Is It Really ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ Without Pat Sajak?

Ryan Seacrest seems more straightforward in his approach and may eschew humor as he builds into the hosting role.
Russia vs. Ukraine: US Escalating Involvement? | 06/10/24

Russia vs. Ukraine: US Escalating Involvement? | 06/10/24

'Wheel of Fortune' announces Pat Sajak's replacement host



Ryan Seacrest will replace iconic "Wheel of Fortune" game show host Pat Sajak at the end of next season, NBC News reported Tuesday.

"I'm truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak," 48-year-old Seacrest said in an Instagram post Tuesday afternoon.

"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," Seacrest also wrote.

"Pat, I love the way you’ve always celebrated the contestants and made viewers at home feel at ease. I look forward to learning everything I can from you during this transition."

Sajak announced his retirement in a tweet earlier this month.

"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!)" 76-year-old Sajak wrote June 12, as TheBlaze reported.

Sajak earned six Daytime Emmy Awards and 24 nominations during his career. He won a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011, the People's Choice Award in 1987, and had a star placed on Hollywood's Walk of Fame in 1994.

Seacrest was not the only figure interested in securing Sajak's role. "The View" host Whoopi Goldberg also announced her interest while discussing Sajak's retirement on air, Variety reported.

Vanna White, longtime letter-turner on "Wheel" is reportedly negotiating her contract to stay with the classic game show, Puck News reported Thursday. She has not received a raise in 18 years, the outlet said. White is 66 and has served in her role on the show since 1982.

Fans have long admired Atlanta-born Seacrest's game show and entertainment bona fides. His resume includes hosting "American Idol" for 21 years "and counting," according to the Hollywood Reporter. Other notable roles include 695 episodes of "Live with Kelly and Mark," Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve, "On-Air with Ryan Seacrest," and many more, according to IMDB.

Seacrest signed a multi-year agreement and will also serve as consulting producer, CNN reported, citing a press release from Sony Pictures Television, the company that produces "Wheel of Fortune."

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Pat Sajak announces his final season hosting 'Wheel of Fortune'



Longtime "Wheel of Fortune" host Pat Sajak announced on Monday that the 41st season of the gameshow will mark his last working as the host.

"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 tweeted on Monday evening.

As the host of the popular program, Sajak, 76, has been a fixture on families' television screens for generations.

He started hosting the show more than four decades ago.

\u201cHappy 40th Wheel-iversary to this guy! On this day in 1981, @patsajak hosted his very first episode of @WheelofFortune\u2026and the rest is history!\u201d
— Maggie Sajak (@Maggie Sajak) 1640715382

"As the host of Wheel of Fortune, Pat has entertained millions of viewers across America for 40 amazing years," Suzanne Prete, executive vice president, Game Shows at Sony Pictures Television, said in a statement, according to PEOPLE. "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!"

Responding to her father's announcement post, "Wheel of Fortune's" social correspondent, Maggie Sajak tweeted, "It's so much fun working with my dad…and we’re looking forward to even more fun in Season 41."

Some on social media spoke about the memories they have of watching the show with relatives.

"Some of my fondest memories were of watching you and Vanna and Wheel of Fortune with My Mom (RIP). You brought much happiness to many people," Carmine Sabia tweeted in response to Sajak's announcement.

"I used to watch the show with my mom after her stroke back in 96 (she was 56 then). Every night, this and Jeopardy before she went to bed. Thanks for that," someone else wrote.

\u201c@patsajak I used to watch the show with my mom after her stroke back in 96 (she was 56 then). Every night, this and Jeopardy before she went to bed. Thanks for that.\u201d
— Pat Sajak (@Pat Sajak) 1686610802

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!