Pat Sajak, the iconic host of “Wheel of Fortune,” concluded his tenure on the show’s primetime spinoff, “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune,” with his final episode airing on June 10, 2025. This episode marked the end of Sajak’s illustrious career with the franchise, spanning over four decades and more than 8,000 episodes.
The farewell episode featured Broadway stars Renée Elise Goldsberry, Bernadette Peters, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson as celebrity contestants. Ferguson emerged victorious, winning $59,300 for the charity No Kid Hungry. Despite his success in the main game, he was unable to solve the bonus puzzle, missing out on an additional $25,000.
Sajak’s final appearance was characterized by his signature humor and camaraderie with longtime co-host Vanna White. At one point, after Peters landed on a Bankrupt space, Sajak playfully tossed her Million-Dollar Wedge over his shoulder, eliciting laughter from the audience. He also jested about a fictional primetime series titled “Sajak Senior Secret Agent,” to which White responded, “Sounds like a winner.”
In his closing remarks, Sajak expressed gratitude to ABC and the viewers, stating, “See you next time for more ‘Celebrity Wheel of Fortune.'” While the phrase has been his traditional sign-off, this time it marked the end of his hosting duties on the show.
Sajak had previously announced his retirement from the original “Wheel of Fortune” in June 2023, with his final episode airing on June 7, 2024. He returned briefly in December 2024 for a holiday-themed episode of “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” before concluding his role with the Season 5 finale.
Ryan Seacrest is set to take over as host for both “Wheel of Fortune” and “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” starting with Season 6. Seacrest, known for his work on “American Idol” and “Live with Kelly and Ryan,” acknowledged the pressure of succeeding Sajak but expressed enthusiasm for the role.
Pat Sajak’s departure signifies a significant moment in television history, closing a chapter on a beloved era of game show entertainment. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry, and his legacy will continue to influence future generations of hosts and viewers alike.