Pat Sajak Announces ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Retirement, Upcoming 2023 Season Will Be His Last

LA – As presenter of “Wheel of Fortune,” Pat Sajak is taking one final turn after declaring on Monday that the upcoming season will be his last.

Sajak tweeted his decision to leave the venerable game show.

“Well, now is the right time. I’ve decided to retire after our 41st season, which starts in September. I’ll have more to say about this fantastic journey in the upcoming months. Thank you all so much, the tweet said.

Since 1981, Sajak, 76, has hosted the game show, which involves competitors guessing letters to complete words and phrases to win cash and prizes. Chuck Woolery, who served as the program’s original host when it premiered in 1975, handed over the reins to him.

Sajak has been a stalwart of television, along with Vanna White, who debuted on the program in 1982. Soon after, the program switched to syndication and began airing in numerous cities at night. It became one of the most popular game shows in history. After his departure as host, Sajak will remain in the program for another three years as a consultant.

Pat Sajak is taking one final turn after declaring on Monday that the upcoming season will be his last.

“For 40 incredible years, Pat has entertained millions of Wheel of Fortune viewers across America. According to Suzanne Prete, executive vice president of game shows for Sony Pictures Television, “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.”

Some of Pat’s jokes and criticisms of competitors have recently been used as content for social media. When asked about performing another season in his retirement post, Sajak responded, “(If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!).”

SOURCE – (AP)