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
A Jogger had no idea What or Who Hit Her… Until Police Showed Her

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

A Peek Inside Lena Horne's Legendary $1.2 Million New York Home

A Peek Inside Lena Horne’s Legendary $1.2 Million New York Home

Iconic actress and activist Lena Horne’s home in Queens is finally under contract to be sold. Let’s take a look inside! …
Pioneering Black Women Who Made Hip‑Hop What it is Today

Pioneering Black Women Who Made Hip‑Hop What it is Today

Black women were instrumental in the early stages of hip-hop and continue to make history today. We’re looking at those who made their mark doing what they love …
Kamala Harris Claps Back at Nicki Minaj, and the Barbz Respond

Kamala Harris Claps Back at Nicki Minaj, and the Barbz Respond

Former Vice President Kamala Harris is letting it be known she’s not here for Nicki Minaj’s alleged spread of misinformation. Now, the Barbz are responding! …
Brandy Speaks Out After Ray J Goes Off on These Popular Rappers Over Dating Rumors

Brandy Speaks Out After Ray J Goes Off on These Popular Rappers Over Dating Rumors

After Shyne and Ma$e reminisce about 90s romance on the “It Is What It Is” podcast, Brandy shuts down the rumors and distances herself from her brother’s erratic behavior …
New Southwest Seating Policy Sparks Discrimination Concerns Among Black Women

New Southwest Seating Policy Sparks Discrimination Concerns Among Black Women

First, Southwest took away free checked bags and open seating. Now, Black women are speaking out on a new seating policy that allegedly causes more harm than good …
States Seeking Refund for 330,000 Businesses After Billions Lost to Trump's 'Illegal' Tariffs

States Seeking Refund for 330,000 Businesses After Billions Lost to Trump’s ‘Illegal’ Tariffs

Over 15 states penned a letter to Congress demanding they receive compensation following Trump’s “illegal” tariffs …
Former Magic City Dancer Enters the Conversation After NBA Cancels Collab With Atlanta Hawks

Former Magic City Dancer Enters the Conversation After NBA Cancels Collab With Atlanta Hawks

A former Magic City dancer just gave her two cents amid ongoing fallout from the Hawks’ collaboration with the popular strip club …
‘Scandal’ Stars Kerry Washington, Tony Goldwyn Share Their Sexiest Scenes—But These Are Our Faves!

‘Scandal’ Stars Kerry Washington, Tony Goldwyn Share Their Sexiest Scenes—But These Are Our Faves!

Kerry Washington and her ‘Scandal’ costar Tony Goldwyn are looking back at some of their steamiest moments. But there are some they’ve missed, let’s take a look! …
Don't Start Your Spring Cleaning Without These Old School Hacks That Will Make Granny Proud

Don’t Start Your Spring Cleaning Without These Old School Hacks That Will Make Granny Proud

Go old-school with your spring cleaning for a house as clean as your grandma’s …
GA Tax Preparer Accused of Stealing Thousands and Leaving Clients in Major Debt

GA Tax Preparer Accused of Stealing Thousands and Leaving Clients in Major Debt

A Georgia woman accused of swindling customers didn’t even have a Preparer Tax Identification Number …
New York Black Man Spent 19 Years in Prison for a $550 Robbery He Didn't Commit

New York Black Man Spent 19 Years in Prison for a $550 Robbery He Didn’t Commit

Prosecutors said Kenneth Windley, now 61, did not steal $550 after two other men who were convicted of similar robberies confessed …
How Afroman Scored Big Legal Win Against Ohio Police After Dissing Officers in Famous Songs

How Afroman Scored Big Legal Win Against Ohio Police After Dissing Officers in Famous Songs

Grammy-nominated rapper Afroman just testified in court after being sued by Ohio law enforcement over his many diss tracks against them …
How the Black Jan. 6 Pipe Bomb Suspect's New Motion Could Backfire on Trump

How the Black Jan. 6 Pipe Bomb Suspect’s New Motion Could Backfire on Trump

Attorneys for Brian Cole Jr. argue Trump’s previous pardons should also apply to him …
New Video Sheds Light on Deion Sanders and Karreuche Tran Romance Rumors

New Video Sheds Light on Deion Sanders and Karreuche Tran Romance Rumors

Deion ‘Coach Prime’ Sanders and Karreuche Tran have been romantically linked since July 2025, but nothing concrete has ever been shared. Until now! …
The Real Reason Black Journalists Are Calling Out Tabitha Brown

The Real Reason Black Journalists Are Calling Out Tabitha Brown

Tabitha Brown spoke out on why content creators deserve to be in elevated spaces like the Oscars. But some journalists aren’t seeing eye to eye with her stance …
Rep. Summer Lee Moves to Impeach AG Pam Bondi, But Will She Succeed?

Rep. Summer Lee Moves to Impeach AG Pam Bondi, But Will She Succeed?

Rep. Summer Lee just moved to impeach AG Pam Bondi, marking the second time in March that articles of impeachment have been brought against her …
Farrah From Destiny's Child Responds to Terrence Howard's Dating Claims

Farrah From Destiny’s Child Responds to Terrence Howard’s Dating Claims

Terrence Howard said he had a romantic connection with singer Farrah Franklin years ago. Now, she’s speaking out and telling a different side to the story! …
Black TikToker Claims He 'Scammed' MAGA Supporters Out of Thousands

Black TikToker Claims He ‘Scammed’ MAGA Supporters Out of Thousands

One Black TikToker allegedly scammed MAGA supporters out of thousands of dollars. Now, his story is going viral …
Michael B. Jordan's Schoolmate is Getting Dragged After Asking This from the Oscar Winner

Michael B. Jordan’s Schoolmate is Getting Dragged After Asking This from the Oscar Winner

Oscar-winner Michael B. Jordan’s former classmate, who used to bully him, is seemingly getting a taste of her own medicine online…yet again …
Everything You Need to Know About The WNBA's Historic New CBA Deal After Year-Long Labor Dispute

Everything You Need to Know About The WNBA’s Historic New CBA Deal After Year-Long Labor Dispute

After 17 months of heated negotiations, the WNBA avoided the first work stoppage in league history by reaching a historic deal with its Players Association …