The Ryan Seacrest era began with “Wheel of Fortune.”

New host Seacrest, 49, wasted no time taking the stage on the brilliantly lit, redesigned “Wheel” set in his first episode Monday since “Wheel” icon Pat Sajak retired in June after more than four decades and 8,000 shows.

Seacrest made a smiling entrance through the new, brightly lit sliding doors, walking arm in arm with longtime co-host Vanna White. After a few pleasantries and a “Welcome to the show!” from White, Seacrest took his new place behind the wheel.

“I still can’t believe how lucky I am to be here with you tonight, to carry on the legacy of this incredible show,” said Seacrest, who said he watched “Wheel” with his family as a child in Atlanta. “I know how special it is that ‘Wheel’ has been in your living rooms for the past 40 years, and I’m just so grateful to have been invited. I also know that I have some very big shoes to fill.”

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Even as Seacrerat smoothly transitioned to spinning the wheel and solving word puzzles for the contestants a minute into the broadcast, there were clear nods to the pivotal moment in the long-running Hangman-inspired TV game show. The first puzzle solved was “Opening Night.” The second puzzle featured the phrase “There’s A First Time For Everything.”

All three contestants won money, with Terry Watson of Browns Summit, North Carolina, winning a trip to Italy and Mexico, plus $25,893. Watson missed out on another $40,000 in the bonus round, which drove him to despair.

But Seacrest declared victory: “No groaning,” Seacrest said, patting Watson on the shoulder. “You’ve got over $25,000 in cash and prizes and great trips. Thanks for being here on my first night.”

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After the match, Seacrest and White debriefed on the new set.

“I feel like we’ve done one. We’ve got one in the bag,” Seacrest said, gesturing to the bright lights around him. “What do you think of the new set?”

“It’s beautiful,” White said.

“A lot of light,” Seacrest said. “Let’s hope it stays working all week.”

With that the duo said goodbye for that evening.

“See you tomorrow,” Seacrest said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ryan Seacrest Starts ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Arm-in-Arm with Vanna White