History of Ryan Seacrest in Timeline
Ryan Seacrest is a prominent American television personality known for hosting and producing numerous successful shows. He gained significant recognition as the co-host of "Live with Kelly and Ryan" and "American Idol." Additionally, Seacrest has been a prominent figure in radio, hosting shows like "American Top 40" and "On Air with Ryan Seacrest." Following Dick Clark's death, Seacrest took over as the sole host of "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve," further solidifying his presence in the entertainment industry.
December 24, 1974: Ryan Seacrest is Born
On December 24, 1974, Ryan John Seacrest was born in Atlanta.
1992: Seacrest Graduates High School and Starts College
Ryan Seacrest graduated from Dunwoody High School and began studying journalism at the University of Georgia in 1992.
1993: Seacrest Hosts 'Radical Outdoor Challenge'
In 1993, Ryan Seacrest hosted the first season of ESPN's "Radical Outdoor Challenge".
1994: Seacrest Begins Hosting 'Gladiators 2000'
Ryan Seacrest hosted the children's game show "Gladiators 2000", a spinoff of "American Gladiators", from 1994 to 1996.
1995: Seacrest Hosts 'Wild Animal Games'
Ryan Seacrest hosted the kids' game show "Wild Animal Games" in 1995.
1996: Seacrest's Run on 'Gladiators 2000' Ends
Ryan Seacrest's time hosting "Gladiators 2000" concluded in 1996.
1997: Seacrest Hosts 'Click'
Ryan Seacrest hosted the kids' game show "Click" in 1997.
2000: Seacrest Hosts 'The NBC Saturday Night Movie'
In the fall and winter of 2000, Ryan Seacrest hosted "The NBC Saturday Night Movie".
2001: Seacrest Begins Hosting 'Ultimate Revenge'
In 2001, Ryan Seacrest began hosting the reality television program "Ultimate Revenge" on TNN.
2002: Seacrest Becomes Co-Host of 'American Idol'
In 2002, Ryan Seacrest became the co-host of the new Fox reality series "American Idol" alongside comedian Brian Dunkleman.
2003: Seacrest Hosts 'American Juniors'
Ryan Seacrest hosted "American Juniors", a spinoff of "American Idol", in 2003.
2003: 'Ultimate Revenge' Ends
The TNN reality show "Ultimate Revenge", hosted by Ryan Seacrest, ended in 2003.
January 2004: Host of American Top 40
In January 2004, Ryan Seacrest took over as the host of the syndicated weekly countdown show "American Top 40," succeeding creator Casey Kasem.
February 2004: Host of KIIS-FM's Morning Show
Ryan Seacrest became the host of Los Angeles radio station KIIS-FM's morning show in February 2004, replacing Rick Dees.
2004: Seacrest's Emmy Nomination Streak Begins
From 2004 to 2013, Ryan Seacrest received Emmy Award nominations for his work on "American Idol".
August 2005: Seacrest Named Co-Host of 'New Year's Rockin' Eve'
In August 2005, it was revealed that Ryan Seacrest would become the co-host and executive producer of "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve".
2005: Seacrest Becomes Co-Host of New Year's Rockin' Eve
In 2005, Ryan Seacrest takes on the role of executive producer and co-host of Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve.
December 31, 2005: Seacrest Hosts Majority of 'New Year's Rockin' Eve'
Due to Dick Clark's limited role on December 31, 2005, after suffering a stroke, Ryan Seacrest took on most of the hosting responsibilities for 'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve'.
January 2006: Seacrest Signs $21 Million Deal with E!
Ryan Seacrest signed a three-year, $21 million contract with E! in January 2006 to host various shows including "E! News" and red carpet award show coverage.
August 2008: Adam Sher Joins Ryan Seacrest Productions
Ryan Seacrest appointed his longtime William Morris agent, Adam Sher, as CEO of Ryan Seacrest Productions (RSP) in August 2008.
July 2009: Seacrest Signs $45 Million Deal with CKX
In July 2009, Ryan Seacrest signed a $45 million deal with CKX to continue hosting "American Idol", making him the highest-paid reality television host at the time.
2009: Relationship with Sara Jean Underwood Revealed
Ryan Seacrest's two-year on-and-off relationship with model Sara Jean Underwood was made public in 2009 on "The Howard Stern Show."
