Pat Sajak to give “Wheel of Fortune” one last spin before official retirement
The longtime TV personality is set to host the "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune" once more this fall.
Pat Sajak is taking one last (celeb-heavy) spin as Wheel of Fortune host.
The longtime television personality, who retired from hosting the main version of the syndicated game show in June after 41 years, is set to host season 5 of ABC‘s Celebrity Wheel of Fortune in the fall. The show is slated to premiere Oct. 7, where it will lead into the Elizabeth Banks–hosted Press Your Luck, the network announced Wednesday.
Sajak previously hosted the first four seasons of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, which initially started airing on ABC in Jan. 2021. A release from the network states his latest turn as host will be his "final spin" with the spinoff.
Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty
Pat Sajak on 'Celebrity Wheel of Fortune'Sajak's final episode as host of Wheel of Fortune aired June 7 — though, if this news is any indication, he couldn't stay away for long. He first announced his retirement in June 2023.
"Well, the time has come," Sajak said in a statement posted to social media at the time. "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!)"
Related: Wheel of Fortune controversy: Did contestant mumble correct answer, costing her $40,000 bonus prize?
Though he stepped down from his hosting duties, it was revealed that he would remain on board as consultant to the show for three years.
Ahead of his final episode in June, Sajak shared a heartfelt message with fans. "Well, the time has come to say goodbye," he said, standing on the Wheel set in a video clip. "It's been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade. And I've always felt that privilege came with the responsibility to keep this daily half-hour a safe place for family fun. No social issues, no politics, nothing embarrassing, I hope — just a game."
Related: How Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak said goodbye on his final episode
Sajak's departure marked the end of an era for Wheel of Fortune. He had hosted the show since its nighttime debut in 1983, having previously overseen the daytime edition as well, from 1981 to 1989. Ryan Seacrest will take over as the hit game show's host next season.
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Sajak‘s final turn as host of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune will air on ABC Mondays at 8 p.m. ET starting Oct. 7.
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