What happened to Pat Sajak? Fans were understandably perplexed when Pat Sajak quit the broadcast that aired on April 26, 2023 before the bonus round. What transpired with Wheel of Fortune’s Pat Sajak? Many people believe that this could signal the start of the host’s 42-year run’s demise.
Merv Griffin developed the American game show Wheel of Fortune for ABC, which has been shown nonstop since January 1975. Participants in the competition have three options: solve the riddle, purchase a vowel for $250, or spin the enormous carnival wheel to call a consonant. Each competitor is worth the amount that the wheel lands on in money. The wheel can be spun until a letter is missed, a bankrupt is spun, or a turn is lost. A million-dollar grand prize wedge was added to the wheel in 2008, giving competitors the chance to win a million dollars.
Pat Sajak and Vanna White have been the nighttime hosts of Wheel of Fortune since its premiere in 1983. Sajak made a suggestion that he might give up hosting at the conclusion of Season 40. “Years pass quickly. The end is almost here. It’s been quite a while. This won’t be done for another 40 years. He declared to Entertainment Tonight in September 2022 that “the end is near.” White, Sajak’s co-host, responded differently than her well-known rival. “I simply picture the two of us there. I’m unable to think past that I have no idea. Wheel of Fortune is always associated with Pat and Vanna. “You know, we’re kind of like Ken and Barbie,” she remarked to People in December 2022. It would be strange to have someone else turn my letters since we have been in everyone’s homes for 40 years.
Fans immediately wondered where Sajak went when he quit hosting the bonus round in the April 26th program. Continue reading to find out what happened to Wheel of Fortune’s Pat Sajak.
What transpired with Wheel of Fortune’s Pat Sajak? In the Wednesday, April 26, 2023 Wheel of Fortune program, Pat Sajak was conspicuously absent for the bonus round. Midway through the presentation, Jim Thornton, the announcer for the program since 2011, took over as host. Fans were perplexed as to the whereabouts of the veteran host, and fans wondered if Sajaj was ill or had lost his job. “Pat Sajak, where are you for the last puzzle? One person questioned “#WheelOfFortune.” I’ve never seen that happen, while another person retorted. Wild!”
The participant for the program, Sarah, admitted that she was a big fan of Thornton when she was first featured on-screen. Jim Thornton has my absolute heart. And how could anyone refuse? He is humorous and such a lovely person, and his voice is both calming and invigorating. She said to Sajak, “And when I don’t hear his voice, I worry about him. Jim said in jest, “I’ll give you an hour, Sarah, to cut that out!”
However, Sajak was not there when Wheel of Fortune returned after a commercial break for the bonus round; instead, Thornton was hosting the part from the announcer’s booth. Sarah came close to solving the bonus puzzle, “Quaint Family Farm,” but eventually couldn’t (she picked “Giant Family Farm”). Despite winning an additional $40,000, Sarah responded, “It’s OK,” and Jim added, “And I got to meet Sarah!”
With the exception of few announcements, Pat was last seen in the episode’s closing credits. “Did I miss anything?” he enquired to Vanna White as he stepped back into the spotlight. “Not much,” she retorted, “just the bonus round.” Sadly, that is all we are aware of regarding Pat Sajak’s absence from last night’s broadcast. Even some Twitter users thought Jim might get the chance to “audition” for the hosting position when Sajak inevitably leaves. Can’t help but wonder if this is Jim’s informal interview for the #WheelOfFortune @patsajak position. We are their focus group, and yes. Make your thoughts known. One user said, “My Dad noticed it right away and gives Jim a [thumbs up].”
If Sajak is leaving Wheel of Fortune at the conclusion of Season 40, then Thornton might host more rounds going forward.
ABC broadcasts Wheel of Fortune weeknights at 7:30 p.m.
