Pat Sajak Returning to TV to Host “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” After Retirement
Sajak announced his retirement from 'Wheel of Fortune' in June 2023, making his final appearance on June 7
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Pat SajakTurns out Pat Sajak isn’t done with Wheel of Fortune entirely!
Sajak will be returning to television as host of the upcoming season of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, which premieres on October 7. According to a press release from ABC, this is the beloved game show host’s “final spin” on the franchise.
PEOPLE has reached out to Sony Pictures Entertainment for additional comment.
This news comes just one month after Sajak’s last episode of his long-running hosting gig on Wheel of Fortune aired in early June. He had been on the show for 41 seasons — since 1981 — when he stepped in to replace former host of five-years Chuck Woolery.
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Pat SajakWhen introducing himself to viewers at the time, Sajak, 77, immediately gave a glimpse into the humor fans would later know him for.
"Please do not adjust your sets at home, Chuck Woolery has not shrunk," he joked, poking fun at the height difference between him and his predecessor.
From then until last June, Sajak was the face of the family favorite game show. When he decided it was time to retire, he took to X to announce the decision.
"Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last," he wrote. "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!)"
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Ryan Seacrest (left) and Pat Sajak (right)Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
While Sajak wraps up with Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, Ryan Seacrest will be taking over for him on Wheel of Fortune. Following the news of Seacrest's new gig, the longtime radio personality wrote a sweet message for Sajak on Instagram.
“Pat, congratulations on an incredible run with Wheel of Fortune!” Seacrest began his caption alongside a photograph of himself, Sajak and fellow co-host Vanna White.
“Your dedication, charm, and wit have made the show a beloved part of American television for decades," he continued. "Your partnership with Vanna has been nothing short of iconic, and together, you’ve created countless wonderful memories for viewers.”
Sajak has since ushered Seacrest into the role in a teaser for the next season. After telling Seacrest “the contestants are going to love you,” he offered a look into what he can expect from the position.
“I think what you are going to enjoy most is meeting the players and getting to know the audience at home,” Sajak told him, later adding, “People love this show — they come up every day and thank us for a half hour where they can watch it with the whole family,” he shares.
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