Pat Sajak Is Stepping Down From ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ After Over 40 Years, And People Are Calling It The End Of An Era

Wheel of Fortune has never had the same cred as Jeopardy!, the early evening game show with which it’s long shared an hour time slot. Nor does it make news quite as often. But it’s still an institution. (And it definitely makes the news every now and then.) Indeed, when it was announced that Pat Sajak, its longtime host, announced he was leaving after next season, many on social media felt like it was the end of an era.

— Pat Sajak (@PatOnWheel) June 12, 2023

“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” Sajak wrote on Twitter. “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!)”

Sajak, 76, has been overseen the big wheel for over four decades. He joined the show, which launched in 1975, in 1981, replacing its original host, Chuck Woolery. He was joined by his oft-silent co-host Vanna White the following year, a position she’s held ever since.

To many it seemed like Pat Sajak leaving Wheel of Fortune was the end of an era.

— Dr. Bast (@BastsBest) June 12, 2023

Whoa! End of an era! Pat Sajak calling it quits on Wheel of Fortune after next season! #1010WINS @1010WINS https://t.co/1wzPUTc64o

— Brian Britain (@ImBrianBritain) June 12, 2023

Buying a lot of vowels to say: END OF AN ERA

‘Wheel of Fortune' host Pat Sajak announces he will retire next year https://t.co/e6fkmuM0ZL

— Lauren Peikoff (@laurenpeikoff) June 12, 2023

The end of an era. Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak announces next season will be his last https://t.co/Qcb4MRxvGv

— Nick Ciletti (@NickCiletti) June 13, 2023

Others bid him a fond farewell.

— Hunter Dillon (@HunterDillon95) June 12, 2023

You've had a great spin, @PatOnWheel.#WheelOfFortune https://t.co/CnRhzelJIA

— Angel Martinez (@ilvdbch) June 12, 2023

I grew up watching @WheelofFortune and my wife and I and our daughter (when she’s home from college) still watch it now & then on @fox4kc. #FamilyTime https://t.co/pIyIvtkQyc

— Brian Mercer (@BrianMercerNKC) June 12, 2023

Thanks for teaching young Travis his vowels https://t.co/4SPKEDYepl