“Wheel of Fortune” host Pat Sajak's last show is tonight: How to watch and what's next for the show
Sajak is leaving the game show that he's hosted since 1981, while cohost Vanna White will remain.
Pat Sajak is taking one last spin on Wheel of Fortune.
After tonight's episode, Sajak is leaving his role as host of the show, which he first stepped into (for the daytime edition) in 1981. To put that into context, Ronald Reagan had just won the presidency, Dolly Parton's "9 to 5" was on the radio, and Dallas was a big hit when he was introduced. Sajak took over the nighttime version of the series just two years later.
So his final day as host is a very big deal.
Ricky Middlesworth/ABC via Getty
Pat Sajak's final "Wheel of Fortune" as host airs June 7.Read on for the scoop on how to watch the special episode and what's happening with Sajak and the show afterward.
How can audiences watch Pat Sajak's final episode hosting Wheel of Fortune?
Sajak's final Wheel of Fortune episode is Friday, June 7. As previously mentioned, the show is syndicated, so it doesn't come on at the same time or the same place everywhere. The show offers a handy site for looking up where to find it using a ZIP code. If cable is not an option, try a streamer with a live offering, such as Hulu + Live TV.
Related: Jared Leto drops into Wheel of Fortune to host for April Fools' Day
What is Sajak doing after the show?
More Wheel!
While he will no longer appear on TV screens, Sajak will be involved as a consultant for three years. (He's also the father of the show's social media correspondent, Maggie Sajak, so it will still be part of his family.)
As for the hosting job, Sajak noted in his June 2023 retirement announcement, that "the time has come" for his exit.
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He told PEOPLE that he'd rather leave "a couple years too early than a couple of years too late." He explained that he's "looking forward to whatever's ahead," and he has some ideas about what that might be.
"I'm perfectly happy if it just means that I'll continue with my crossword puzzles and play with grandchildren," he told his adult daughter. "Hint hint hint. No pressure."
Who will be the next Wheel of Fortune host?
American Idol host Ryan Seacrest will be taking over from Sajak, the show announced weeks after Sajak announced he would step down. Seacrest says he's "humbled" and hosting the show will be a "full circle moment" for him.
"I'm truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak," Seacrest said in a statement. "I can say, along with the rest of America, that it's been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them. Pat, I love the way you've always celebrated the contestants and made viewers at home feel at ease. I look forward to learning everything I can from you during this transition."
Related: Pat Sajak predicted Ryan Seacrest would replace him as Wheel of Fortune host more than a decade ago
He added, "Many people probably don't know this but one of my first jobs was hosting a little game show called Click for Merv Griffin 25 years ago so this is truly a full circle moment for me and I'm grateful to Sony for the opportunity. I can't wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White."
Will Vanna White still be on the show?
While it wasn't always clear if she would stay on after Sajak's news, White has negotiated a new contract with the show and plans to return as cohost alongside Seacrest. Contract terms aside, White has said that she considered following her onscreen partner of four decades into retirement, but decided that she wasn't ready for that.
In April, White even appeared on an episode of American Idol with Seacrest.
"I am so enjoying this," White said, as she helped Seacrest introduce a contestant. "There's so many talented people here. I cannot believe it is so much fun."
Related: Celebrity Wheel of Fortune contestant Christian Siriano also designed Vanna White's dress
Who else has hosted Wheel of Fortune?
Sajak has hosted the syndicated, nighttime version of the show since it premiered in 1983. But the daytime version, canceled in 1991, had previously been hosted by Chuck Woolery, the future star of another game show, Love Connection.
Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly.
