Curious Incident: Pat Sajak Leaves ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Mid-Show, Familiar Replacement Steps In

Fans were baffled by Pat Sajak’s sudden departure from the Wheel of Fortune broadcast prior to the bonus round, which stoked rumors about the legendary host’s 42-year employment.

Since its debut in January 1975, Merv Griffin’s American game show Wheel of Fortune on ABC has held viewers’ attention.

Participants in this demanding challenge have three options:.

Investigate the mystery.
Spend $250 on a vowel.
Select a consonant by spinning the huge carnival wheel.
Every participant gathers the sum of money that the wheel’s spin indicates. The revolution won’t stop until a turn is lost, a letter is missed, or bankruptcy occurs.

In 2008, a wedge with a $1 million grand prize was added to the wheel, luring competitors with the chance to win a fortune.

Since the program’s debut in 1983, the affable hosts of Wheel of Fortune’s evening edition have been Pat Sajak and Vanna White. When Season 40 comes to a close, Sajak recently hinted that he might step down from his hosting position.

The hours fly by. The end is near.
The journey was arduous.
Sajak thought about his future and said, “We still have another forty years.”. His co-host, dsVanna White, on the other hand, provided a different viewpoint on the impending changes.

“I picture the two of us on Wheel of Fortune.
There is nothing else that comes to mind.
The show has a close relationship with Pat and Vanna.

In December 2022, she said, “We’re like Barbie and Ken from Wheel of Fortune.”. “After being welcomed into people’s homes for forty years, it would be strange to have someone else read my letters. ”.

Viewers were baffled by Pat Sajak’s unexpected absence during the bonus round of the program that aired on April 26, 2023. Concerns about the whereabouts of the seasoned host included worries about his health and potential changes in his line of work.

One user tweeted with the hashtag WheelOfFortune, “Where is Pat Sajak for the last puzzle?”. Another puzzled spectator exclaimed, “I’ve never seen anything like this before.”.

Jim Thornton, the show’s announcer since 2011, took over as host during the bonus round, which made the audience members even more unsure.

Sajak was still absent when the show resumed after a commercial break, and Thornton hosted from the announcer’s booth. Sarah was perilously close to solving the additional riddle, “Quaint Family Farm,” but she ultimately selected “Giant Family Farm.”. ”.

Jim added, “And I had the pleasure of meeting Sarah!” as Sarah graciously accepted the extra $40,000 reward despite her disappointment.

Vanna White casually remarked, “Not much, just the bonus round,” when Pat Sajak returned after the episode’s closing credits and asked, “Did I miss anything?” Pat Sajak was only briefly visible. Unfortunately, this concludes our knowledge of Pat Sajak’s absence from that program.

Even on Twitter, many made jokes about Jim Thornton possibly trying out for the hosting position after Sajak leaves. “Does Jim have an unofficial interview for the WheelOfFortune @patsajak position? ” .

One user suggested, “Express yourself.
We’re their focus group.”. My Dad saw it right away and gave Jim the thumbs up, a quick user replied. ”.

If Pat Sajak does depart Wheel of Fortune at the conclusion of Season 40, Jim Thornton might take on a larger hosting role going forward and preside over more episodes of the popular game show.

Fans used to Sajak’s endearing presence may find this change difficult, but it could add a fresh dimension to the program and give Thornton a chance to showcase his hosting skills to a larger audience.

Wheel of Fortune fans are eagerly awaiting official announcements and updates, and the enigma surrounding Pat Sajak’s departure and the program’s potential transformation only heightens their interest.