“Wheel of Fortune” is one of America’s most popular television game shows. Created by Merv Griffin, the game show has aired continuously since 1975. During the show, contestants can win cash prizes by solving word puzzles similar to those in Hangman. Since its inception, “Wheel of Fortune” has undergone several changes in scheduling. In addition, thousands of contestants have competed on the show, which has also seen several hosts. However, one person has remained attached to the show since 1983.
That person is none other than Pat Sajak. Born Oct. 26, 1946, Sajak began hosting duties on “Wheel of Fortune” in 1983. From 1983 to 1989, he hosted the game show’s daytime and syndicated evening versions. Sajak’s longevity as a game show host was heralded when he became the longest-running game show host in the 36th season of “Wheel of Fortune” in 2018-2019.
As the beloved host, Sajak enjoyed many beautiful memories and experiences. He also had his fair share of criticism and setbacks. Despite everything he has experienced, he remains a much-loved figure among fans. The love for Sajak was on display on June 13, 2023, when he announced his retirement from “Wheel of Fortune” after 40 years.
However, Sajak hasn’t been alone on his “Wheel of Fortune” journey. Consistently by his side turning the letters since 1982 has been hostess Vanna White. For many, one cannot even think of the show without thinking of the pair together as a team. With Sajak’s impending retirement, many have been left wondering whether White will remain on the show without him. Now, the verdict is in, and it looks like White will not only be sticking around but will be rewarded significantly for it!
On June 13, 2023, Sajak took to Twitter to announce his retirement from “Wheel of Fortune.” His tweet read:
“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. 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!).”
“Wheel of Fortune” also posted about Sajak’s retirement on Instagram, and many fans commented about the development. One fan wrote: “Wheel’ miss you, Pat!”
Another fan said they were sad to see Sajak leave and described him as an institution in their home. A third fan concluded that Sajak was “One of the best TV hosts ever!”
Deadline reported that Sajak will remain as a consultant for the show for three years until his final episode in June 2024. A lot of names were tossed in the mix, with several promising candidates’ names under speculation.
One article from Good Housekeeping suggested that White, Sajak’s co-host, would be a suitable replacement, having successfully assumed the role on multiple previous occasions. Sources told Radar Online that White herself is gunning for the role, having “done her bit” learning from Sajak for decades.
“Vanna believes it’s her time and thinks she is the natural choice,” an insider told the outlet.
Back in December 2022, White had told People it was depressing thinking about their time as one of television’s most iconic “brother and sister team” coming to an end.
“I don’t even want to think about that. I mean, we’re a team. That’s depressing. I don’t even want to think about it,” she said.
In the same People interview, White had expressed her fondness for the show and said:
“It’s incredible. I cannot believe it’s been 40 years. Honestly, I’ve loved every minute of it. Who still says they love their job after 40 years? Me! I really do. It’s a fun show. Everybody watches and enjoys it and it changes people’s lives and it makes people happy. So it’s a great job.”
She added she also couldn’t envision a version of the show without her and Sajak in it, particularly due to the fact that fans have been watching the two of them at home in their living rooms for so long.
“I can’t imagine. Everybody relates ‘Wheel of Fortune’ to Pat and Vanna. We’re like Ken and Barbie, you know? We’ve been in everybody’s homes for 40 years, so it would be weird having somebody else turn my letters,” she said.
Along with bidding Sajak goodbye as the host, fanatics of the show have one question in mind, who will replace him? A lot of names have been thrown into the mix, including other prominent television game show hosts. But after much waiting, the new host of the beloved game show has finally been revealed, and it’s no other than Ryan Seacrest!
Seacrest has been a staple of American television already as he is the long-standing host of the reality singing competition “American Idol.” Seacrest will also serve as a consulting producer on the show. In a statement, Seacrest said that he was “truly humbled” by the opportunity.
He also expressed his enthusiasm for his big new role on television: “I can’t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White.”
Now, fans of White can rejoice as it was announced on Sept. 19, 2023, that her contract with “Wheel of Fortune” has been extended for two years. This means White will remain with the game show through the 2025–26 season. She will also be on hand to welcome its new host, Seacrest, when he makes his debut in the latter half of 2024.
And the good news doesn’t end there! White’s contract extension also comes with a significant salary increment for White. According to TMZ, the 66-year-old will receive a “substantial pay increase” from the $3 million she used to make per year. This would make it White’s first pay rise in the 18 years she has been with the show. The increase would also be in line with White’s reported quest for pay parity. Sajak reportedly made $15 million a year as the game show’s host. Additionally, Seacrest is reportedly set to be coming on board with a $28 million-a-year paycheck, which would make him the highest-paid personality on television.
While the rest of White’s new contract with Sony, which owns “Wheel of Fortune,” has yet to be finalized, reports surfaced claiming that White’s lawyers are far from happy with her compensation. Daily Mail reported in July 2023 that White was allegedly unhappy that the show’s producers didn’t give her “more of a chance to take over Pat’s job,” signaling their “lack of respect” for her.
The report quoted an insider as saying:
“She wants to stay, but she also wants it to be fair and is going to fight for what she believes in and what she deserves.”
Meanwhile, TMZ claimed White’s lawyer was mulling filing a gender discrimination suit against the show, citing the vast disparity in pay between White and Sajak.
Are you happy to hear Vanna White will be returning to “Wheel of Fortune”? Do you think she deserves a bump in her salary? Let us know your thoughts and be sure to pass this along to all the fans of the game show you know!
