As the iconic game show Wheel of Fortune gears up for its 43rd season, fans are buzzing with excitement and curiosity. An August 28, 2025, hype video shared by Maggie Sajak, the show's social correspondent since 2021, set social media ablaze—prompting speculation about a mysterious new wedge on the wheel and the future of the show's beloved letter-turner, Vanna White. With the season set to premiere just after Labor Day, on September 8, 2025, anticipation is at an all-time high for both long-time viewers and newcomers alike.
The now-viral video, posted on Sajak's Instagram, gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at the cast and crew reuniting on set. The video featured Sajak in various locations around the studio—dressing rooms, tech rooms, and hallways—encouraging crew members to join her in a cheerful chorus of, "We're back!" According to TV Insider, even Ryan Seacrest, who is contracted to host the show into the early 2030s, and Vanna White herself joined in the celebratory chant, further fueling excitement for the upcoming season. As Sajak counted down a crew member, he quipped, “I’m in my uniform! We’re back!”—a sentiment echoed by the rest of the team.
But it wasn’t just the camaraderie and energy that caught viewers’ attention. Eagle-eyed fans, ever the detectives, spotted a subtle yet significant change on the game wheel itself. As one Instagram user asked, “Wait, is that a new wedge I see on the wheel?” Another quickly chimed in, “Yeah, and it looks like it reads ‘Year of Fun’ on top. I could be wrong though.” The new wedge, positioned above the familiar $500 space, immediately became the subject of speculation. Is it just another sponsored wedge, or does it signal a new era of gameplay and prizes?
According to Parade and TV Insider, the "Year of Fun" wedge is indeed a fresh addition for Season 43, though its exact purpose and the prizes it might offer remain under wraps. Historically, Wheel of Fortune has introduced special wedges each week, often tied to themed prizes, trips, or bonus opportunities. The classic "Wildcard," "One Million Dollar Wedge," and the ever-dreaded "Bankrupt" are all expected to remain, but this new wedge has clearly piqued the audience's curiosity. One fan speculated online, "Potentially a new gimmick for this season?" while another mused, "It looks like it reads ‘Year of Fun’ on top. I could be wrong." For now, the specifics of the "Year of Fun" wedge are a closely guarded secret, but the consensus is clear: it sounds like it will be a lot of fun.
This isn’t the only change on the horizon for Wheel of Fortune. In a move that reflects the changing landscape of television consumption, both Wheel of Fortune and its sister show, Jeopardy!, will be available to stream for the first time ever on Peacock and Hulu. This marks a significant shift for the long-running game shows, which have traditionally been staples of syndicated television. The streaming debut is expected to broaden the shows’ reach, attracting younger viewers and those who prefer on-demand entertainment. As TV Insider notes, this development places the shows squarely in the 21st century, ensuring their continued relevance in an increasingly digital world.
Amid all these changes, questions about the future of the show's personnel loom large. Vanna White, now 68 and set to turn 69 in February 2026, has been a fixture on Wheel of Fortune for decades. She is under contract through the 2025-26 season, but speculation about her eventual successor has been mounting. Maggie Sajak, daughter of longtime host Pat Sajak and an attorney in her own right, is widely considered the heir apparent to White's iconic letter-turning role. Her increasing visibility on the show—especially in the latest hype video—has only fueled such speculation. White herself addressed the possibility of the show moving on without her in a September 2024 interview with Parade, saying, “Obviously they could do it without me. But people love watching what I’m wearing.”
It’s a sentiment that speaks to the unique role White has played—not just as a functional part of the game, but as a style icon and a comforting presence for millions of viewers. Would the same be true for Maggie Sajak? Only time will tell. For now, Sajak continues to build her profile within the show, engaging with fans on social media and participating in popular trends, such as the "You look happier" TikTok challenge, where she enthusiastically announced her return to the set for Season 43.
Ryan Seacrest, meanwhile, represents another pillar of continuity and change. Having signed a contract that will keep him hosting the show into the early 2030s, Seacrest brings his own brand of polished professionalism and celebrity appeal to the Wheel stage. His presence alongside White and Sajak in the Season 43 video was a reassuring sign for fans who might be anxious about the show’s evolving format. As Parade reports, Seacrest is "locked up under a contract that will reportedly have him hosting into the early 2030s," ensuring stability at the helm even as other elements of the show shift.
All these changes come at a pivotal moment for Wheel of Fortune. The show's enduring popularity—spanning generations and adapting to new media platforms—demonstrates its remarkable staying power. As the September 8 premiere approaches, viewers are left to wonder: What surprises does the "Year of Fun" wedge hold? Will Maggie Sajak step into Vanna White’s shoes, or will the letter-turning role itself evolve or even disappear? And how will streaming reshape the show's already massive audience?
What is certain is that Wheel of Fortune is not content to rest on its laurels. With fresh faces, new features, and a willingness to embrace change, the show seems poised for yet another memorable chapter. For fans, both old and new, the wheel keeps on spinning—and the excitement, it seems, is only just beginning.
