The longtime host of the syndicated game show Wheel of Fortune, Pat Sajak, has recently announced his retirement after more than four decades. The upcoming season of the popular game show that has been running in its current incarnation since 1983 will mark Sajak’s final spin. He announced in a tweet on June 13, stating:
“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!)”
The 76-year-old personality has held the position of host on the show ever since, and received 19 nominations for the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host, winning three times. He also holds a Guinness world record for the longest career as a game show host for the same show. Now that our beloved Sajak is bidding farewell, the show officials have the challenging job to bring in a deserving replacement.
American Idol host Ryan Seacrest is in talks to be the next host of Wheel of Fortune
The number of contenders for the soon-to-be vacant position is high. Wheel of Fortune ranks as the longest-running syndicated game show, and thousands of viewers tune in every weeknight. Sajak has been running the show with mastery and has set high expectations for the next host.
The celebrated media personality and producer Ryan Seacrest is reportedly in talks to be the next Wheel of Fortune host. Seacrest recently ended his contract as the host of Live with Kelly and Ryan in April 2023. He has also successfully hosted American Idol, American Top 40, and On Air with Ryan Seacrest and rose as a promising personality. He has received Emmy Award nominations for American Idol every year from 2004 to 2013, and again in 2016, proving his skills.
Lucas Shaw, the Bloomberg reporter who originally broke the news of Sajak’s retirement, followed up in a tweet on Monday night revealing that Seacrest has been in talks with the producers of Wheel of Fortune.
While it is not yet confirmed if he is being considered as the top contender, there are high chances that Seacrest is the frontrunner among the many interested. The producers still have time to consider their decision as the 41st season of Wheel of Fortune will air in September 2023 with Pat Sajak. According to a statement by Suzanne Prete, EVP of Game Shows at Sony Pictures Television, it is confirmed that Sajak has agreed to continue as a consultant on the show for three years following his last year hosting.
