For almost 50 years, viewers have been tuning in to watch everyday men and women spin that wheel to win things like money and vacations. Wheel of Fortune was created by the legendary Merv Griffin, who also created the classic game show Jeopardy. Wheel of Fortune allowed people from any social standing and background to have the chance to win money by simply playing a game of hangman. The show started out as a daytime game show, but became so popular that ABC decided to air it nightly during prime-time viewing hours.
From 1981 through 1989, the show was hosted by Pat Sajak. Then, in 1993, when the show moved to its nightly showings, Sajak returned as host — a position he has maintained every year since. Sajak has been the host of Wheel of Fortune for almost 40 years. However, Sajak has decided that after this long, it is time for him to step down and pass the reins to someone else.
Sajak shared news of his retirement on Twitter.
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!)
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
After Sajak’s retirement announcement, the Executive Vice President of Game Shows at Sony, Suzanne Prete, released a statement.
“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. Pat has agreed to continue as a consultant on the show for three years following his last year hosting, so we’re thrilled to have him remaining close to the Wheel of Fortune family.”
According to his departure agreement, Sajak will relinquish his hosting duties, but will remain behind the camera. He will serve as a consultant for three years. Vanna White will continue her role on show, a role she has been in since 1982. White and Sajak are two of the most well-known faces in game show history, and moved from the daytime version to the evening together.
Sajak — and cohost Vanna White — will also host Celebrity Wheel of Fortune. The show will begin airing its fourth season this fall. Both Wheel of Fortune and Celebrity Wheel of Fortune will continue to air on ABC. No timeline has been given for a new host to be announced.
