Wheel of Fortune won't be the same when longtime host Pat Sajack finally retires and it's happening sooner than we think - depending on how you look at it. He announced his retirement will be at the end of next season and the news of Pat Sajack's retirement is sending shockwaves through the media.

Sajack was quoted talking about his retirement in a celebrity article on Deadline. That quote, along with Pat Sajack's contract info, was posted and said:

“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” Sajak said in a statement obtained by Deadline. “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 and longtime colleague Vanna White signed contract extensions in 2021 that take them through next season. He has hosted Wheel of Fortune since 1981 and has won three Emmys for his work, not counting the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award he received from the TV Academy. He originally was recruited by creator Merv Griffin to take over for the outgoing Chuck Woolery, having already hosted two unscripted game pilots called Press Your Luck and Puzzlers.

As of now, that's the story, but leave it to Pat Sajack to spin the wheel just one more time if he changes his mind. The Deadline story added more information from Susanne Prete:

“As the host of Wheel of Fortune, Pat has entertained millions of viewers across America for 40 amazing years,” said Suzanne Prete, EVP Game Shows at Sony Pictures Television. “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. Pat has agreed to continue as a consultant on the show for three years following his last year hosting, so we’re thrilled to have him remaining close to the Wheel of Fortune family.”

What are the chances Pat Sajack makes a few quest appearances?

Photo: Public Domain Defense Visual Information Distribution Service