making Last Man Standing and at the same time my Shifting Gears character is a stranger — just somebody that Matt meets who can inform his life.”

The Shifting Gears reunion marks the first time Allen and Travis will share the screen since ABC’s Last Man Standing. On the sitcom, which aired from 2011 to 2021, Allen and Travis played a fictional couple: Mike and Vanessa Baxter.

After Last Man Standing came to an end, Allen returned to the comedy space with Shifting Gears, which premiered last month. The show follows Allen’s character, a widower, as he reconnects with his estranged daughter, Riley (Kat Dennings). Wednesday’s episode is Valentine’s Day-themed, as Allen’s character Matt bonds with Charlotte, whom he meets while visiting his late wife’s grave.

Michael Becker/FOX

“It was great not to play the wife [this time]. It was great. It was really fun to be able to just come in and have a whole wealth of knowledge and rapport working with Tim. In terms of comedic rhythm, knowing how to set up a joke and how to tell a story together, it was great to be able to take that and apply it to Charlotte,” Travis noted. “You wonder how Nancy Travis is going to come back into this Shifting Gears world and I think it’s a unique and clever way that they’ve engineered this.”

Some Last Man Standing fans were hoping Travis could become Allen’s onscreen wife again after Us broke the news of her casting. Travis, however, isn’t sure she would want to recreate a dynamic that came about so effortlessly on Last Man Standing.

“I do enjoy working with him but I think that it’s fun to explore new and different relationships between characters. It is very meta —maybe too meta,” she told Us. “I really like what they created, which is a soulmate friend. Maybe it’s like the ghost of his ex-wife — Vanessa — who comes in the spirit of somebody else. But I like the nuances of what they created with this different relationship.”

Travis wouldn’t rule out another return to Shifting Gears though.

“Tim loves what he does and it’s almost like he’s the host of a party. But at the same time, he is very conscientious and really wants to tell whatever story it is in a very affecting way — comedically and emotionally and truthfully,” she explained. “So he’s a great scene partner in that way. Also everybody just has a really great time on set and it is like being at a party.”

While Travis is Allen’s first former costar to make an appearance, she told Us there was no pressure to appear alongside her former TV husband, adding, “I felt the opposite. I showed up and there was such an inviting and warm feeling being there. We just had a good time working together and everybody enjoyed watching us. It was just a very kind, fun and warm group.”

She concluded: “Even coming from the other actors that I hadn’t worked with before. I just felt like I was part of this show — even though I’m not. So that’s a testament to the people that are part of Shifting Gears — including showrunner Michelle Nader. … Kat Dennings was fantastic, by the way. I didn’t really have any scenes with her but just my interactions with her on the set. She’s just warm and funny and fantastic. It’s a lovely show.”

Shifting Gears airs on ABC Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET before streaming the next day on Hulu.

“Happy’s Place” Exclusive: Rex Linn Spills the Beans on His ADORABLE On-Set PDA with Reba McEntire – You Won’t Believe How Cute They Are!

Rex Linn Reveals the Cute PDA He Shows Reba McEntire on the Happy’s Place Set

This is so adorable — even if Linn says it makes the Happy’s Place crew go, “Ugh, God!”

Working with your boyfriend or girlfriend can be tricky, but it seems like Rex Linn and Reba McEntire have it pretty well figured out. On the set of their new NBC sitcom Happy’s Place, Linn will sneak in the occasional PDA without compromising the professionalism of the show. Here’s how.

Rex Linn’s subtle gestures for Reba McEntire on the Happy’s Place set

The Voice Coach and the actor have been together for four years, and they’re both TV vets, so they don’t go too crazy. “It’s tough because we’re working. However, periodically — I know this sounds really dorky — periodically I will go by and kiss the top of her head real quick,” Linn told NBC Insider.

“Just a little peck and then [I] just run off,” he said, adding, “Every once in a while we’ll see each other from afar and wave.”

Rex Linn and Reba McEntire attend “America’s Got Talent” Red Carpet at Hotel Dena on September 20, 2023 in Pasadena, California.

Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Linn explained hilariously, “It makes a lot of people sick when they see me give her a little peck. They’re like, ‘Ugh, God.’” Hard to imagine that’s true!

