Pat Sajak plans to retire from 'Wheel of Fortune' after 41st season

After he retires from his position as host, Sajak is expected to continue as a consultant for the game show for three years.

By Madeleine Hubbard

Published: June 13, 2023 9:15am

Pat Sajak says he plans on retiring from "Wheel of Fortune" after this upcoming season.

"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," Sajak tweeted, jokingly adding about the announcement: "(If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)"

Since 1981, Sajak has hosted the game show, which features contestants guessing letters to complete words and phrases to obtain money and prizes. He took over "Wheel of Fortune" from the show's first host, Chuck Woolery.

Sajak, 76, has been a television icon alongside co-host Vanna White, who joined the show in 1982. "Wheel of Fortune" went on to become one of the most successful game shows ever.

After he retires from his position as host, Sajak is expected to continue as a consultant for the game show for three years.

"As the host of Wheel of Fortune, Pat has entertained millions of viewers across America for 40 amazing years," Sony Pictures Television executive Suzanne Prete said, according to The Associated Press. "We are incredibly grateful and proud to have had Pat as our host for all these years and we look forward to celebrating his outstanding career throughout the upcoming season."

Madeleine Hubbard is an international correspondent for Just the News. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram.