The longtime host of “Wheel of Fortune,” Pat Sajak, will bid farewell to the iconic game show with his final episode on Friday, June 7, 2024, marking the Season 41 finale. Sajak has been a fixture on the show since 1981, when he took over as host of the daytime version, later also hosting the nighttime edition since 1983.
Sajak, 77, announced his decision to step down last June after an incredible 40-year stint. He expressed his gratitude for the memorable journey in a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on June 12, 2023. He wrote, “I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last.”
He added, “It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months.”
Pat Sajak’s Successor
According to reports, the veteran host will be succeeded by Ryan Seacrest. Seacrest will reportedly assume hosting duties starting this fall. Alongside Seacrest, Vanna White, who has been an integral part of the show since its inception, will continue her role as co-host through the 2025 – 2026 season.
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The Longtime Co-Host
Vanna White, Sajak’s longtime co-host, said in October 2023 that she considered leaving the show with him. “It’s like, ‘Well, wait, if you’re leaving, what am I going to do? How can I stay without you?'” White, 67, said. “It was a very hard decision for me to make because it crossed my mind.”
“It’s like, ‘I just don’t know if I can do this without you,'” she added. “But I thought about it, and I’m not ready to retire, so I am staying on.” While White will remain on the show, Ryan Seacrest will step into Sajak’s shoes.
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Ryan Seacrest Feels Humbled To Be Taking Over From Pat Sajak
Seacrest said on Instagram that he’s “truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak.” The television presenter called the opportunity a “full circle moment,” as one of his first gigs was hosting the 1997 game show Click.
“I can’t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White,” he continued. Expressing anticipation for the transition, Sajak welcomed his successor in a now-deleted post on X.
The legendary game show host wrote, “I’m looking forward to my final season starting this fall and then handing over the car keys to Ryan Seacrest in September of 2024.”
Pat Sajak To Continue To Be a Part of “Wheel of Fortune” as a Consultant
Despite bidding farewell to his role as host, Sajak will continue his association with “Wheel of Fortune” as a consultant. According to Suzanne Prete, EVP of game shows at Sony Pictures Television, Sajak will remain a consultant for three years after his final year hosting.
Prete paid tribute to Sajak’s remarkable contribution and acknowledged his unparalleled entertainment over four decades. Prete wrote, “Pat has entertained millions of viewers across America for 40 amazing years.”
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Originating in 1975 as an NBC daytime show based on the popular game “Hangman,” “Wheel of Fortune” has become one of the most-watched shows on television. Sajak and White have been the faces of the series since its debut in 1983, and Jim Thornton has served as the show’s announcer since 2011.
What Is “Wheel of Fortune” About?
The show presents a competition where participants solve word puzzles akin to those in “Hangman” to earn cash and prizes determined by spinning a colossal carnival wheel. The latest iteration of the series, airing in nightly syndication, debuted on September 19, 1983.
However, the winnings on Wheel of Fortune can fluctuate, spanning from a few thousand dollars to surpassing a million dollars, depending on the particular round and bonus prizes.
The show’s official Twitter account also commented on the news, sharing a picture of Pat Sajak: “Thank you to the best host in the biz. Wheel of Fortune would not be what it is today without you, Sajak. Looking forward to Season 41 is better than ever!”
As stated earlier, Sony Pictures Television revealed in a statement that while he no longer appears in front of the camera, Sajak will continue as a consultant on the show.
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