Pat Sajak has just announced that he will be stepping down from the role as host of the well-beloved game show Wheel of Fortune. According to sources such as The Hollywood Reporter, Sajak’s retirement from the popular game show will come after the 2023-24 season.
In a statement, Pat Sajak said, “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!).” Sajak has been hosting the game show since 1983, when it debuted. Afterward, from the time 1981-89, he hosted with Vanna White a daytime edition of the show on NBC. Both he and Vanna White’s iconic reputation as a duo also stands as one of the strongest television hosts in this form of TV game shows.
Pat Sajak’s new plans upon his retirement from hosting will include the 76-year-old acting as a consultant for the show for around three years. Sonny Pictures Entertainment Executive VP Game Shows Suzanne Pete released a statement saying, “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.”
For now, any news of prospective new hosts in the future has yet to be announced to take over for Pat Sajak. Until now, viewers can enjoy Sajak’s remaining time with the game show.