As Pat Sajak is set to retire from his role on “Wheel of Fortune,” he recently took the audience behind the scenes of the “highly classified” set. Sajak has hosted the popular game show for well over four decades, and his last episode is scheduled for June 7. After hosting “Wheel of Fortune” since 1981, Sajak announced last summer that he would be stepping down.
Sajak’s daughter Maggie recently uploaded a video to Instagram that took viewers “behind the puzzle box.” Sajak said in the video, “It looks like an election headquarters back here, with all these screens and everything.” He added, “We can’t show a lot, because there’s certain things that are highly classified!”
While the brief behind-the-scenes glimpse was exciting for many fans, the moment was bittersweet, as the long-time host will soon depart from the show. “We will miss you, Pat. Congratulations on your retirement,” one person commented.
Sajak is set to be succeeded by Ryan Seacrest when the show begins its next season in the fall. However, Vanna White, who has famously turned the letters since 1981, will remain in her role. “I don’t know. When I heard that Pat was retiring, I thought maybe I should retire, too. But I’m not ready!” she explained to TV Insider, addressing speculation that she would retire along with Sajak. She continued, “We’ll see toward the end of those two years how I feel. I thank God after all these years that I still love my job.”
The American Tribune reported when the airdate for Pat Sajak’s final episode on “Wheel of Fortune” was revealed earlier this year. Sajak informed fans via X in 2023 that the upcoming season would be his last. He wrote, “Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. 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!)”
Suzanne Prete, Executive Vice President, Game Shows, Sony Pictures Television celebrated the long-time, stating, “As the host of ‘Wheel of Fortune,’ Pat has entertained millions of viewers across America for 40 amazing years.”
Prete continued, “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. Pat has agreed to continue as a consultant on the show for three years following his last year hosting, so we’re thrilled to have him remaining close to the ‘Wheel of Fortune’ family.”
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In a statement following the news that he would assume Sajak’s, Seacrest noted how honored he felt to be selected for the prestigious role. “I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak.” He added, “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.”