While Pat Sajak is saying goodbye as the host of Wheel of Fortune, Ryan Seacrest is all set to take over.
Pat Sajak made his final appearance on Wheel of Fortune on June 7, one year after he first announced his retirement.
Sajak gave a heartwarming goodbye speech at the end of his last episode, definitely tugging at the heartstrings of the show’s fans.
“It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade…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. What an honor to have played even a small part in all that. Thank you for allowing me into your lives.”
Watch Pat Sajak’s full farewell message to the show in the video below.
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Fans immediately speculated about Sajak’s potential replacement, and one name emerged as the top contender — Ryan Seacrest.
The show confirmed on June 27, 2023, that Seacrest would indeed be the new host. He is set to take over the reins next season.
Seacrest recently posted a heartfelt message on his social media platforms to honor Sajak’s 41-year legacy on the show. He shared that Sajak had “set the standard for hosts everywhere.”
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In a new promotional video for Wheel of Fortune, shared on June 14, Pat Sajak officially handed over his longtime hosting duties to Ryan Seacrest.
The video highlights Seacrest’s upcoming hosting debut this fall, marking a huge change in the game show’s history. The clip features Sajak showing Seacrest the icon studio alongside Vanna White, who has been Sajak’s co-host since 1982.
“Ryan, I know the contestants are going to love you,” White tells Seacrest.
“I think what you’re going to enjoy most is meeting the players and getting to know the audience at home,” Sajak added. “People love this show. They go and see us every day and spend a half hour with us and watch with the whole family.”
Sajak continued, “You’re never going to find a better job, and you’re never going to find a better co-host,” referring to White, who has officially extended her contract with the game show for another two years.
See Wheel of Fortune’s new promotional video below.