Seacrest reveals Wheel of Fortune secret: rubber bands power the wheel's click, Vanna White learns on GMA

Ryan Seacrest told ABC's Good Morning America that the familiar clicking sound of the Wheel of Fortune wheel is produced by rubber bands, a detail he said he explained to co-host Vanna White. Seacrest, in his second season as host after succeeding Pat Sajak in 2024, spoke with White about their working chemistry as they head into a new phase of the long-running game show. White, who is in her 43rd season, said the partnership has remained energized even as the show evolves.

Seacrest described the technical detail in the interview, noting that there are rubber bands—'like you used to have with orthodontia on your teeth'—that produce the wheel's clicking. He said he shared the fact with White on the air, adding that the moment offered insight into the show’s production that fans might not consider.

White admitted she hadn’t known about the rubber-band mechanism after decades on the program. 'Do you know I never knew that?' she asked, prompting Seacrest to welcome her to 'season 43' and reassure her that she would likely enjoy the ongoing evolution of the show. White said the energy remains high for her, praising the atmosphere as she comes to work each day.

White has consistently credited Seacrest with a smooth transition since he took over hosting duties from Sajak. 'He did his homework before he came, and the transition was amazing,' she said. The longtime co-host also noted that Seacrest quickly fit into the routine, as if he had been in the role forever.

In discussing the show’s broader history, White highlighted her longstanding on-screen partnership with Sajak, who had been featured on the nighttime edition since 1983 and whose departure was announced in June 2023. Sajak posted on Twitter that the time had come to leave after the 41st season, signaling a new era for Wheel of Fortune. He first joined the daytime version in 1981, which later ended in 1991 amid various changes to the franchise. Sajak later received three Daytime Emmys and, in 2011, a Lifetime Achievement Award for his work on the series. White recalled his work ethic and memorization as impressive, calling him a strong actor as well as a valued colleague.

Seacrest also recalled a recent moment with Sajak, mentioning that he had missed a thoughtful voicemail from him for several weeks before finally finding it. The two remained connected as Sajak moved on to other pursuits, including a stage appearance in Prescription: Murder. All told, the duo on Good Morning America reflected on the enduring appeal of Wheel of Fortune, the security of a familiar format, and the excitement of new leadership guiding the show into its next chapter.