After 43 years of bringing fun and excitement to living rooms across America, Pat Sajak, the beloved host of “Wheel of Fortune,” is retiring. His final episode will air on Friday, June 7, coinciding with the season finale of the show’s 41st season. This news has been confirmed by Entertainment Weekly.
Pat Sajak has been a familiar face on “Wheel of Fortune” since it first aired at night in 1983, though he also hosted the daytime version from 1981 to 1989. Throughout his career, Sajak has received 19 Daytime Emmy Award nominations and won three of them. His presence on the show has been a source of joy for many viewers.
Last summer, Sajak announced his retirement in a heartfelt statement: “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!)”
Although Sajak will no longer be the host, he isn’t leaving the television world entirely. He will continue to serve as a consultant for the show for three more years. The network has already chosen his successor, Ryan Seacrest, who will start hosting in season 42. Seacrest will also take on the role of consulting producer.
Ryan Seacrest expressed his excitement and humility about stepping into Sajak’s shoes: “I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak. I can say, along with the rest of America, that it’s been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them.”
As a tribute to Sajak’s long and successful career, “Wheel of Fortune” will air a series of special episodes titled “Thanks for the Memories.” These episodes will celebrate the memorable moments Sajak has shared with the audience over the decades.
Vanna White, Sajak’s long-time co-host, will continue with the show through the 2025-2026 season. She has expressed how difficult it is to imagine the show without him. “Everybody relates Wheel of Fortune to Pat and Vanna,” she told PEOPLE in 2022. “We’re like Ken and Barbie, you know? We’ve been in everybody’s homes for 40 years.”
Pat Sajak’s retirement marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of fans who have enjoyed his charm and wit for so many years. Share this story with your family and friends on Facebook to celebrate the incredible journey of Pat Sajak and his contribution to television history.