Wheel of Fortune’s Pat Sajak bids farewell in final episode and reveals show was ‘safe space’ and ‘incredible privilege’

WHEEL of Fortune’s Pat Sajak gave an emotional thank you to fans in his last episode ever.

The 77-year-old game show host has been working on WoF for 43 years and is finally taking a step back with Ryan Seacrest set to take over.

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Pat Sajak is set to appear in his last episode of Wheel Of Fortune on FridayCredit: Sony Television

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The star thanked the audience for their dedication to the showCredit: Getty
Pat appeared in a short teaser clip uploaded on social media ahead of his final episode on Friday night.

He thanked the live studio audience for their dedication to the show and for allowing him to be on it for so long.

“I have a few thanks and acknowledgements before I go. And I want to start with all of you watching out there,” Pat said to the camera in the teaser clip.

“It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes, night after night, decade after decade.

“And I always felt that the privilege came with the responsibility to keep this daily half-hour a safe place for family fun,” he continued.

“No social issues. No politics. Nothing embarrassing, I hope. Just a game. But gradually it became more than that.”

Pat has been a much-loved host of the show for a whopping 43 years and appears to be excited for a quieter life.

He discussed retiring in an interview with his daughter, Maggie Sajak, on Good Morning America.

Pat told his daughter he is looking forward to some simple pleasures.

“I’m perfectly happy if it just means that I’ll continue with my crossword puzzles and play with grandchildren. Hint hint,” he said.

Pat Sajak and Vanna White tearfully hug as she surprises Wheel of Fortune host with graceful tribute before exit
Maggie, who is dating Scottish actor Ross McCall, laughed off the comment.

“No pressure,” she joked.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Despite the retirement news, it has been revealed that Pat has landed an acting gig following his departure.

He has been cast in a community theater production called Prescription: Murder, according to TMZ.

The theater is located in Hawaii and will also star Joe Moore, a newscaster for KHON-TV.

Pat will play a psychiatrist who comes up with a murder plot while Joe is set to play the lead detective caught in a game of chase with the doctor.

CRITIC’S CORNER

While Pat enjoys his new role, he will be replaced by Ryan, which fans have been apprehensive about.

Fans discussed the casting choice on social media.

“Seacrest is an interesting replacement choice. Will be strange seeing him on the show for some time,” one fan wrote on Reddit.

“Seacrest is everyone’s replacement,” a second viewer replied.

“If you say ‘generic inoffensive white guy’ into a mirror three times, Ryan Seacrest appears,” a third wrote.

Other fans speculated that Ryan would be quick to leave the show due to his busy schedule.

“Yes, I’m not a fan. Born in the 90s it was [Alex] Trebek, Pat, and Bob Barker my entire childhood. And I feel like Ken [Jennings] and Drew [Carey] are in it for the long haul. I wouldn’t be surprised if Seacrest is out in like 5 years. I want some commitment damn it!” one critic commented.

Wheel of Fortune Host Timeline

Although Pat and Vanna have been a staple on the game show for decades, there have been other hosts

Chuck Woolery was the host from 1975 to 1981

He co-hosted alongside Susan Stafford (1975 to 1982)

Vanna White then stepped in as hostess in 1982 and has been ever since

After a contract and salary dispute, the show got rid of Chuck and brought in Pat in 1982

Pat hosted with Susan for one season

He then left the game show in 1989 to host a late-night talk show for CBS

For five months, NFL player Rolf Benirschke took his place

In July 1989, Bob Goen hosted the show on CBS

He hosted for a year and a half until the show was canceled in 1991

The show was then moved to ABC with Pat and Vanna hosting for the foreseeable future

In 2023, Pat announced his retirement and Ryan Seacrest as quickly named as his replacement

Some fans went as far as to suggest the production company should use members of Pat’s own family to fill his void.

Maggie joined her dad for a series of interviews during his final week on the show and discussed his life and career.

Fans took to the comment section to suggest that she, or Pat’s co-host, Vanna, should take on the hosting gig.

“Maggie should be host!! Idk who thought Seacrest was a good fit,” wrote one user.

“Ryan Seacrest already takes on a lot from American Idol to Rockin New Year’s Eve and now Wheel of Fortune,” added another.

“We will definitely miss Pat,” said a third.

“You are so loved, I think Maggie and Vanna should run the show. That would be awesome,” noted a fourth.

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Fans suggested that Pat’s family take over his roleCredit: Wheel of Fortune

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Pat said the show had become a safe space for himCredit: Wheel of Fortune

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Pat’s final episode will air Friday, June 7Credit: Wheel of Fortune