Wheel of Fortune fans confused as Pat Sajak set to make unexpected return after retiring

Pat Sajak has one last hosting duty that was announced about three months after his last episode of Wheel of Fortune since his retirement announcement in June 2023

Well, just for a little while. The longtime host will be hosting one last time for Celebrity Wheel of Fortune this fall. The Celebrity Wheel of Fortune’s official Instagram account posted the news with a flyer including Pat and letter-turner Vanna White with the words, “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune Returns,” on the letter board. Their post was captioned: “It’s the final spin for Pat Sajak as host when Celebrity Wheel of Fortune premieres October 14 at 8/7c on ABC and Stream on Hulu.”

There is no information as of yet how many episodes fans will get to have their final dose of the 77-year-old nor the list of celebrities that will be competing. Many fans were confused in the comment section about the Chicago native’s upcoming appearance since his retirement.

One fan asked: “I thought he was done with Wheel.” Another responded: “Think this was filmed before his final episode.” While it is not clear when exactly Pat filmed the spinoff, it will still be his final time hosting now.

Pat is back for one last spin (Image: Instagram)

This announcement also comes as Ryan Seacrest is gearing up to make his debut as the new host of the Wheel of Fortune. Season 42 will premiere on Monday, Sept. 9. Ryan was announced as Pat’s replacement in June 2023, following Pat’s retirement message during the same month.

He shared that season 41 would be his last and said it has been a “wonderful ride.” Pat said goodbye to puzzle game shot after more than four decades on Friday June 7 which was the last episode of season 41. The theme of the episode was “Thanks for the memories” and it drew 11.03 million viewers. That episode had the highest household rating of any broadcast the week it aired, The Wrap reported, citing Nielsen. Pat addressed the audience and said: “The time has come to say goodbye. I have a few thanks and acknowledgments before I go. And I want to start with all of you watching out there,” he started.”

Pat final episode was on June 7 of Wheel of Fortune (Image: ABC via Getty Images)

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

He went on to acknowledge and thank the fans, staff as well as the crew, his daughter Maggie, his wife Leslie, and his “professional other half” Vanna White. Although Pat is retiring, he will stay on as the show’s consultant for three years after hosting.