Andy Cohen is “booked and blessed,” thank you very much. The Bravo boss addressed the recent news that Ryan Seacrest will be replacing Pat Sajak as host on Wheel of Fortune after he retires next year.
“Seemed like it was gonna happen,” he said in an interview with Adam Glyn, per New York Post.
Seacrest was considered the frontrunner for the gig, though other names were being thrown around before he was announced as Sajak’s successor. Cohen expressed his interest in the gig, saying the opportunity would be his “dream job.”
When asked if he was approached for the job, however, Cohen said, “No, no, no, no, no, no.”
He explained, “I have eight jobs including the best show job on television at Bravo, so I’m booked and blessed.”
Earlier this month, the Real Housewives executive producer said he would be interested in taking on the job on to try something new. “Not only is a game show the thing that I haven’t done yet, but that is the premiere game show. It’s really fun,” he told Us Weekly.
When it was announced that Seacrest would replace Sajak on Wheel, fans of the game show had mixed reactions.
“He’s a fantastic choice, big shoes to fill but Ryan’s the guy for the gig, will combine well with Vanna too,” one viewer said on Twitter.
“Very good choice. I am going to miss Pat so much. But, I am glad, they picked someone now instead of having a run -off like Jeopardy did. Welcome Ryan, he will do fine,” another fan tweeted.
A third user wrote,“This did not come as a surprise to me and I feel like Ryan is one of the most passed around hosts who has ever existed. Ryan, do you currently hold the world record for most hosted mainstream events?”
Fans of the show also debated whether Sajak’s longtime Wheel co-host Vanna White or his daughter Maggie Sajak would be better suited to host. But Seacrest ultimately came out on top, reportedly with a $28 million payday.
Sajak will retire after the 2023-2024 season, after which he will stay on as a consultant on the show.
Wheel of Fortune airs on weeknights at 7:30/6:30c. Find local listings on the Wheel of Fortune website.