2009: Collaboration with Burberry
Ryan Seacrest began working with Burberry's Christopher Bailey in 2009. Bailey designed Seacrest's suits for red carpet events and New Year's Eve broadcasts.
2009: 'New Year's Rockin' Eve' Renamed to Include Seacrest
ABC changed the name of "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" to "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest" in 2009 to reflect Ryan Seacrest's prominent role.
April 2010: Relationship with Julianne Hough Begins
Ryan Seacrest's romantic relationship with dancer and actress Julianne Hough began in April 2010.
December 16, 2010: Seacrest Co-Hosts Larry King's Final Show
Ryan Seacrest co-hosted Larry King's last episode of "Larry King Live" with Bill Maher on December 16, 2010.
2010: Burberry Designs for American Idol
Christopher Bailey, from Burberry, started designing Ryan Seacrest's suits for American Idol in 2010.
2010: Seacrest Wins Emmy for 'Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution'
In 2010, Ryan Seacrest won an Emmy Award for his contributions to "Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution".
2010: Ryan Seacrest Foundation Established and First Seacrest Studio Opens
Ryan Seacrest established the nonprofit Ryan Seacrest Foundation in 2010. The foundation's first Seacrest Studio opened at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta in the same year.
2011: Seacrest Studio Opens in Philadelphia
The Ryan Seacrest Foundation opened a Seacrest Studio at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia in 2011.
January 2012: Steps Down as Daily Host of E! News
While remaining managing editor and executive producer for red carpet awards show coverage, Ryan Seacrest stopped hosting "E! News" daily in January 2012.
January 31, 2012: Investment in Ryan Seacrest Media and Rebranding of HDNet
On January 31, 2012, Thomas H. Lee Partners and Bain Capital announced a significant investment of up to $300 million in Ryan Seacrest Media. Additionally, a consortium led by Seacrest, in partnership with AEG and CAA, agreed to rebrand Mark Cuban's HDNet television network as AXS TV.
April 2012: Selena Gomez Becomes Ambassador for Ryan Seacrest Foundation
Selena Gomez was named Ambassador of the Ryan Seacrest Foundation in April 2012.
April 2012: Seacrest Expands Role to NBC
Ryan Seacrest signed a deal with NBCUniversal in April 2012, expanding his role to NBC while maintaining his work with E!.
April 2012: Seacrest Signs $30 Million Deal with "American Idol"
Ryan Seacrest signed a two-year, $30 million deal to remain the host of "American Idol" in April 2012.
April 18, 2012: Bravo Renews "Shahs of Sunset"
On April 18, 2012, Bravo announced the renewal of "Shahs of Sunset," a reality series produced by Ryan Seacrest Productions (RSP), for a second season.
August 19, 2012: Premiere of "Married to Jonas"
"Married to Jonas," a new reality series by Ryan Seacrest Productions (RSP), debuted on E! on August 19, 2012, and was later renewed for a second season.
September 2012: Seacrest Leaves 'E! News'
Ryan Seacrest departed from "E! News" and was succeeded by Terrence J in September 2012.
2012: Seacrest Covers London Olympics for NBC
Ryan Seacrest was an NBC correspondent for the 2012 London Olympic Games.
2012: Seacrest Receives Second Emmy Nomination for 'Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution'
Ryan Seacrest received a second Emmy nomination in 2012 for his work on "Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution".
2012: Clear Channel Acquires Minority Stake in RSP
In 2012, Clear Channel acquired a minority stake in Ryan Seacrest Productions (RSP), ending the company's exclusive first-look deal with any specific network.
2012: Seacrest Becomes Sole Host of 'New Year's Rockin' Eve'
Following the death of Dick Clark, Ryan Seacrest becomes the sole host of 'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve' in 2012.
March 2013: Relationship with Julianne Hough Ends
Ryan Seacrest and Julianne Hough ended their relationship in March 2013.
October 2013: Seacrest Signs Multi-Year Deal With Dick Clark Productions
Ryan Seacrest signed a multi-year contract extension with Dick Clark Productions in October 2013 to remain the host and executive producer of "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve".
