Pat Sajak’s iconic tenure as the host of Wheel of Fortune ended on the show’s 41st season’s final episode, which aired on Friday, June 7. As the curtain closes on Sajak’s remarkable run, fans are eager to know how long he hosted the popular game show, and when he started. Created by Merv Griffin, Wheel of Fortune is a cultural phenomenon and is widely regarded as one of the greatest game shows of all time. Sajak has become synonymous with the series, so his retirement has garnered considerable attention.
Here’s what we have discovered about Pat Sajak’s tenure as the host of Wheel of Fortune.
How many years has Pat Sajak hosted Wheel of Fortune?
Sajak hosted the syndicated and nighttime version of Wheel of Fortune for 41 years. He also served as the host of the network and daytime rendition of the show for eight years.
Wheel of Fortune garnered massive popularity during Sajak’s long tenure as its host. A significant part of the show’s success can be attributed to his chemistry with co-host Vanna White, who has also been on the syndicated version of the show for 41 years.
According to the New York Times, after Sajak’s retirement announcement in June 2023, White extended her contract until the 2025–26 season, revealing that she would remain on the show after her long-time professional partner’s departure.
When did Pat Sajak start hosting Wheel of Fortune?
Pat Sajak started hosting the syndicated and nighttime version of Wheel of Fortune in 1983.
Prior to that, he’d replaced Chuck Woolery as the host of the network version of the show in 1981. In 1989, he quit the latter to become the host of CBS’ The Pat Sajak Show (1989-1990). The network version was eventually canceled on NBC in 1991.
Ryan Seacrest, known for American Idol and On Air with Ryan Seacrest, is set to replace Sajak as the host of Wheel of Fortune in its 42nd season.
While Sajak is retiring as the host, that doesn’t mean he is cutting all the ties with Wheel of Fortune. As per Deadline, Suzanne Prete, EVP of Game Shows at Sony Pictures Television, revealed that Sajak would remain as a consultant for the next three years.
