Pat Sajak Bids Farewell to ‘Wheel of Fortune’ After 40 Years as Host

After more than four decades at the helm of the iconic game show ‘Wheel of Fortune,’ Pat Sajak is set to bid farewell in his final episode as host.

Sajak, alongside Vanna White, has been a mainstay on the show since 1981 when it transitioned to syndication. His announcement of retirement last year brought an end to his long tenure on television screens across America.

Over the years, ‘Wheel of Fortune’ has become a cultural touchstone, with phrases like ‘I’d like to solve’ and ‘I’d like to buy a vowel’ becoming synonymous with the show. Sajak’s witty banter and hosting style have endeared him to generations of viewers.

Sony Pictures Television, the production company behind the show, has released a preview of Sajak’s farewell episode, where he expresses gratitude to the millions of viewers who have welcomed him into their homes night after night.

Following Sajak’s departure, Ryan Seacrest is set to take over the hosting duties, stepping into the shoes of a TV icon who has made ‘Wheel of Fortune’ a household name.

As a tribute to his long career on the show, Sajak’s first post-‘Wheel of Fortune’ project will see him star in a production of the Columbo mystery ‘Prescription: Murder’ at the Hawaii Theatre in Honolulu, alongside local newscaster and actor Joe Moore.

The final episode of Pat Sajak as the host of ‘Wheel of Fortune’ airs at 7:30 p.m. Pacific Time, marking the end of an era in the world of television game shows.