RELATED: Reba McEntire’s Real Life Boyfriend to Star in Her New NBC Comedy, Happy’s Place

What’s definitely real is the love between them. “He’s the first person I talk to when I get up each morning and the last person I talk to before I go to sleep each night,” McEntire wrote in her 2023 book, Not That Fancy. “I’m having fun being in love again. Romantic relationships should be fun — I don’t care how old you are. Love should bring you joy and make you feel good, and I’m never going to settle for anything less.”

Happy’s Place is Reba McEntire’s return to sitcoms

“What’s different for me now is I’m familiar,” McEntire said at a Television Critics Association event about returning to sitcoms after Reba in the 2000s. “I’m the old show dog, and that I can help teach anybody who hasn’t done a sitcom, four-camera before, what’s going on. The tables are turned a little bit. I’m so thrilled, grateful and thankful to get to do this.”

The star told reporters that she was eager to make another multi-cam comedy because of “teamwork.”

“You got to have a lot of people to make the train roll,” she said. “And to do it by yourself, you couldn’t. Why would you even want to? To have all these talented people around you, the good team you get to work with, be a part of, that’s the best part. All the friends you get to make.” Sounds like this set will be a very…happy place!

It’s Official! Reba McEntire’s “Happy’s Place” Secures Coveted Spot on NBC’s Highly Anticipated Fall Schedule!

NBC’s fall schedule includes Reba McEntire’s ‘Happy’s Place’ and ‘Brilliant Minds’ drama

NBC has added three new series this fall, including two new comedies – the hospital mockumentary “St. Denis Medical” and Reba McEntire’s sitcom return in “Happy’s Place.”

Heck, yes! Country music icon McEntire, a coach on NBC’s “The Voice” for the past two seasons, is back with a TV comedy for the first time since WB’s “Reba,” which ran from 2001 to 2007. “Happy’s Place” features McEntire as Bobbie, who inherits her father’s restaurant and discovers her new business partner is the half-sister, Isabella (Belissa Escobedo), she never knew she had.

Melissa Peterman, who starred in “Reba,” has a spot in “Happy’s Place” as McEntire’s best friend and co-employee. The multi-cam sitcom will also feature McEntire’s real-life boyfriend Rex Linn, who will play a short-order cook.

“Happy’s Place” will air Friday nights after “Lopez and Lopez,” the comedy starring the father-daughter team of George and Mayan Lopez, which NBC renewed for Season 3 earlier this month.

McEntire will pull double NBC duty with “Happy’s Place” and as a coach on “The Voice” as “The Voice” has been renewed for season 26.

Which TV shows are renewed or canceled, And why we’re pausing Save Our Shows poll for 2024

Reba McEntire as Bobbie, Belissa Escobedo as Isabella in NBC’s “Happy’s Place.”
“St. Denis Medical” stars Wendi McLendon-Covey, Allison Tolman and David Alan Grier as medical staff keeping their sanity at an understaffed Oregon hospital. The comedy will air Tuesday nights before “Night Court,” which was renewed for Season 3 earlier this month.

Rookie drama “The Irrational,” starring “Law & Order” and Broadway veteran Jesse L. Martin as a behavioral scientist working high-stakes cases, was renewed for its second season to complete the Tuesday night lineup.

NBC’s third new series is the medical drama “Brilliant Minds,” starring Zachary Quinto (Spock from the “Star Trek” movie franchise) as a neurologist working with his team exploring the last great frontier – the human mind – while also dealing with their own relationships and mental health. “Brilliant Minds” will air Monday nights after “The Voice.”

Shanola Hampton and Trayce Malachi in new NBC missing-persons drama “Found.”
NBC’s returning stable of shows remains markedly consistent, with co-creator Dick Wolf’s stacked lineup returning to Wednesday nights: “Chicago Med,” “Chicago Fire” and “Chicago P.D.” Thursday night will feature the return of Wolf’s “Law & Order” and “Law & Order: SVU”, along with the Shanola Hampton-led missing-person drama “Found,” which is back for Season 2.

Among the missing: Wolf’s “Law & Order: Organized Crime,” starring Christopher Meloni as Det. Elliot Stabler, will move from NBC to Peacock, the sibling streaming service, for Season 5.

NBC had already canceled the Jon Cryer comedy “Extended Family” after one season, the drama “Quantum Leap” after two seasons, and the drama “La Brea” after three seasons (the series finale aired Feb. 23).

