Black Stars Who Should be the New Host of ‘Wheel of Fortune’

As Pat Sajak says a final goodbye to the long-running TV institution, we have suggestions for stars who would have been great successors.

(L to R): Dulcé Sloan, Marlon Wayans and Janelle James Photo: Getty Images Marleen Moise, Noam Galai, Dia Dipasupil

With Pat Sajal saying a tearful goodbye to “Wheel of Fortune,” we need to talk about the future of your grandmother’s favorite TV show. Yes, we know Ryan Seacrest has already been tapped as the new host of “Wheel of Fortune,” with his episodes set to begin airing in September. However, between “American Idol,” “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” and his various radio shows, there may be times when his schedule gets a little crowded. To that end, we have some thoughts on Black stars who should be the new “Wheel of Fortune” host.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Bakari Sellers: Why Elon Musk Should Scare Everyone

Nick Cannon

Photo: Getty Images Leon Bennett Photo: Getty Images Leon Bennett

He’s been the business forever and knows all the ins and outs of the hosting game. Since he already hosts “The Masked Singer,” seeing Cannon on “Wheel” would be an easier transition for older viewers.

Dulcé Sloan

“The Daily Show” correspondent is funny, charming, quick witted and endlessly likable. All the qualities you want from a “Wheel” host. If she can’t host the popular game show, let’s hope she’s at the top of the list for the Comedy Central hit.

Marlon Wayans

Photo: Getty Images Noam Galai Photo: Getty Images Noam Galai

If you want someone who is prepared for anything and will brilliantly use humor to put contestants at ease, the “White Chicks” star is the best choice.

Sherri Shepherd

The talk show has an infectious energy that the audience loves. She brings a positivity that will keep contestants engaged and having fun.

Snoop Dogg

Photo: Getty Images Jerod Harris Photo: Getty Images Jerod Harris

Come on, you know Snoop would be hilarious as the new host. If you’re looking to shake things up and appeal to a new audience, no one would get people talking more than him.

Michelle Buteau

Photo: Getty Images Roy Rochlin Photo: Getty Images Roy Rochlin

The comedian/actress would add a joyful, fun energy to the show. She’s the kind of host who we’d tune in for every night, because we have to know what she’s going to say.

Trevor Noah

Photo: Getty Images Kevin Winter Photo: Getty Images Kevin Winter

Look, I’m sure Trevor Noah has more lucrative offers, but I need him back on my TV and he needs a job, so this seems like a win-win for everyone.

Kenan Thompson

Photo: Getty Images Roy Rochlin Photo: Getty Images Roy Rochlin

Kenan has been SNL’s fake game show host for years, so he totally has the experience to take over a real one. I’d love to see him bring some of the absurdity of his SNL characters to Wheel. And I’m gonna need Kel Mitchell to occasionally sub in for Vanna White.

Natasha Rothwell

Photo: Getty Images David Livingston Photo: Getty Images David Livingston

There’s a familiar routine involved in Wheel of Fortune that makes it so comfortable to watch. But longtime fans know it’s at its best when it’s unpredictable. No one does unpredictable better like Natasha Rothwell.

Whoopi Goldberg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fm4tZDvtQa4

EGOT-winner and entertainment legend Whoopi Goldberg has already let the world know she wants the job. Given her comedy roots and name recognition, Whoopi would be a great choice to lead the show moving forward.

Anthony Anderson

Photo: Getty Images Jon Kopaloff Photo: Getty Images Jon Kopaloff

Anthony Anderson is an experienced host, popular actor and veteran comedian. Honestly, he’s the most qualified person on our list.

Yvonne Orji

Photo: Getty Images Arturo Holmes Photo: Getty Images Arturo Holmes

While most fans know Yvonne Orji from Insecure, she’s also a hilarious comedian whose personality is made for a show like Wheel of Fortune. Imagine how great she’ll be in those awkward moments where someone gives a wildly ridiculous guess.

Terry Crews

Photo: Getty Images JC Olivera Photo: Getty Images JC Olivera

As the host of America’s Got Talent, Terry Crews is overflowing with personality but never lets it overshadow the contestants. Also, mainstream audiences really love him.

