Wheel Of Fortune Will Finally Address Pat Sajak's Retirement On Air Tonight — WATCH NOW
Pat Sajak, who has not yet acknowledged his impending departure from Wheel of Fortune on-air, will do so on tonight's episode.
During the broadcast — which airs on Sajak's birthday — contestant Rhachel Royal of Durham, N.C., recites a poem she's written to celebrate her Wheel visit.
"Congrats on your retirement, we'll miss you when you're gone," Royal says as Sajak watches. "Just do me one favor before you go and help me bring this money home!" After the longtime host notes that the tribute is "very nice," he jokes that he was unaware he was stepping down from the show. (Press PLAY on the video above to watch the whole thing unfold.)
In June, Sajak announced that Season 41, which currently is airing, would be his last with the syndicated series. "It's been a wonderful ride," he said in a statement at the time, "and I'll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all."
Later that month, Sony Pictures Television announced that Ryan Seacrest would take over after Sajak exits. The American Idol host's run is slated to begin in September 2024.
"I'm truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak," Seacrest said via statement at the time. "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. 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."
Speaking of White: The Wheel co-host recently inked a new deal with the show that will keep her turning letters through Summer 2026.
Sajak has hosted the syndicated game show since its nighttime debut in 1983. He also hosted the daytime edition from 1981 to 1989. He has taken home the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host three times.
Watch the video above, then hit the comments with your thoughts and feelings about Sajak's upcoming departure from Wheel of Fortune.