Big Ten and Notre Dame college football will continue to anchor NBC’s Saturday night, with “NBC Sunday Night Football” fortifying Sunday.

The “Suits” spinoff “Suits LA” has shot a pilot that was not ready for fall scheduling consideration. A schedule placement decision on the show will be made in the near future.

Also in the near future, a major comedy milestone. “Saturday Night Live” will mark its 50th anniversary with a 2025 celebratory weekend culminating in a live three-hour special. Despite the famed title, the prime-time special will air on Sunday, Feb. 16.

NBC’s fall schedule

Monday: 8, The Voice; 10, Brilliant Minds

Tuesday: 8, St. Denis Medical; 8:30, Night Court; 9, The Voice; 10, The Irrational

Wednesday: 8, Chicago Med; 9, Chicago Fire; 10, Chicago P.D.

Thursday: 8, Law & Order; 9, Law & Order: SVU; 10, Found

Friday: 8, Happy’s Place; 8:30, Lopez vs. Lopez; 9, Dateline NBC

Saturday: 7:30, Big Ten Saturday Night / Notre Dame Football (also live on Peacock)

Sunday: 7, Football Night in America; 8:20, NBC Sunday Night Football (also live on Peacock)

(All times EDT/PDT; new shows in bold, new time slots in italics)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBC fall schedule; Reba McEntire’s ‘Happy’s Place,’ ‘Brilliant Minds’

You Won’t Believe Who Wants In! Cody Johnson Offers Himself Up for a Cameo on Reba McEntire’s “Happy’s Place”!

Cody Johnson is offering himself up as an extra for Reba McEntire’s new sitcom

Photo credit Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Cody Johnson is walking into tonight’s ACM Awards with five nominations and every intention of trying to land a spot on Reba’s new television show.

While excited to be up for one of the night’s biggest awards, Entertainer of the Year, COJO is even more excited to be surrounded by his childhood heroes whom he grew up watching on the ACM Awards.

That includes tonight’s host, Reba McEntire, who Johnson said he connected with while at various ACM events earlier in the week.

“I was talking to her earlier this week, she’s so sweet,” Johnson said of McEntire. After inviting her to one of his shows in Arlington, TX this November, Johnson said he also took the opportunity to offer himself up as an extra on her new sitcom. “I was like, ‘Hey! If you need any extras, let me know.’” He laughed.

“It’s always great to have people like Reba or like Ronnie Dunn that you can pick up the phone and call and let them mentor you a little bit,” he said on a more serious note. “They were here for the first time too. They know how it feels. I’m doing this all for the very first time — this is all brand new to me… I remember being a kid and watching Reba and Alan Jackson, George Strait, Garth Brooks and all my heroes that were nominated in this category [Entertainer of the Year].”

In addition to catching up with all his mentors and fellow Country pals, Johnson is also set to take the stage to perform his current single, “Dirt Cheap,” a song he said was almost recorded by Luke Combs. “I’ll tell ya what, Luke Combs had this song,” Cody revealed. “He had it in his phone and never clicked on it. So, thank you, Luke!” he laughed. Expressing his gratitude for the tune that he believes will bring him his next number 1 hit.

Catch Cody’s performance of “Dirt Cheap,” on the ACM Awards tonight via Amazon Prime and hear his entire conversation with Audacy’s Katie Neal above.

“Happy’s Place” Trailer Drops! Reba McEntire Teams Up With Beloved Sitcom Co-Star in Must-See New SEASON!

Happy’s Place Trailer: Reba McEntire Reunites With Former Sitcom Co-Star For New Series

Summary

Reba McEntire returns to sitcoms in an upcoming multi-cam comedy on NBC.
The show is called Happy’s Place and focuses on McEntire inheriting her father’s restaurant with a surprise half-sister as a partner.
It reunites McEntire with former Reba co-star Melissa Peterman.

The trailer for the Reba McEntire comedy Happy’s Place reveals the country’s star return to sitcoms. The original Reba ran for six seasons from 2001 to 2007, starting on The WB and later on The CW. Though there have been occasional rumors that a revival of the family comedy is in the works, nothing has materialized. With her latest project, however, McEntire does reunite with Reba‘s executive producer and former co-star Melissa Peterman.

NBC has now revealed the trailer for Happy’s Place, which will premiere later in 2024. An exact premiere date has not been announced. Check out the trailer below:

The preview puts the country artist and television star front and center, previewing the premise, which centers on what happens when a father’s inheritance comes with an unexpected twist.

