It’s the end of an era for the beloved game show that has stood the test of time for more than four decades. And while Wheel of Fortune hasn’t changed much over the years, it’s about to look a whole lot different.
On June 12, 2023, Pat Sajak made the announcement many Wheel of Fortune fans have dreaded for some time now. Sajak is officially retiring.
“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” he wrote. “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!)”
What this means for his longtime professional partner Vanna White is unclear.
And while this is the first time Sajak has said point blank that he is retiring soon, he talked with Entertainment Tonight last year and shocked the world with one of his statements—that he was preparing for his departure from the show!
Wheel of Fortune Is About to Look A Lot Different
“Years go by fast. We’re getting near the end. It’s been a long (time). We’re not gonna do this for another 40 years. The end is near,” Sajak revealed to ET. “It’s an honor to have been in people’s living rooms for that long. People were out there welcoming us. We’re happy and proud.”
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Sajak continued by saying how proud he is of the show for lasting so many decades in a business that isn’t known for its longevity.
“In most television shows by this time, you would have said, ‘that’s probably enough,’ but this show will not die. It appears I may go before the show,” he joked.
On September 25, Wheel of Fortune will be hosting their upcoming “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” episode. Sajak admitted his dream guest star would be Meryl Streep to see her say, “Come on, big money!”
However, Sajak joked, “[Streep] won’t come on because she found out you can’t win an Oscar for this.”
In the end, Sajak didn’t specifically reveal when exactly he would be retiring or if the show would continue on without him after he leaves. His beloved partner Vanna White, who has been on the show just as long has not responded to Sajak’s retirement plans.
It’s unclear if she will stay on the show or if she will ultimately retire as well.
Wheel of Fortune first premiered in 1975.
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