Change is a tough pill to swallow when over 40 years have conditioned you into thinking things will remain the same forever. However, Pat Sajak gave us a taste of reality when he announced that he was stepping down from his hosting duties on Wheel of Fortune.
Sajak has been a staple of the American game show since 1981 alongside his co-host and legend in her own right, Vanna White. Indeed, their longstanding union even predates the birth of many young people today whose parents were once young themselves watching White and Sajak in their family living rooms. Wrap your head around that.
In fact, Sajak even holds the Guinness World Record for the “longest career as a game show host for the same show,” surpassing even Bob Barker from The Price Is Right. Still, life goes on, things change, and for fans of Wheel of Fortune that will come in the form of a new host. And who better to carry on Sajak’s legacy than one of the most prominent TV hosts of the 21st century, Ryan Seacrest?
When will Pat Sajak hand the reins over to Ryan Seacrest?
In his parting announcement, Sajak confirmed he would depart Wheel of Fortune after the show’s 41st season, which begins in September 2023. “The time has come,” he said in his heartfelt message. “It’s been a wonderful ride.”
When the show returns in the Fall of 2024-25, the longtime American Idol host will follow in Sajak’s footsteps. However, unlike Sajak, Vanna White will hang around a bit longer as she still has a year on her contract.
In a post to social media, Seacrest said he “can’t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White.” He admitted to feeling “humbled” and “privileged” to be carrying on Sajak’s legacy.
So, even though Sajak won’t be around for the show’s 50th anniversary, when the milestone eventually comes there’s no doubt he and White are who made it possible.