What To Know About Happy’s Place

It Hails From Reba’s Creative Team.

But the news is soured once she learns of her unexpected business partner: her half-sister Isabella, played by Belissa Escobedo, a sibling that she didn’t even know she had.

The premise of Happy’s Place sees McEntire portray Bobbie, a woman who inherits her father’s restaurant. But the news is soured once she learns of her unexpected business partner: her half-sister Isabella, played by Belissa Escobedo, a sibling that she didn’t even know she had. For her part, Isabella is an enthusiastic person around her 20s. She loves psychology and analyzing people and is thrilled to work at the restaurant. She even has some ideas about how to really bring the place to life.

As for Peterman, who played Barbra Jean in Reba, she’ll play Gabby in Happy’s Place. A bartender who has worked at the restaurant and tavern for quite a bit, she’s described as dramatic and takes to Bobbie like a sister. The cast also includes Pablo Castelblanco, Tokala Black Elk, and Rex Linn.

The multi-cam, which hails from Reba executive producers Kevin Abbott, Michael Hanel, and Mindy Schultheis, joins returning NBC comedies Night Court and Lopez vs. Lopez, in addition to the new mockumentary St. Denis Medical. Although it won’t debut for a few more months, Happy’s Place is getting an early promotional push that leans on McEntire’s status as a popular sitcom star.

Source: NBC

Reba McEntire’s Heartfelt Reaction to Melissa Peterman’s Emotional Tribute from “Happy’s Place

Reba McEntire on New Sitcom ‘Happy’s Place’ and Best Friend Melissa Peterman (Exclusive)

Reba McEntire reacts to ‘Happy’s Place’ co-star and friend Melissa Peterman’s emotional words about their friendship.

There’s a place for Melissa Peterman in Reba McEntire’s heart — and on her new show.

The country star is set to make her return to scripted television once again with the upcoming NBC sitcom, Happy’s Place. But her’s is not the only familiar face fans will see. Her former Reba co-star, Peterman, has also been cast in the comedy, which centers on McEntire as Bobbie, who has inherited her father’s restaurant following his death and discovers that her business partner is a half-sister she did not know she had, played by Hocus Pocus 2 star Belissa Escobedo. Meanwhile, Peterman has been cast as Gabby, a bartender at the restaurant.

The show also rejoins McEntire with executive producers Michael Hanel and Mindy Schultheis and writer Kevin Abbott, all three of whom worked on her eponymous sitcom. Needless to say, it comes as no surprise that filming the new pilot came easy.

“The cast is wonderful. We’re so excited,” McEntire told ET’s Cassie DiLaura on Monday on The Voice red carpet. “We shot the pilot and everybody said, ‘You know, this is like a second season first episode instead of the pilot and that’s the way I felt. Everybody gelled, everybody got along, and the writing is wonderful, so I’m really happy. I’m so happy.”

ET also got McEntire’s reaction to what Peterman said about her during a recent interview with ET, in which she emotionally said the country icon is “like coming home.”

Reba McEntire and Melissa Peterman starred together for six seasons of the early 2000s sitcom, Reba. – Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for Celebrity Fight Night

“I think that in this business, we have a lot of ‘Hollywood friends’ and you have friends that you share just the good stuff with,” Peterman described, her eyes welling up. “I think I knew that when we started sharing real-life stuff that it was forever. I know she’s got my back — whether we ever work together again, she is on my side always, and she knows I’m [on] her’s.”

As McEntire’s response confirmed, the feeling is certainly mutual. “I love Melissa. We gelled really quickly during the Reba show and went on vacations and I remember when she told me she was pregnant with Riley… She’s one of my best friends I just will always love her forever and ever.”

Quipped the Voice coach, “She wouldn’t be the one that you would call to bail you out of jail. She’d be the one sitting right next to you… She’d say, ‘Wasn’t that fun? Let’s do that again some other time and not get caught.’”

The Voice airs Mondays and Tuesdays on NBC.

