The host of Wheel of Fortune announced his plans to retire. Pat Sajak has been the host of one of the most-watched game shows in television history since 1981 and has decided this year will be his conclude his tenure.
“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,” said Pat Sajak.
As reported by Bloomberg, the game show attracted 7.72 million viewers a night just in the last week of May alone. The show hosts a number of contestants spinning the infamous giant wheel to determine prizes earned for guessing a hidden phrase correctly. Pat Sajak was joined by Vanna White in 1982, turning correctly guessed letters spelling out the words and terms contestants are trying to figure out in an altered hangman style.
Sony Group Corp. owns the show and has yet to decide who will replace Sajak as host. Although no official word on who’s in the running has been released yet, Ryan Seacrest is rumored to be on the list. Neither Sony Group Corp. nor Ryan Seacrest has commented on the matter, so for now, this is simply speculation on who might possibly make a good fit.
“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,” said Suzanne Prete, Executive Vice President for Sony Pictures Television’s Game Show Division.
Pat Sajak will stay on as a consultant for three years after his final episode. Check back with Cord Cutters News as we await who will take over hosting duties next.