Pat Sajak, the iconic host of “Wheel of Fortune,” is set to retire after more than four decades at the helm of the beloved game show. His final episode, titled “Thanks for the Memories,” will air on June 7, marking the end of an era for the 77-year-old host.
Sajak first announced his retirement plans in June of last year. “Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). His departure will coincide with the season 41 finale of the show, a poignant conclusion to his remarkable tenure that began in 1981.
Suzanne Prete, EVP of game shows at Sony Pictures Television, revealed that while Sajak will step down as host, he will stay on as a consultant for the next three years. His co-host, Vanna White, considered leaving with him but ultimately decided to stay on through the 2025-26 season. “It’s like, ‘Well, wait, if you’re leaving, what am I going to do? How can I stay without you?’” White, 67, said. “But I thought about it and I’m not ready to retire, so I am staying on.”
Ryan Seacrest, known for his role on “American Idol,” will take over as the host. Sajak expressed his confidence in Seacrest, stating, “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.” Seacrest, 49, shared his excitement on Instagram, calling the opportunity a “full circle moment” and expressing his eagerness to work alongside White.
Reflecting on his long career, Sajak gave his only exit interview to his daughter, Maggie Sajak, who joined the show as its social correspondent in 2021. “This was announced a long time ago, almost a year ago. So I’ve had time to sort of get used to it. And it’s been a little bit wistful and all that,” he said. “I’ve been enjoying it, taking it all in and reflecting on the great run.”
Sajak’s journey to “Wheel of Fortune” began in the 1970s, with various TV jobs from Nashville to Los Angeles. His big break came when game show creator Merv Griffin noticed his talent as a weatherman on Los Angeles’ KNBC. Despite network objections, Griffin insisted on hiring Sajak to replace original host Chuck Woolery in 1981. Sajak’s quick wit and charm quickly won over audiences, and alongside White, who joined the show in 1982, they turned “Wheel of Fortune” into a cultural phenomenon.
Throughout his career, Sajak has been celebrated for his humor and genial presence, becoming a fixture in American homes. The show’s catchphrases, like “I’d like to buy a vowel,” became part of the national lexicon. Over the years, Sajak, White, and “Wheel of Fortune” have been parodied on shows like “Saturday Night Live” and “South Park,” cementing their place in pop culture.
Sajak’s decision to retire marks the end of an era, but his impact on television and game shows is undeniable. As he steps down, he leaves behind a legacy of warmth and wit that has entertained millions. Fans of the show can look forward to Seacrest continuing the tradition, ensuring that “Wheel of Fortune” remains a staple of American television for years to come.