Pat Sajak, the host of “Wheel of Fortune,” has announced that the upcoming season will be his last. Sajak has been the host of the game show since 1981 and has become a television mainstay. He will continue to serve as a consultant on the show for three years after his retirement as host. Along with Vanna White, who joined the show in 1982, Sajak has made “Wheel of Fortune” one of the most successful game shows in history. Sajak’s retirement has prompted gratitude and celebration from the show’s executives, who plan to honour his outstanding career throughout the upcoming season.
Pat Sajak Announces Retirement as Host of “Wheel of Fortune”
After 41 years as the host of “Wheel of Fortune,” Pat Sajak has announced that the upcoming season will be his last. The 76-year-old television personality made the announcement on Twitter, saying, “It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all.”
Sajak has been a mainstay on the popular game show since 1981, taking over from Chuck Woolery, who was the show’s first host when it debuted in 1975. Along with co-host Vanna White, who joined the show in 1982, Sajak has become a household name and a television icon.
Over the years, “Wheel of Fortune” has become one of the most successful game shows in history, airing in syndication and in the evening in many markets. Sajak’s retirement marks the end of an era for the show, but he will continue to serve as a consultant on the show for three years after his retirement as host.
“As the host of Wheel of Fortune, Pat has entertained millions of viewers across America for 40 amazing years. We are incredibly grateful and proud to have had Pat as our host for all these years and we look forward to celebrating his outstanding career throughout the upcoming season,” said Suzanne Prete, executive vice president of game shows for Sony Pictures Television.
In recent years, Sajak’s banter and chiding of contestants have become fodder for social media, with some of his comments going viral. However, Sajak seems to be taking it all in stride, joking in his retirement post about doing another season: “(If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)”
Fans of the show will no doubt miss Sajak’s wit and charm, but they can look forward to one more season with him at the helm. The upcoming season of “Wheel of Fortune” is set to begin in September, and it promises to be a fitting tribute to one of television’s most beloved hosts.
