• by Adam Buckman , Featured Columnist, September 5, 2024

All eyes are on Vanna White next week as she begins work with a new “Wheel of Fortune” co-host for the first time in 41 years.

Vanna’s new adventure starts Monday as the long-time syndicated hit returns for Season 42. Vanna has already been busy taping shows this summer with new co-host Ryan Seacrest.

For 41 seasons, Vanna worked closely with the same host, Pat Sajak, who ended his long run last spring.

Right now, Vanna, 67, is working under a two-year contract that runs until the end of the 2025-26 season.

In an interview last weekend on “CBS News Sunday Morning” (the same company that syndicates “Wheel of Fortune”) Vanna was professional and on point, as usual, when discussing the new co-host.

“I’ve known [him] probably for 20 years,” she told interviewer Luke Burbank. “But in the last couple of months, we’ve done some traveling together for the show and we got to know each other a little better too. So, I think our chemistry is good.”

The chemistry better be good, and evident for all of “Wheel of Fortune’s” millions of long-time fans to see. 

Vanna White is the undisputed star of “Wheel,” which means that maintaining chemistry with her should be Job One for the show’s new co-host.

“I had no idea what to expect when I am used to one person for so long,” Vanna said in the “Sunday Morning” interview. “I was very scared, but he’s doing a great job.”

Vanna scared about a new co-host? She was probably just being polite. It’s really the other way around. 

He ought to be scared of Vanna, who might be the most beloved personality in all of television.

“You’re never going to find a better job, and you’re never going to find a better co-host,” said Pat Sajak last June when he handed over the reins to the new co-host on the last show of the season.

Amen to that, Pat.