Pat Sajak's final episode of Wheel of Fortune may have just aired last month, but the iconic game show host is already returning for one final spin as the host of the upcoming season of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune. Fans, however, couldn't resist trolling Sajak for his short-lived retirement.
Sajak, 77, first announced he was leaving Wheel of Fortune in June 2023, stating that the 41st season of the show would be his last. (The beloved ABC personality had helmed the Wheel beginning in 1981; he was joined by puzzle board icon Vanna White the following year.) And in the Wheel of Fortune episode that aired on June 7 of last month, Sajak signed off for the final time with a heartfelt speech.
One month later, however, news broke that Sajak would be back, with ABC announcing their fall 2024 lineup on Wednesday, July 10 — featuring Sajak as the host of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune. TVLine confirmed that no episodes have been taped yet, but that the show will premiere on October 7.
Longtime Wheel viewers and pop culture fans didn't hold back in their thoughts on Sajak's quick turnaround.
"How can we miss him if he won't leave?!" one person wrote via X (formerly known as Twitter).
"Pat Sajak pulling a Tom Brady," another quipped, referring to the NFL legend's "un-retirement" in 2023.
"The Sajak Surprise," a third person commented, while another quipped that the whole thing was like the concept of Schrödinger cat. "Schrödinger's retirement," they joked.
Another social media commenter came up with a hypothetical conversation. "'Pat Sajak? But I thought you quit Wheel of Fortune!'" they wrote via X. "'This is CELEBRITY Wheel of Fortune,'" they imagined Sajak would respond. "'It's a different show.'"
Others were just frustrated.
"Oh come on LMAO," someone commented, while another used a GiF of Seth Meyers waving goodbye. "Just go!" they wrote.
Some were even more blunt.
"He needs to retire and go away," another person expressed.
White, for her part, will continue to helm the puzzle board on Wheel of Fortune for at least two more years, as she recently renewed her contract. Ryan Seacrest will replace Sajak as the host.
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