WHEEL of Fortune fans have speculated about the lack of fanfare ahead of host Pat Sajak’s exit from the game show.

The host’s final episode is set to air on Friday, June 7.

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Wheel of Fortune fans are speculating about a lack of fanfare ahead of Pat Sajak’s exitCredit: ABC

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The host is leaving the show after 40 yearsCredit: ABC
Ahead of Pat’s exit, there has been very little celebration or reflection.

The US game show host did sit down for an interview with his daughter, Maggie Sajak, where he looked back on his career.

Otherwise, however, it’s been business as usual on the Wheel of Fortune stage.

Fans speculate that this is by design.

Maggie Sajak poses with rarely-seen mom Lesly Brown during dad Pat’s final week

“I’m finding it interesting there’s not more of a commotion about this being Pat Sajak’s last week on Wheel of Fortune. There seems to be a general feeling of ‘ok moving on,'” one fan tweeted.

“For as long as he hosted you’d figure there would be more of a PR push.”

Some fans believe this is how Pat wanted it.

“I assumed this was on his part,” one supporter guessed.

Pat Sajak lands acting role after leaving WoF in first job since retirement

“He’s never been one to do a ton of interview (he’s obviously done some, but begrudgingly, I’ve always felt). And since he’s leaving/doesn’t care anymore, he’s willing to do an interview with Maggie, but that’s probably it.”

Others felt there should be a little more excitement surrounding the change.
Maggie Sajak tears up as dad Pat reveals retirement plans after Wheel of Fortune that will make him ‘perfectly happy’
“I am surprised there hasn’t been more press. Also surprised we haven’t found out more about how Ryan Seacrest becoming the new host came about so quickly after Pat announced his retirement,” another Wheel fan wrote on X.

PAT’S BIG PLANS

Whether he’s talking about it or not, Pat appears to be looking forward to his retirement.

An insider told The U.S. Sun exclusively what the host plans to do after saying goodbye to the show.

“You can sum up Pat’s retirement plans in one word: Retirement,” the source said.

Wheel of Fortune Host Timeline

Although Pat and Vanna have been a staple on the game show for decades, there have been other hosts

Chuck Woolery was the host from 1975 to 1981

He co-hosted alongside Susan Stafford (1975 to 1982)

Vanna White then stepped in as hostess in 1982 and has been ever since

After a contract and salary dispute, the show got rid of Chuck and brought in Pat in 1982

Pat hosted with Susan for one season

He then left the game show in 1989 to host a late-night talk show for CBS

For five months, NFL player Rolf Benirschke took his place

In July 1989, Bob Goen hosted the show on CBS

He hosted for a year and a half until the show was canceled in 1991

The show was then moved to ABC with Pat and Vanna hosting for the foreseeable future

In 2023, Pat announced his retirement and Ryan Seacrest as quickly named as his replacement

“Meaning, even though he has the looks and energy of somebody 25 years younger than he actually is, he has no plans to turn around and host another TV show.

“His consultancy deal with Sony is a pretty deliberate buffer against that.”

The insider also said that when Pat isn’t working on Wheel of Fortune, he’s focused on a “peaceful and happy home life” as well as his wife Lesly Brown’s charity.

The couple intends to continue focusing on these two things.

Pat spent just four days a month filming the game show and occasionally made personal appearances.

He’s used to filling in gaps in his free time.

“He has managed to do it without going crazy or having an extended midlife crisis,” the insider shared.

GRANDPA PAT?

Earlier this week, Pat teased even more retirement plans.

During an interview with his daughter Maggie, 29, on Good Morning America, the host joked that he would be “perfectly happy” with a few simple pleasures.

He noted that he’s open to other jobs but is mostly “looking forward to the simple life.”

“I’m perfectly happy if it just means that I’ll continue with my crossword puzzles and play with grandchildren,” he said.

“Hint hint.”

Neither Pat’s daughter nor his son Patrick have children of their own.

READ MORE ON THE US SUN

Vanna’s Wheel of Fortune future ‘hinges’ on Ryan & chemistry in ‘first shows’

Maggie laughed as she replied, “No pressure.”

She’s currently dating Scottish actor Ross McCall, 48.

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Pat talked about retirement in an interview with his daughter Maggie SajakCredit: ABC

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His daughter got emotional as they reflected on his careerCredit: ABC/ Good Morning America

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Pat has been hosting Wheel of Fortune since 1981