After more than 40 years of hosting the popular game show “Wheel of Fortune,” Pat Sajak has announced that he will be stepping down as host next year. In a tweet on Monday night, Sajak revealed that the upcoming 41st season, which begins in September, will be his last. He expressed gratitude to his fans and promised to share more in the coming months.
American Cultural Icon
“Wheel of Fortune” was created by media mogul Merv Griffin in 1975 and has since become a staple of American primetime television. The game show features contestants who try to solve word puzzles, and it has spawned merchandise and spin-offs, including “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune.”
Succession Plan and Pressure on Sony
Sajak did not reveal who will replace him as host, and Sony Pictures Television, the production and distribution studio that owns the show, has not yet commented on the matter. However, the company will likely face pressure to ensure a smooth succession plan after the controversy surrounding the replacement of “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek.
Sony initially chose the show’s producer, Mike Richards, as Trebek’s successor. However, Richards stepped down in August 2021 after reports surfaced of sexist comments he made on a podcast years earlier.
Sajak’s Legacy and Awards
Sajak, who began hosting “Wheel of Fortune” in 1981 alongside co-host Vanna White, has won three Daytime Emmy Awards for outstanding game show host (in 1993, 1997, and 1998) and a lifetime achievement prize in 2011. His departure marks the end of an era for the popular game show, which has entertained audiences for over four decades.
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