Pat Sajak called it a career on Wheel of Fortune after more than 8,000 episodes.
Fans of the long-running game show thought they had seen the last of him hosting.
But Pat Sajak shocked fans with this return announcement to Wheel of Fortune.
Pat Sajak returning to Wheel of Fortune for one final spin
Pat Sajak said goodbye to fans as the host of Wheel of Fortune when his final episode on the show aired in June.
He announced in 2023 that he was retiring after 41 seasons hosting the long-running game show.
Sajak took over for Wheel of Fortune’s former host, Chuck Woolery, in 1981 and showcased his trademark brand of humor during his first episode hosting.
“Please do not adjust your sets at home, Chuck Woolery has not shrunk,” Sajak joked.
The 77-year-old became a TV institution working alongside letter-turner Vanna White.
“Well, the time has come to say goodbye,” Sajak said during his final episode. “I have a few thanks and acknowledgments before I go, and I want to start with all of you watching out there. It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade.”
Fans thought they had seen the last of Sajak, but he’s returning for a special edition of Wheel of Fortune this fall.
ABC announced that it was going to air Celebrity Wheel of Fortune with Sajak as its host as part of the network’s prime-time lineup this fall.
The first episode is scheduled to air on October 7.
ABC will air Celebrity Wheel of Fortune on Mondays when it doesn’t show episodes of the NFL’s Monday Night Football.
The celebrity version of the game show features an hour-long show with two complete games that pit celebrities competing to win prizes for their favorite charities.
American Idol host Ryan Seacrest will still host the syndicated version of Wheel of Fortune.
Celebrity Wheel of Fortune will serve as the lead in the reboot of the game show Press Your Luck hosted by Elizabeth Banks.
Pat Sajak and Vanna White reunited once again?
Pat Sajak and Vanna White worked alongside each other since 1982 on Wheel of Fortune.
He gave his longtime co-host and friend a heartfelt goodbye during his final episode.
“Finally, to my professional other half,” Sajak told White. “We’ve seen a lot of changes in our lives over the years but we’ve always been there for each other. While I’ll very much miss working with her, I take solace that we live about 5 miles apart. So we’ll see plenty of each other.”
The pair worked together on the four seasons of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, which debuted in 2021.
ABC didn’t announce if White would be returning as the letter-turner for the celebrity version of the show this fall.
She had held back tears while she said goodbye to Sajak during his final episode as host.
“What an incredible and unforgettable journey we have had,” an emotional White said. “And I’ve enjoyed every minute of it with you.”
“As this chapter comes to an end, I know you’ll still be close by,” White added. “You’re like a brother to me, and I consider you a true lifelong friend who I will always adore. I love you, Pat.”
Fans could have one last opportunity to watch Pat Sajak spin the wheel this fall.
