Pat Sajak is planning to turn the wheel on TV’s long-running match-up show “Wheel of Fortune” once and for all.
The host confirmed the news in a tweet on Monday, saying, “Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last.”
He went on to say, “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!)”
According to report, Suzanne Prete, executive vice president of game shows at Sony Pictures Television, the studio that produces “Wheel,” stated that Sajak will “continue as a consultant on the show for three years following his last year hosting.” Sajak did not specify who might take over for him.
“As the host of Wheel of Fortune, Pat has entertained millions of viewers across America for 40 amazing years,” Prete’s statement read, going on to say “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.”
Together with co-host Vanna White, Sajak has hosted the Emmy-winning game show for 40 years, making them two of the longest-serving hosts of any game show on television.
Sajak was hand-picked by show creator Merv Griffin to host “Wheel” when it first aired on NBC as a network daytime television program in 1981. He proceeded with his facilitating obligations as “Wheel” became partnered in 1983, and has since facilitated different side project shows including 2021’s “Superstar Wheel of Fortune.” 1975 marked the debut of the show.
In addition to the Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award he received in 2011, the Chicago native has been honored with three more Emmys for his role as host of “Wheel.”
Similar to Hangman, “Wheel of Fortune” is a game show where contestants spin a wheel to earn money for solving word puzzles. It has been a staple of primetime television, airing alongside “Jeopardy.”