Pat Sajak is leaving Wheel of Fortune after four decades on the popular game show.
Sajak announced the news Monday evening on Twitter, saying he’ll exit the show after its upcoming season.
“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” he tweeted. “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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The clickbait comment may have been in reference to Sajak’s occasional headline-making antics.
In March, he made it onto the gossip sites after putting a contestant named Fred Jackson — who’s a pro wrestler — in a chokehold and twisting the man’s arm behind his back. The moment confused fans and made Sajak a trending topic on social media. Although Jackson told TMZ, “That was one of the biggest highlights of the show.”
Sajak, 76, has hosted Wheel since 1981 alongside co-host Vanna White.
The program is produced by Sony Pictures Television and distributed by CBS Media Ventures.
“As the host of Wheel of Fortune, Pat has entertained millions of viewers across America for 40 amazing years,” Suzanne Prete, executive VP of game shows at Sony Pictures Television, said in a statement. “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.”
So far, no announcement has been made on a replacement.
The show is among the most-watched in syndication. It has won seven Emmy Awards, including a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Game/Audience Participation Show.
Wheel of Fortune was renewed through the 2027-2028 season in January.