“Happy’s Place” Brings “Reba” Home: McEntire Shares Poignant Thoughts on the On-Screen Family Reunion That Fans Are Raving About

“That’s Magic in a Bottle”: Reba McEntire Reflects on Reuniting With ‘Reba’ Family on ‘Happy’s Place’

In 2001, the world was introduced to a single mom who works two jobs, who loves her kids and never stops, when The WB unleashed the power of Reba. For six seasons, audiences followed along with the titular character, played by country music legend Reba McEntire, as she navigated the ups and downs of life after discovering that her husband had been carrying on an affair with a much younger woman.

McEntire commanded the stage of the sitcom, but was assisted in doing so by a dynamite ensemble that helped the show become the massive success that it was.

Now, more than a decade later, while we may not be getting a Reba reboot, fans were thrilled when McEntire and numerous members of the supporting cast reunited for a completely different series, Happy’s Place. Leaving its first season behind with glowing reviews and viewership numbers, the title has nothing but excitement on the horizon for its upcoming sophomore set of episodes on NBC.

Recently speaking with People, McEntire opened up about this once-in-a-lifetime shot at creating something just as special as the show that came before it and how much it means to her to be working with her ex-castmates again.

“The first time we went into a table read, it was very nostalgic. It was very emotional. I mean, see, I’m getting choked up right now. That’s the way it was for all of us to be so blessed. If you get one really good sitcom that lasts for six seasons, you think, ‘Man, I’ve got the golden ring. That’ll be it. Probably never do it again, because that’s magic in a bottle.’ We got it again and we realize it… It’s a lot of fun and we already know each other’s bad habits and good habits, what we like, what we don’t. So it’s real easy to step in back into that with the crew. You love people you get to work together with that you’ve worked with before. It’s just so much easier than starting over.”

What Is ‘Happy’s Place’ About?

As mentioned, Happy’s Place and Reba might share some similar faces and creative brains, but the plots are incredibly different. In the new NBC series, McEntire stars as Bobbie, a woman who comes to inherit her father’s bar after his passing.

Upon moving back to the area, Bobbie discovers that she’s not the only child who was gifted the titular pub in the deceased’s will, as she comes to find out that she has a much younger half-sister (Belissa Escobedo).

The show follows the day-to-day goings-on and comedic hijinks of the bar, while Bobbie gets back to her roots and embraces her newfound family. Reba alum, Melissa Peterman, joins the cast alongside McEntire’s real-life boyfriend Rex Linn, and an ensemble that also includes Pablo Castelblanco and Tokala Black Elk.

Happy’s Place is now streaming on Peacock.

Devastating News: NBC Delivers Crushing Blow, Canceling Fan-Favorite Sitcom After Only 3 Seasons – Fans Are Stunned!

Say Goodbye to Another TV Family as NBC Cancels Fan-Favorite Sitcom After 3 Seasons

George Lopez’s latest sitcom, Lopez vs. Lopez, will not be getting a fourth season. The fan-favorite show was canceled at NBC, per Deadline, and is the latest sitcom to get the axe this year. ABC’s The Conners also ended its run this spring.

The news of Lopez vs. Lopez’s cancelation came at NBC’s network upfronts, which also included an announcement that Night Court is also not being renewed. Both shows had been on the “bubble” at the network. The sitcom, starring George Lopez, Mayan Lopez, Matt Shively, Bruce Gonzalez, Selenis Leyva, and Al Madrigal had the distinction of being one of the first network comedies that featured a Latino family as a dysfunctional one, a-la Roseanne.

The similarities between Roseanne, The Conners, and Lopez vs. Lopez were likely not coincidental, as Bruce Helford, who helmed the two classic sitcoms, also served as an executive producer on Lopez vs. Lopez. Helford also executive-produced The George Lopez Show, which ran from 2002 to 2007.

A Groundbreaking Show

Lopez vs. Lopez broke ground by tackling the complex relationship he has with his real-life daughter, Mayan Lopez, who plays his daughter on the show, and his mother, and delved into topics from the comedian’s personal life. The series also took a deep dive into topics like mental health, toxic masculinity, and interracial relationships.

The sitcom focused on a working-class family. Lopez created the show with his daughter, Mayan, and Debby Wolfe, and focuses on an old-school Latino who moves in with his Gen Z daughter.

Apple TV+ Cancels Latino Show

Lopez vs. Lopez is the second series with an all-Latino cast to be canceled this year. Apple TV+ pulled the plug on Acapulco after four seasons. The series is set to premiere its fourth and final season on July 23. The series stars Eugenio Derbez, who also executive produces.

