The veteran game show host, who bid his farewell to the show last June, is set to return to host the upcoming season of 'Celebrity Wheel of Fortune', premiering October 7 on ABC.
- Jul 11, 2024
AceShowbiz - Pat Sajak, the familiar face of "Wheel of Fortune" for over 40 years, might have retired, but he's not done yet. This fall, Sajak will be returning to host the celebrity edition of the game show, giving fans one last chance to see him in action. The new season of "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune" is set to premiere on October 7 on ABC.
Sajak's farewell comes at an emotional high for his fans and the television community. After hosting more than 8,000 episodes of "Wheel of Fortune" and becoming a staple in households across the nation, Sajak announced his retirement in June.
His final regular episode featured a heartfelt message and even a nostalgic nod to his first show from 1981. "It's been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade," Sajak said during his farewell. "No social issues, no politics, nothing embarrassing, I hope. Just a game."
Though Ryan Seacrest has taken over the reins of the regular "Wheel of Fortune", Sajak's influence isn't entirely in the past. He will remain as a consultant on the show for another three years, ensuring that the spirit of his tenure lives on. Seacrest, eager for his new role, has already garnered significant buzz among fans. An Instagram post featuring Seacrest's favorite foods even sparked a flurry of excited comments. When asked if he missed his previous job, Seacrest replied simply, "I'm very excited," fueling anticipation for his debut.
As for "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune", the episodes featuring Sajak have yet to be filmed but are slated to air on Monday nights when ABC doesn't have a "Monday Night Football" game. This return is being touted as Sajak's "final spin" on the franchise, closing out a career marked by consistency and family-friendly entertainment. His longtime co-host Vanna White remains by his side, at least for now, continuing her legacy alongside Seacrest.
Reflecting on his storied career, Sajak remarked on the broader impact of "Wheel of Fortune", "A place where kids learned their letters, where people from other countries honed their English skills, where families came together along with friends and neighbors, and entire generations." His gratitude to viewers was heartfelt, "What an honor to play even a small part in all of that. Thank you for allowing me into your lives."
The upcoming season of "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune" with Pat Sajak promises to be a fitting swan song for a host who has defined an era. Don't miss it on October 7, marking a poignant end to Sajak's unparalleled journey.