Paige Gawley
Pat Sajak‘s Wheel of Fortune days aren’t totally behind him. Though the longtime game show host announced his exit from the series last year, ABC revealed on Wednesday that Sajak will be back to host Celebrity Wheel of Fortune one last time.
Sajak will return to Celebrity Wheel of Fortune this fall, with episodes slated to begin airing Monday, Oct. 7. The celeb-focused game show will air on Mondays throughout the fall, on weeks when there’s no Monday Night Football game.
The celebrities that are set to participate in the upcoming season have yet to be announced.
Sajak announced his retirement from Wheel of Fortune in June 2023 after serving as the game show’s host for 41 seasons. Shortly thereafter, Seacrest came on board and Vanna White closed her deal to remain the show’s hostess.
“I’m so excited! She’s beloved, by this nation, she is just such an important part of the show. She has been for so many years,” Seacrest told ET in September 2023. “I’m honored to be on stage with her soon.”
Sajak filmed his final episode of Wheel in April 2024. In a farewell interview with his daughter, Maggie Sajak, which aired on Good Morning America, the host revealed his post-Wheel plans.
“I’m perfectly happy if it just means that I’ll continue with my crossword puzzles and play with grandchildren. Hint hint hint, no pressure,” he teased his daughter, shortly before he landed his first post-show gig, acting in Prescription: Murder at Honolulu’s Hawaii Theatre.
Then, on June 7, Sajak’s final episode aired, drawing the highest viewership for Wheel of Fortune in over four years, with 11.03 million people tuning in.
“It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes, night after night, decade after decade,” Sajak said in a video message, before acknowledging how the game show was a “safe place for family fun” throughout his tenure.
“No social issues. No politics. Nothing embarrassing, I hope,” he said. “Just a game. But gradually it became more than that.”
Seacrest spoke out after Sajak’s final episode, penning a lengthy message on Instagram.
“Pat, congratulations on an incredible run with Wheel of Fortune! Your dedication, charm, and wit have made the show a beloved part of American television for decades,” Seacrest wrote. “Your partnership with Vanna has been nothing short of iconic, and together, you’ve created countless wonderful memories for viewers.”
“You’ve set the standard for hosts everywhere, and this marks the end of an era,” he added. “Best wishes for all your future endeavors!”
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