Carla Hall

Photo: Getty Images Bryan Bedder Photo: Getty Images Bryan Bedder

If you’ve ever seen Chef Carla Hall on a cooking show, you know how utterly likable she is. With Carla, you never feel like a TV personality is putting on a show. It’s more like hanging out with an old friend.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Photo: Getty Images Jamie McCarthy Photo: Getty Images Jamie McCarthy

Now that Black-ish has wrapped, Tracee Ellis Ross is making some very cool career choices. She would be such a fun host and I feel like she and Vanna White would be an interesting team.

Leslie Jones

Photo: Getty Images Matt Winkelmeyer Photo: Getty Images Matt Winkelmeyer

On Saturday Night Live and Supermarket Sweep we saw what Leslie Jones can do when she’s allowed to just let go and be herself. You know she would be absolutely hilarious on Wheel of Fortune, and would also encourage the contestants to loosen up.

Ryan Clark

Photo: Getty Images Chris Graythen Photo: Getty Images Chris Graythen

ESPN NFL analyst Ryan Clark has such a positive presence, he would be a calming influence on especially nervous contestants.

Janelle James

Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison

The Final Straw may not have worked as a game show, but Janelle James was entertaining as a host. She would bring an electric energy to the sometimes routine feel of a long-running show like Wheel.

Al Roker

Photo: Getty Images Arturo Holmes Photo: Getty Images Arturo Holmes

We want to take care of Al Roker at all costs, so maybe it’s time for him to trade in Today for the more laid-back job of hosting Wheel of Fortune. We already know America loves Al.

LeVar Burton

Photo: Getty Images Jesse Grant Photo: Getty Images Jesse Grant

I know LeVar Burton has been announced for a Trivial Pursuit game show, but is there a more perfect project for the man who has devoted his life to championing literacy?

Yvette Nicole Brown

Photo: Getty Images Kevin Winter Photo: Getty Images Kevin Winter

Yvette Nicole Brown is that friend who is always excited for your success. She would be the cheerleader the contestants need when they mess up or hit Bankrupt.

Dwyane Wade

Photo: Getty Images Dimitrios Kambouris Photo: Getty Images Dimitrios Kambouris

On his TBS series The Cube, D-Wade brings his competitive nature to an otherwise normal show. He would definitely make Wheel of Fortune feel like it’s a big deal. Especially when someone walks away with a huge jackpot.

Austin Creed

WWE superstar Xavier Woods is known in his everyday life as Austin Creed. The man’s enthusiasm for gaming, competition and life is infectious. Plus, he absolutely killed it during his appearance on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune. If you want to go in a different direction with someone completely new, he is a fresh, unique choice.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Black Celebs Showing How They Looked in the 90s Is Taking Over the Internet

Black Celebs Showing How They Looked in the 90s Is Taking Over the Internet

From Halle Berry to Morris Chestnut, Black stars are hopping onto this 90s trend on TikTok. Let’s take a look at the best ones! …
The Worst Oscars Red Carpet Trainwrecks Over the Years

The Worst Oscars Red Carpet Trainwrecks Over the Years

With the 2026 Oscars just days away, let’s take a look at Black celebs who’ve had some fashion misses on the famous red carpet! …
S.C. Rep. Jim Clyburn's Run for an 18th Congressional Term Has Black America Divided

S.C. Rep. Jim Clyburn’s Run for an 18th Congressional Term Has Black America Divided

After 85-year-old Rep. Jim Clyburn announced his run for an 18th term, Black folks online shared plenty of thoughts …
Why Oscar-Nominated Film 'The Alabama Solution,' is More Than Just a Prison Documentary

Why Oscar-Nominated Film ‘The Alabama Solution,’ is More Than Just a Prison Documentary

“The Alabama Solution” is what happens when you let inmates tell the unapologetic truth about their living conditions and the abuse allegedly at the hands of correctional officers …
Pastor Goes Viral for Demanding Congregants’ Tax Returns—And The Internet Is Gagging

Pastor Goes Viral for Demanding Congregants’ Tax Returns—And The Internet Is Gagging

The viral pastor told church members to bring copies of their tax returns, saying he’s tired of congregants “playing in his face” when it comes time for tithes and offerings …
Psychology Behind the Internet's Obsession With Punch, the Abandoned Monkey While Immigrant Kids Are Stripped From Their Parents

