How did Pat Sajak fare? When Pat Sajak left the program that aired on April 26, 2023, before the bonus round, fans were understandably confused. What happened to Pat Sajak from Wheel of Fortune? Many people think that this might be the beginning of the host’s 42-year run’s end.
The American game show Wheel of Fortune was created by Merv Gryphon for ABC and has been broadcast continuously since January 1975. Three options are available to contestants: solve the puzzle, spend $250 for a vowel, or call a consonant by spinning the massive carnival wheel. Each contestant is valued in money according to the number the wheel lands on. Until a letter is missed, bankruptcy is spun, or a turn is lost, the wheel can be spun. In 2008, a wedge with a $1,000,000 grand prize was added to the wheel, allowing contestants the chance to win that much money.
Since the show’s debut in 1983, Pat Sajak and Vanna White have hosted Wheel of Fortune at night. When Season 40 comes to an end, Sajak hinted that he would stop hosting. Years whiz by swiftly. The end is getting close. It has been a long time. It will take another 40 years to do this. In September 2022, he told Entertainment Tonight that “the end is near.” Unlike her well-known adversary, White, Sajak’s co-host, responded differently. Simply put, I envision the two of us there. Beyond that, I’m at a loss for words. Pat and Vanna have always been connected to Wheel of Fortune. She said, “You know, we’re kind of like Ken and Barbie,” to People in December 2022. Since we have lived in everyone’s homes for the past 40 years, it would be unusual to have someone else turn my letters.
As soon as Sajak stepped down as host of the April 26th program’s extra round, fans began to wonder where he had gone. Find out what happened to Pat Sajak from Wheel of Fortune by reading on.
What happened to Pat Sajak from Wheel of Fortune? Pat Sajak was noticeably absent from the Wheel of Fortune bonus round on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. Jim Thornton, the announcer for the show since 2011, stepped over as host in the middle of the presentation. Fans were confused by the experienced host’s movements and questioned whether Sajaj was ill or had lost his job. Where are you, Pat Sajak, for the final puzzle? A viewer questioned “#WheelOfFortune.” Another person responded, “I’ve never seen that happen. Wild!”
Sarah, a program participant, said that she was a big fan of Thornton when she first appeared on screen. I adore Jim Thornton more than anything. And who could possibly say no? His voice is both calming and energizing, and he is such a sweet and funny man. “And when I don’t hear his voice, I worry about him,” she said to Sajak. Jokingly, Jim remarked, “I’ll give you an hour, Sarah, to cut that out!”
When Wheel of Fortune reopened following a commercial break for the bonus round, Sajak was not there; instead, Thornton was presiding from the announcer’s booth. The additional puzzle, “Quaint Family Farm,” was nearly completed by Sarah, but she ultimately failed to complete it (she chose “Giant Family Farm”). Sarah said, “It’s OK,” even though she had won an extra $40,000, and Jim added, “And I got to meet Sarah!”
Pat was only briefly mentioned in the announcements before the episode’s closing credits. He asked Vanna White as he returned to the spotlight, “Did I miss anything?” She responded, “Not much, just the extra round. Unfortunately, that is all we know about Pat Sajak missing yesterday night’s broadcast. Even some Twitter users speculated that when Sajak eventually quits, Jim would get the chance to “audition” for the hosting role. One cannot help but wonder if Jim is conducting a non-formal interview for the role of #WheelOfFortune @patsajak. Yes, we serve as their focus group. Express your opinions. An individual commented, “My Dad noticed it right away and gives Jim a [thumbs up].”
Thornton might host more rounds in the future if Sajak is quitting Wheel of Fortune at the end of Season 40.
Wheel of Fortune airs on ABC every weeknight at 7:30 p.m.