“Acapulco brought joy and heart to audiences around the world, and while saying goodbye is bittersweet, I’m so proud of what we created,” Derbez said. “From our incredible cast, writers, and directors, to the way we celebrated Mexico’s culture, beauty, and warmth – it’s been an unforgettable ride,” he said.

Lopez vs. Lopez

IMDb Rating

6.2/10

Other Series With Latin Leads

While these two Latin-led series are no longer moving forward, several other series with Latin cast members are, including NBC’s Reba McEntire-led Happy Face, which stars Belissa Escobedo in a series regular role. Ramon Rodriguez leads ABC’s Will Trent, which is getting a fourth season. Additionally, NCIS on CBS stars Wilmer Valderrama. CBS’ forthcoming Fire Country spinoff, Sheriff Country, will star Morena Baccarin, and Fire Country stars Kevin Alejandro.

Lopez vs. Lopez is streaming on Peacock. It is executive produced by Wolfe and Lopez with Helford, Michael Rotenberg, and Katie Newman. Universal Television in association with Mohawk Productions, Travieso Productions, Mi Vida Loba, and 3 Arts, produces Lopez vs. Lopez.

Source: Deadline

The “Wheel of Fortune” Shake-Up: A Major Clue Suggests Vanna White’s Iconic Run May Be Nearing an Early End

Wheel of Fortune’s Vanna White’s salary talks are ‘getting ugly’ as execs ‘refuse’ to raise her paycheck to $15M a year

THE salary talks for Wheel of Fortune host Vanna White have reportedly been getting ugly with the executive producers.

Since June, Vanna, 66, asked for half of what longtime co-host Pat Sajak, 76, makes, which is estimated at $15million a year.

5

A lawyer for Vanna White is reportedly negotiating two salary deals, one for Wheel of Fortune and another for Celebrity Wheel of FortuneCredit: GMA

5

A source claimed: “It’s gonna get ugly if Sony doesn’t get more serious.”Credit: Getty
Sources claimed Vanna’s lawyer, Bryan Friedman, is negotiating two deals: one for Celebrity Wheel of Fortune and the other for the long-running syndicated show, according to TMZ.

Friedman reportedly asked a Sony executive to use a third party to evaluate Pat and Vanna’s roles on the syndicated show to come up with a “fair figure.”

A source claimed an executive denied his request because the studio does not want to use Pat’s salary for comparability.

Negotiations for the syndicated program have reportedly halted due to the Writers Guild of America strike.

An insider told the outlet: “It’s gonna get ugly if Sony doesn’t get more serious.”

Meanwhile, for her new contract for Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, the 66-year-old star will receive a “meaningful bump” and is expected to make $100,000 per episode.

‘A MODEL EMPLOYEE’

Near the end of June, TMZ also confirmed Pat’s co-star makes about $3million a year.

Her salary has remained the same for the past 18 years, and she has not received a single pay increase.

An insider close to the situation claimed negotiations between Vanna and Sony have been “very difficult” because the hostess “feels like it’s a statement for all women” and is reportedly negotiating for “a minimum of what is fair.

“After 41 years as a model employee and more the face of that show than him [Pat], asking for 50 percent of what he makes seems like a no-brainer.”

‘TRULY HUMBLED’

That same month, the game show announced via social media that  Ryan Seacrest, 48, will take over for Pat at the end of next season.

With a glammed-up photo of the American Idol host, the caption stated: “It’s official! Starting in 2024, Ryan Seacrest will take the stage as the new host of Wheel of Fortune.

“We’re so excited – Welcome Ryan!”

The new host shared a statement on social media and confirmed Vanna will remain on the puzzle board in September 2024.

He said: “I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak.

“I can say, along with the rest of America, that it’s been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years.”

Ryan concluded: “I can’t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White.”

5

Vanna pictured on the set of Wheel of FortuneCredit: ABC

5

Vanna pictured with Wheel of Fortune co-host Pat SajakCredit: Getty

5

Ryan Seacrest has been named as the new host of Wheel of FortuneCredit: Getty

Vanna White OUT? Bombshell Reports Suggest “Wheel of Fortune” Has Made a Shocking Decision – Get the Full Story!

Wheel of Fortune ‘replaces’ Vanna White on show amid beloved host’s bitter fight for pay raise

WHEEL of Fortune has opted to sub out Vanna White temporarily, according to reports on Friday.

