Search the Community

WASHINGTON: The longest-serving TV game show host in history signed off on Friday (Jun 7) after presiding over US primetime hit Wheel of Fortune for 41 seasons. Pat Sajak has been a fixture in American homes since 1981, hosting more than 8,000 editions of a show that has become part of early evenings for millions of households. "Well, the time has come to say goodbye," he told viewers in a clip from the pre-recorded final show. "It's been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade." He described the half-hour show as "a safe place for family fun. No social issues, no politics, nothing embarrassing I hope - just a game." "Thank you for allowing me into your lives." Sajak, 77, was renowned for his low-key, unflappable style, asking contestants to choose a consonant or buy a vowel in the word-guessing game. With his suit and even tan, he chatted with guests and bantered with co-host Vanna White, who joined the show in 1982 just a year after Sajak. In 2019, Guinness World Records awarded Sajak the title of the longest career as a game show host for the same show. White paid an emotional tribute to her partner on Thursday’s episode, calling him “like a brother” and a “true lifelong friend,” adding that their personal friendship has meant even more than their professional collaboration. Sajak announced in June 2023 that he would retire from his hosting duties at the end of the show’s 41st season, with America Idol host Ryan Seacrest set to succeed him. White will stay on as Seacrest’s co-host through the 2025-2026 season, based on a contract extension she signed in September. In a recent interview for “Good Morning America” with Sajak’s daughter Maggie, who serves as the show’s social correspondent, the host said he felt “surprisingly OK” given that he announced his retirement almost a year before his final show. “I’ve had time to sort of get used to it and it’s been a little bit wistful and all that, but I’m enjoying it and taking it all in and reflecting on a great run,” he said. Looking back on his time with the popular game show, Sajak said he is grateful for how audiences across the country connected with the show and made it a part of their daily routines. “Somewhere along the line, we became more than a popular show. We became a part of popular culture, and more importantly, we became a part of people’s lives,” he said. “That’s been awfully gratifying". https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/pat-sajak-wheel-fortune-final-show-4393876