13-6-2023 (LOS ANGELES) Pat Sajak, the iconic host of the long-running game show “Wheel Of Fortune,” has announced that the upcoming season will mark his final one as host. Sajak revealed his retirement plans in a tweet, expressing gratitude for the incredible journey he has had on the show and hinting at more details to come in the following months.
“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all,” Sajak’s tweet read.
Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)
— Pat Sajak (@PatOnWheel) June 12, 2023
At the age of 76, Sajak has been the face of “Wheel Of Fortune” since 1981. The beloved game show revolves around contestants guessing letters to solve words and phrases in order to win cash and prizes. He took over hosting duties from Chuck Woolery, who served as the show’s original host when it premiered in 1975.
Teaming up with co-host Vanna White, who joined the show in 1982, Sajak has become a television staple. “Wheel Of Fortune” transitioned to syndication and became an evening fixture in numerous markets, ultimately becoming one of the most successful game shows in television history. Even after his retirement as host, Sajak will continue to contribute as a consultant for the show for a period of three years.
Suzanne Prete, the executive vice president of game shows for Sony Pictures Television, expressed gratitude for Sajak’s incredible four-decade-long tenure as the host. She stated, “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.”
In recent years, Sajak’s humorous banter and playful teasing of contestants have gained significant attention on social media. Acknowledging this, Sajak mentioned in his retirement post, regarding the prospect of another season, “(If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)”