2013: End of Seacrest's Emmy Nomination Streak for "American Idol"
Ryan Seacrest's consecutive Emmy Award nominations for "American Idol" ended in 2013, though he was nominated again in 2016.
2013: Three More Seacrest Studios Open
The Ryan Seacrest Foundation opened three more Seacrest Studios in 2013 at Children's Hospital of Orange County, Levine Children's Hospital, and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.
2013: The Million Second Quiz
Ryan Seacrest hosted the interactive game show "The Million Second Quiz" on NBC in 2013.
2013: Development of "Ryan Seacrest Distinction"
Ryan Seacrest collaborated with Randa Apparel & Accessories in 2013 to develop his own clothing and accessories collection, called "Ryan Seacrest Distinction."
May 2014: Seacrest Signs One-Year Deal with "American Idol"
In May 2014, Ryan Seacrest signed a one-year deal with "American Idol", with the option for an additional year.
2014: Seacrest Studios Open in Boston and Colorado
In 2014, two more Seacrest Studios, established by the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, were opened at Boston Children's Hospital and Children's Hospital Colorado.
2014: Typo Keyboard Launch
Ryan Seacrest was a principal investor in the Typo keyboard, which launched in 2014. The keyboard was designed to replicate the BlackBerry physical keyboard for iPhone users.
2014: "Ryan Seacrest Distinction" Launches at Macy's
Ryan Seacrest's "Ryan Seacrest Distinction" clothing and accessories line successfully launched in 2014, sold exclusively at Macy's.
2015: Typo Keyboard Discontinued
The Typo keyboard, which Ryan Seacrest had invested in, was discontinued in 2015 following a patent settlement with BlackBerry Ltd.
2015: Knock Knock Live
Ryan Seacrest hosted "Knock Knock Live," a show where celebrities surprised deserving individuals with prizes, which premiered on Fox in 2015. However, it was canceled after two episodes.
2015: Seacrest Studio Opens in Washington DC
A Seacrest Studio, part of the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, was established at Children's National Hospital in Washington DC in 2015.
April 2016: 'American Idol' Ends its Run
Ryan Seacrest continued to host "American Idol" until its conclusion in April 2016.
May 2016: Commencement Speaker at the University of Georgia
Ryan Seacrest delivered the commencement address at the University of Georgia's graduation ceremony in May 2016 and received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.
2016: Seacrest Hosts Rio Olympics Coverage for NBC
Ryan Seacrest hosted NBC's late-night coverage of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
2016: Seacrest Receives Emmy Nomination for "American Idol"
Ryan Seacrest received an Emmy Award nomination for "American Idol" in 2016.
2016: Seacrest Studio Opens in Tennessee
The Ryan Seacrest Foundation opened a Seacrest Studio at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt in Tennessee in 2016.
February 2017: Partnership with Atlanta Braves
The Ryan Seacrest Foundation partnered with the Atlanta Braves in February 2017 to promote the non-profit organization at SunTrust Park.
May 1, 2017: Seacrest Joins 'Live with Kelly and Ryan'
On May 1, 2017, it was revealed that Ryan Seacrest would become the new co-host and executive producer of "Live with Kelly and Ryan," joining Kelly Ripa and taking over for Michael Strahan.
July 20, 2017: Seacrest to Host 'American Idol' Reboot
On July 20, 2017, Ryan Seacrest announced he would host the rebooted "American Idol".
August 2017: Launch of Polished Skincare Line
Ryan Seacrest, in partnership with dermatologist Harold Lancer, launched the men's skincare line "Polished" in August 2017, announcing it on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon."
September 2017: "Ryan Seacrest Distinction" Expands with Sportswear
In September 2017, Itochu Prominent took over production of Ryan Seacrest's "Ryan Seacrest Distinction" clothing line and added sportswear to the collection.
November 2017: Sexual Harassment Allegations Surface
In November 2017, a former E! wardrobe stylist accused Ryan Seacrest of sexual harassment, leading to an investigation. Seacrest denied the allegations and claimed the accuser attempted to extort him for millions of dollars.
December 2017: "Live with Kelly and Ryan" Reaches Viewership Milestone
By December 2017, "Live with Kelly and Ryan" was averaging over 3 million viewers.
