43 years and 41 seasons call Pat Sajak a staple of Wheel of Fortune, as much as the titular circle itself is. However, as Sajak readies to retire from the job of host, his final Wheel of Fortune episode now has an official airdate.
Back in June 2023, Sajak announced that he was retiring from hosting Wheel of Fortune after the end of the show’s 41st season. Shortly after this update, Ryan Seacrest was announced as Sajak’s replacement, with Vanna White still expected to continue her duties as wheel turner. Here is when the iconic duo will be together for the final time.
Pat Sajak’s final ‘Wheel of Fortune’ episode officially has a date
Technically, Sajak’s final Wheel of Fortune episode already exists; it was taped over a month ago, notes Daily News. But fans of the long-running game show will get to see it air on June 7, preceded by a week dedicated to the theme “Thanks for the Memories.”
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This themed week will feature highlights from Sajak’s time on Wheel of Fortune, with producers paying special attention to collecting the funniest moments involving Sajak.
By time of writing, it is not confirmed if Sajak’s final appearances will include recently-taped episodes or moments from the past exclusively.
Many besides Sajak are affected by his impending departure
Seacrest expressed his gratitude at the chance to host such an esteemed, treasured television program as Wheel of Fortune, which has been running since the ’70s. “I am truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak,” said Seacrest last June.
He went on, “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.”
Sajak has been working with White just about as long as the wheel as been turning, and she has in the past said she would stop co-hosting if Sajak left. So far, she’s slated to continue work but already his encroaching absence is expected to be felt by her.
“I know everything about him,” said White. “He knows everything about me.”