The iconic letter-turner is in the midst of unresolved contract negotiations to get higher pay amid host Pat Sajak’s upcoming retirement.

6

Vanna White will be replaced on Wheel of Fortune for a week this upcoming seasonCredit: Rodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic/Getty Images

6

This marks the first time in 30 years that Vanna won’t be presenting lettersCredit: Getty

6

Bridgette Donald-Blue will replace Vanna as Wheel reportedly didn’t wait for her to recover from Covid-19Credit: LinkedIn/Bridgette Donald Blue
Vanna, 66, will miss a few episodes of Wheel of Fortune this fall, Puck News reported.

Vanna apparently contracted Covid-19 in late July while Wheel was filming its annual Teachers Week, which is scheduled to air in October.

Instead of halting production, producers decided to bring in a sub.

They contacted Teacher of the Year recipient, Bridgette Donald-Blue, to replace Vanna at the letter board for the week of episodes.

The beloved game show opted not to wait for Vanna to recuperate.

Vanna’s absence from the show will be her first in nearly 30 years.

VANNA LAWYERS UP FOR ‘FAIR PAY’

The news comes as Vanna is reportedly in tense contract negations, hoping to get her first reported raise in 18 years.

Longtime host Pat, 76, recently announced he will retire in June 2024 after 40 years of hosting.

Ryan Seacrest, 48, will take over for him after the end of next season, marking the end of an era and the start of a new one.

Vanna is demanding a well-earned pay bump as she reportedly makes half of what Pat makes now.

Sources told People: “50 percent of Pat’s salary is so outrageous that no one in their right mind could say that it’s fair.

“The negotiation is asking for much more than 50 percent of his salary. It’s asking for the same pay – if not more.”

In a resurfaced interview with Esquire, Vanna once claimed that she “worked harder” than her co-host.

“My position is much more, what’s the word? I work a lot harder,” joked Vanna at the time. “I’ve walked thousands of miles. And he didn’t have to do that. In my heels, no less.”

Vanna hired high-powered lawyer Bryan Friedman to negotiate two deals – one for Celebrity Wheel of Fortune and the other for the long-running syndicated show, according to TMZ.

Negotiations for the syndicated program have reportedly halted due to the Writers Guild of America strike.

But an insider told the outlet: “It’s gonna get ugly if Sony doesn’t get more serious.”

Meanwhile, for her new contract for Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, the 66-year-old star will receive a “meaningful bump” and is expected to make $100,000 per episode.

Pat reportedly makes $400,000 an episode.

This comes as TMZ previously confirmed that Vanna makes about $3million a year overall.

Pat reportedly makes about $15million a year overall, according to the outlet.

Negotiations between Vanna and Sony have become “very difficult,” an insider close to the situation also told TMZ.

Another source claimed the hostess “feels like it’s a statement for all women” and is reportedly negotiating for “a minimum of what is fair.”

However, a source has told People that the previous report from TMZ was inaccurate, including the claim that Vanna accepted an offer of $100,000 per episode to continue the show’s Celebrity edition.

RARELY OFF THE BOARD

Vanna has only been away from the show three times in history.

In 1986, her predecessor Susan Stafford returned while Vanna grieved the death of her boyfriend, John Gibson, after a tragic plane crash, per People.

The second time was when Tricia Gist took over during Vanna’s two-week honeymoon with ex-husband George San Pietro in 1991- with whom Vanna shares her two children.

Tricia stepped in once more that year when Vanna contracted a cold.

On two occasions, Pat’s daughter, Maggie, has taken on puzzle duties but Vanna was still on-screen.

One was in 2019 during her father’s surgery recovery – Vanna hosted.

The other was in 2023 for Celebrity Wheel and Vanna competed.

Season 41 of Wheel premieres on Sept. 11 and will be Pat’s last.

6

Vanna will be replaced for a week’s worth of Teacher’s Week episodes by ‘Teacher of The Year’ Bridgette Donald-BlueCredit: Getty

6

Vanna’s fight to get at least half of co-host Pat’s salary amid his retirement is unresolved, and she’s only missed Wheel three times – the most recent in 1991Credit: Getty

6

She’s expressed no interest in following in Pat’s footsteps when Ryan Seacrest takes over and wants higher pay when Ryan hostsCredit: Getty