Psychology Behind the Internet’s Obsession With Punch, the Abandoned Monkey While Immigrant Kids Are Stripped From Their Parents

We explore the dark truth of why the internet rallies more around a zoo monkey than detained kids separated from their immigrant parents …
Professor: Why Black Men Are Upset By Black Boys Wearing Bonnets

Professor: Why Black Men Are Upset By Black Boys Wearing Bonnets

Black boys are not trying to look feminine. They are just taking care of the hair they actually have …
All the Fly Looks Oprah Winfrey Served at Paris Fashion Week 2026

All the Fly Looks Oprah Winfrey Served at Paris Fashion Week 2026

Oprah Winfrey deserves her flowers for these show-stopping looks that set the streets of Paris on fire during fashion week. Let’s take a look at what she wore …
Bam Adebayo's Historic 83-Point Night Becomes a 'Love & Basketball' Moment With WNBA Star A'ja Wilson

Bam Adebayo’s Historic 83-Point Night Becomes a ‘Love & Basketball’ Moment With WNBA Star A’ja Wilson

Bam Adebayo made history with an 83-point performance that broke Kobe Bryant’s legendary record. But his heartfelt postgame moment with girlfriend A’ja Wilson quickly stole the spotlight …
Brian McKnight Is Not Happy With Rickey Smiley

Brian McKnight Is Not Happy With Rickey Smiley

The R&B singer is suing the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, host Karen Clark, and Urban One, claiming they defamed him amid ongoing family disputes with his ex-wife and estranged children …
Get To Know the Dream Team Behind Michelle Obama's Gorgeous Braided Looks

Get To Know the Dream Team Behind Michelle Obama’s Gorgeous Braided Looks

Have you ever wondered who the women are behind Michelle Obama’s gorgeous hairstyles? We’ll fill you in …
The Chilling Details of the Houston Man Who Allegedly Kept Disabled Wife Captive for Years in a House Full of People

The Chilling Details of the Houston Man Who Allegedly Kept Disabled Wife Captive for Years in a House Full of People

Police say James Earl Johnson held his 46-year-old disabled wife captive in a bedroom under lock and key, with no phone access, for five years in Houston …
Thousands of Black Kidney Transplant Patients Get Justice After Racial Bias Is Found in Decades-Old Test

Thousands of Black Kidney Transplant Patients Get Justice After Racial Bias Is Found in Decades-Old Test

Researchers are reporting success after a new effort to reverse racial bias against Black kidney patients is paying off …
Why This Black British TikToker Is Being Dragged Online

Why This Black British TikToker Is Being Dragged Online

Here’s why this Black British TikToker is being dragged by American folks after speaking on American politics …
5 Black Comedians Who Should Host The Next Oscar Awards

5 Black Comedians Who Should Host The Next Oscar Awards

These Black comedic voices would bring the funny to the Oscars stage …
All the Black History That Could be Made at 2026 Oscars

All the Black History That Could be Made at 2026 Oscars

The 2026 Oscars is shaping up to be a hella Black affair is all goes right, let’s take a look at the history that could potentially be made! …
Why Ari Lennox Admitting She Chose the Toxic Man Over the Good Guy Has the Internet in Shambles

Why Ari Lennox Admitting She Chose the Toxic Man Over the Good Guy Has the Internet in Shambles

Singer Ari Lennox’s latest dating revelation has social media in an uproar. Let’s break down why! …
Terrence Howard Claims He Passed on Beyoncé—And the Internet Reacted Exactly How You Expected

Terrence Howard Claims He Passed on Beyoncé—And the Internet Reacted Exactly How You Expected

“Hustle & Flow” star Terrence Howard says he once had a chance with Beyoncé in during her days of Destiny’s Child—but chose a short-lived, “blue-eyed” bandmate instead, sparking some thoughts online …
The 400-Day Target Boycott Was More Effective Than You Think

The 400-Day Target Boycott Was More Effective Than You Think

According to Pastor Jamal Bryant, Target has met three of four of the boycott’s original demands. Here’s exactly what that means …
Misty Copeland Drags Timothée Chalamet For Comments About Ballet and Opera

Misty Copeland Drags Timothée Chalamet For Comments About Ballet and Opera

American Ballet Theater dancer Misty Copeland has entered the chat and is calling out Timothée Chalamet over his recent negative words about the art form …