Vanna White Ends Season With Ratings Boost as ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Thrives Under Ryan Seacrest

Vanna White and Ryan Seacrest have wrapped their first season together on “Wheel of Fortune” with a positive ratings trend. The long-running game show closed the 2024–2025 TV season showing growth in both household ratings and total viewers, according to distributor CBS Media Ventures.

Seacrest stepped into the hosting role in September, succeeding Pat Sajak after more than four decades. White, who has been with the show since 1982, continued as co-host and puzzle board icon. CBS reported that “Wheel of Fortune” was the only syndicated game show to grow year-over-year and one of just two syndicated series overall to post an audience increase.

Vanna White’s Steady Presence and Ratings Growth

“Wheel of Fortune” averaged 7.93 million viewers across the 2024–2025 season, up by about 74,000 compared to last year. In household ratings, the show hit a 4.6 — a 1% gain year-over-year. CBS said this makes “Wheel” the No. 2 syndicated series in both households and total viewers, trailing only “Jeopardy!”

The season premiere month showed strong momentum. Nielsen data reported nearly 8 million viewers between September 9 and October 6, 2024. That made “Wheel of Fortune” the most-watched entertainment program on linear TV when sports and news were excluded. This marked its strongest premiere month audience in three years.

Industry insiders credit the smooth transition to Seacrest’s preparation and White’s steady on-screen presence. Variety reported that Seacrest reviewed hundreds of episodes to study the show’s history and tone before stepping on set. Fans have praised the pair for keeping the beloved format intact while refreshing its energy.

Impact on Fans and the Syndication Market

The successful ratings bump gives confidence to Sony Pictures Television and CBS Media Ventures as they continue their long-standing partnership. The show remains a critical player in the competitive syndicated TV market, where consistent viewership is key to advertising revenue.

For fans, Vanna White’s continued role provides familiarity during the hosting change. Many longtime viewers worried about how the show would feel without Sajak. The steady numbers suggest audiences have embraced the new era.

“Wheel of Fortune” enters its 43rd syndicated season with strong momentum. Vanna White remains a trusted constant, and the ratings boost signals that audiences are staying loyal despite the host transition.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: How long has Vanna White been on ‘Wheel of Fortune’?

Vanna White joined the show in 1982 and has co-hosted for over 40 years.

Q2: Did Ryan Seacrest replace Pat Sajak?

Yes. Ryan Seacrest officially replaced Pat Sajak as host in September 2024.

Q3: How many viewers watched the new season?

The show averaged 7.93 million viewers during the 2024–2025 TV season.

Q4: Did ratings go up with the new host?

Yes. CBS reported a 1% household rating increase and about 74,000 more viewers year-over-year.

Q5: What network distributes ‘Wheel of Fortune’?

It is produced by Sony Pictures Television and distributed by CBS Media Ventures.