Ryan Seacrest starts “Wheel of Fortune” arm in arm with Vanna White

The Ryan Seacrest era began with “Wheel of Fortune”.

New host Seacrest, 49, took no time in his first episode Monday to spin around the brightly lit, redesigned “Wheel” set after “Wheel” icon Pat Sajak retired from the business in June after more than four decades and 8,000 shows.

Seacrest entered the show with a smile through the new, gorgeous sliding doors, walking arm-in-arm with his longtime co-host Vanna White. After brief pleasantries and a “Welcome to the show!” from White, Seacrest took his new place behind the wheel.

“I still can't believe my good fortune to be here with you tonight and to continue the legacy of this incredible show,” said Seacrest, who grew up watching “Wheel” with his family in Atlanta. “I know how special it is that 'Wheel' has been in your living rooms for 40 years, and I'm just so grateful to be invited. I also know that I have big shoes to fill.”

Ryan Seacrest brings change:But I will not reinvent the “Wheel of Fortune” with Vanna White

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Seacrest announces success of “Wheel”, no dismayed grunts from the participants

Even when Seacrerat gently eased into the subject of contestants spinning the wheel and solving word puzzles a minute into the show, there were clear references to the defining moment of the long-running Hangman-inspired TV game show. The first puzzle solved was “Opening Night.” The second puzzle contained the phrase “There's a first time for everything.”