TELEVISION
When is Pat Sajak’s last day? The Wheel of Fortune’s host’s last spin before retirement
Friday, 7 June is Pat Sajak’s final spin at the head of the game show after mroe than 8,000 episodes airing in five decades.
This coming Friday, marks a momentous occasion for US television history. After an incredible 41 seasons at the helm, Pat Sajak will spin the wheel for the final time as host of America’s beloved game show, Wheel of Fortune.
“This was announced a long time ago, almost a year ago. So I’ve had time to sort of get used to it,” he said in a recent interview.
Wheel of Fortune first premiered in 1975. Chuck Woolery served as the original host alongside Susan Stafford. However, in 1981, a new era dawned for the show when Pat Sajak, then a relatively unknown local news anchor, took over hosting duties.
Sajak’s tenure on the show has been nothing short of extraordinary. He has overseen over 8,000 episodes, witnessed countless contestants solve puzzles, celebrate life-changing wins, and become part of television history themselves. In 2019, he even secured a Guinness World Record for the longest career as a game show host on the same program.
The end of Sajak’s tenure
News of Sajak’s retirement, announced in June 2023, sent a wave of nostalgia through fans. While there’s a tinge of sadness in saying goodbye to a television icon, there’s also excitement for the future of Wheel of Fortune.
Ryan Seacrest, a seasoned broadcaster, will be stepping into Sajak’s shoes, bringing his own personality to the beloved game show.