2017: Broadcasting "On Air With Ryan Seacrest" from New York City
Since 2017 Ryan Seacrest has been broadcasting "On Air With Ryan Seacrest" from a studio at WABC-TV in New York City, where "Live with Kelly and Ryan" is produced.
2017: Relationship with Shayna Taylor Begins
Ryan Seacrest began dating model Shayna Taylor in 2017.
2017: Multi-Year Deal with ABC Studios
Ryan Seacrest Productions' scripted division entered into a multi-year overall deal with ABC Studios in 2017, granting ABC Studios exclusive rights to develop scripted projects from the company.
2017: Seacrest Hosts 'New Year's Rockin' Eve' for 13th Consecutive Year
In 2017, Ryan Seacrest hosted "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" for the 13th year in a row, alongside Jenny McCarthy.
February 2018: Sexual Harassment Investigation Closed
The sexual harassment investigation against Ryan Seacrest concluded in February 2018 with no charges filed due to insufficient evidence.
2018: Seacrest Earns Emmy Nominations for 'Live with Kelly and Ryan'
In 2018, Ryan Seacrest received two Emmy nominations for "Live with Kelly and Ryan," one for Outstanding Talk Show Entertainment and the other for Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host.
2018: Voter Advocacy in Georgia
On the eve of Georgia's special election in 2018, Ryan Seacrest, originally from Georgia, encouraged voters in the state to utilize VoteRider's resources, including their website and helpline, to obtain information about voter ID requirements.
2018: Joins Paley Center for Media Board of Trustees
Ryan Seacrest joined the Paley Center for Media's Board of Trustees in 2018.
2018: Induction into Library of American Broadcasting Foundation
Ryan Seacrest was honored with an induction into the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation's 16th Annual Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts in 2018.
2019: Seacrest Hosts 'New Year's Rockin' Eve' for 15th Consecutive Year
The 2019–20 edition of "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" marked Ryan Seacrest's 15th consecutive year as host.
2020: Relationship with Shayna Taylor Ends
Ryan Seacrest and Shayna Taylor ended their relationship in 2020.
2020: Seacrest Studio Opens in Florida
The Ryan Seacrest Foundation opened a Seacrest Studio at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Florida in 2020.
September 2021: Contract Renewal with iHeartMedia
Ryan Seacrest renewed his contract with Premiere and KIIS parent company iHeartMedia in September 2021, extending his commitment through 2025.
February 16, 2023: Seacrest Announces Departure from "Live with Kelly and Ryan"
Ryan Seacrest announced on February 16, 2023, that he would be leaving "Live with Kelly and Ryan" in April 2023.
April 14, 2023: Seacrest's Last Day on "Live with Kelly and Ryan"
Ryan Seacrest's final appearance as a full-time host on "Live with Kelly and Ryan" was on April 14, 2023.
April 2023: Seacrest Leaves "Live with Kelly and Ryan"
Ryan Seacrest left "Live with Kelly and Ryan" in April 2023 after six years, mainly due to the show being filmed in New York City while he primarily resides in Los Angeles.
April 17, 2023: Consuelos Replaces Seacrest on "Live with Kelly and Ryan"
Mark Consuelos, Kelly Ripa's husband, took over as full-time co-host of "Live with Kelly and Ryan" on April 17, 2023, succeeding Ryan Seacrest.
June 27, 2023: Seacrest to Succeed Sajak on "Wheel of Fortune"
On June 27, 2023, it was reported by The New York Times that Ryan Seacrest would be replacing Pat Sajak as the host of "Wheel of Fortune", beginning in the fall of 2024.
2023: Four More Seacrest Studios Open
In 2023, the Ryan Seacrest Foundation opened four additional Seacrest Studios: at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital in Tennessee in May, Cohen Children's Medical Center in New York in September, Primary Children's Hospital in Utah in December, and a previously unlisted location at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.
September 2024: Seacrest to Host 'Wheel of Fortune'
Ryan Seacrest will be the new host of "Wheel of Fortune", replacing Pat Sajak, starting in September 2024.
2024: Seacrest to Begin Hosting 'Wheel of Fortune'
Ryan Seacrest is set to become the host of "Wheel of Fortune" in 2024, starting with the show's 42nd season.