‘Wheel of Fortune’: Maggie Sajak Reveals Behind-the-Scenes Show Secrets

Maggie Sajak Instagram

Wheel of Fortune fans have been getting a sneak peek behind the scenes of the beloved series thanks to Maggie Sajak, the show’s official social media correspondent.

Maggie, daughter of legendary host Pat Sajak, took to her Instagram Reels on Monday, March 11, where she gave a glimpse of what goes on behind the famous wheel, including the contestants’ POV of the puzzle board.

“I love taking you all behind the scenes, but I think it’s time to literally take you behind the wheel,” she said as she walked around the Wheel set.

“This is their little buzzer,” she shared, pointing out the different colored handheld buzzers connected to the wheel via a wire. “I think that’s what it’s called,” she added.

 

The back of the wheel also features a pocket for each player, which Maggie referred to as “The unfortunate bin where you need to put your goodies if you hit a bankrupt.”
Maggie Sajak Instagram

Maggie Sajak Instagram

She also highlighted how the platform behind the wheel is “separated” so “they can be adjusted for people’s height when they’re spinning the wheel.”
Maggie Sajak Instagram

Maggie Sajak Instagram

Maggie then turned the camera towards the puzzle board, giving viewers an idea of what the show looks like from a contestant’s perspective. “What a beautiful view!” she stated.
Maggie Sajak Instagram

Maggie Sajak Instagram

Earlier this month, Maggie shared another behind the scenes video of what happens on set during tapings.

“Ever wondered what happens between shows? Turns out…a lot!” she captioned the post, which showed the crew cleaning the set, including one person vacuuming beside the puzzle board.

She also zoomed in on her dad and co-host Vanna White chatting off to the side, saying, “Aww, look at them” before Pat spotted her filming.
Maggie Sajak Instagram

Maggie Sajak Instagram

Fans were appreciative of the sneak peeks, with one commenter writing, “Thanks Maggie, I enjoy behind the scenes videos.”

“I’m so glad you share these, I’m in the production world too and love seeing how other sets do things!” said another.
Maggie Sajak Instagram

Maggie Sajak Instagram

“Well I appreciate that behind the wheel scene!” added one fan, while another commented, “So this is what the contestants see when they’re up there.”

Pat Sajak Reveals Video Behind-the-Scenes Secrets at 'Wheel of Fortune'

Last June, Pat announced he would be retiring from the iconic game show after the 41st season. American Idol’s Ryan Seacrest will take over as host in Season 42 while also serving as a consulting producer. White is set to stay on as co-host.

Maggie, who has served as Wheel‘s social media correspondent since 2021, filled in as co-host in May 2023 while White competed in a special battle of the game show hosts episode. She also co-hosted for three weeks in 2019 while White took on Pat’s position as he recovered from emergency surgery.

For decades, Wheel of Fortune has remained a cornerstone of American television, offering families a nightly escape into word puzzles, spinning wheels, and Vanna White’s iconic glamour. But as the show prepares for a new era—following the retirement of long-time host Pat Sajak—his daughter, Maggie Sajak, has begun stepping further into the spotlight. While not yet the official host, Maggie is proving to be more than just a familiar last name. Recently, she’s pulled back the curtain on what really goes on behind the scenes of Wheel of Fortune, giving fans a rare glimpse into the making of one of America’s favorite game shows.

In a recent feature shared via social media and promotional interviews, Maggie Sajak—currently the show’s social media correspondent—revealed several little-known secrets that have fascinated longtime fans and newer audiences alike. One of the most surprising revelations? Just how much of the show is still done “the old-fashioned way.” Despite being a tech-savvy generation raised on digital everything, Maggie was quick to note that the famous puzzle board still requires hands-on work. “People always ask if Vanna just taps a screen or if it’s all CGI,” Maggie shared with a laugh. “But no, she’s really up there turning those letters—every single one.”

Pat Sajak's daughter to fill in for Vanna White on 'Wheel'

Maggie also touched on the intricate choreography that goes into filming the show. From timing the wheel spins just right to ensuring the audience’s energy is captured properly, nothing is left to chance. “What people see at home is the polished version, but behind the scenes, it’s like a Broadway production,” she explained. “The crew is unbelievably talented, and every episode is a team effort.”

Another surprise for fans? The sheer number of wardrobe changes and rehearsals that go into each taping. “We shoot multiple episodes in a day,” Maggie noted. “That means outfit changes for Pat, Vanna, and even the contestants. Continuity is really important, so there are staff members whose job is literally to track every small detail.” For someone who grew up visiting the set with her dad, Maggie says she didn’t realize how complex the operation was until she joined the show professionally.

As the daughter of Pat Sajak, Maggie has had a front-row seat to the evolution of Wheel of Fortune since she was a child. Now, as speculation grows about her possible future role on the show—especially following her increased visibility and audience engagement—fans are eager to see how the Sajak legacy might continue. When asked directly about stepping into a hosting role someday, Maggie remained humble but open: “Right now, I’m focused on connecting with our audience and learning every angle of how the show works. But of course, Wheel has always been a huge part of my life. I’d be honored to keep contributing however I can.”

Her behind-the-scenes content has already proven popular with fans. Videos where she walks through set changes, interviews contestants off-camera, and shares fun trivia have racked up thousands of views and likes across platforms. Viewers seem to love the “insider” look at the show’s inner workings, especially when delivered by someone who clearly holds deep respect for its history.

In a television landscape where change is constant, Wheel of Fortune has managed to stay consistent—familiar, even comforting—while subtly evolving. Maggie Sajak’s growing role is one example of how the show is bridging generations. With her charismatic on-camera presence, natural rapport with the team, and genuine love for the show, she offers a modern face to a timeless format.

As Season 43 of Wheel of Fortune kicks off with Ryan Seacrest taking the reins as host, all eyes will also be on Maggie. Whether she remains behind the scenes or one day steps fully into the spotlight, one thing is clear: she’s bringing fans along for the ride, one puzzle at a time. And thanks to her candid behind-the-scenes storytelling, viewers now appreciate the wheel—and everything behind it—even more.