Fans were devastated when Pat Sajak retired from Wheel of Fortune back in June, after providing wholesome family entertainment for a whopping 43 years. However, there was one silver lining, and that was that Sajak would be returning to host Celebrity Wheel of Fortune.
Sadly, as fans know, while these episodes were filmed, they never ended up on the air. Now, the reason behind this has been revealed.
Celebrity Wheel Of Fortune Doesn’t Air
According to Deadline, Celebrity Wheel of Fortune was pushed back to 2025 due to a scheduling issue with ABC. While the specifics of this issue have not been revealed, it’s likely because ABC decided to add Monday Night Football to its telecast for the fall. Indeed, the network committed to airing a total of 17 games throughout the NFL season.
Apparently, these two cannot coincide, much to the chagrin of Wheel of Fortune fans. (And football fans who also love Wheel of Fortune!)
Unfortunately, this appears to have bumped Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, which is set to be Sajak’s farewell to television. Many fans feel that after decades in the industry, Sajak deserves better for what is set to be his final televised hosting duty.
Given how many years he’s worked in television, however, Sajak is probably used to rolling with the punches when it comes to this kind of thing.
Sajak Retires From Wheel of Fortune
This comes after Sajak bid an emotional farewell to Wheel of Fortune in June.
“Well, the time has come to say goodbye,” Sajak said at the time. “I have a few thanks and acknowledgments before I go, and I want to start with all 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.”
“I always felt that the privilege came with the responsibility to keep this daily half hour a safe place for family fun,” he continued. “No social issues, no politics, nothing embarrassing I hope, just a game.”
“But gradually it became more than that,” Sajak admitted. ” A place where kids learned their letters, where people from other countries honed their English skills, where families came together along with friends and neighbors, and entire generations. What an honor to play even a small part in all of that. Thank you for allowing me into your lives.”
Check out Sajak’s full goodbye in the video below.
Ryan Seacrest Takes Over
Sajak then handed things over to his replacement Ryan Seacrest. Seacrest has subsequently struggled to connect with Wheel of Fortune fans, despite decent ratings – which goes to show just how much fans love the show itself.
“Ryan is seriously feeling the pressure and wondering if there’s just no winning this fight,” an insider told Radar Online earlier this week. “Everything he tries on the show seems to spark an outcry, and he’s already fed up with the fan backlash.”
“He’s getting the very distinct impression nothing will make them happy short of Pat coming out of retirement and hosting the show again,” the source continued. “Ryan feels a ton of pressure because of his salary and the expectations that producers have set.”
Full Story: Ryan Seacrest Allegedly Regrets Replacing Pat Sajak On ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ – ‘No Winning This Fight’
As for Sajak’s longtime co-host Vanna White, she’s still on Wheel of Fortune. Indeed, she’s extended her contract for at least another two years.
“Vanna’s in the catbird seat,” an insider said back in September. “She can just stand back and see how Ryan gets on. Even if that’s not her intention, she can certainly be the one to benefit from this in a big way because she’d be the next obvious replacement. Everyone knows there’s no one the fans would rather see take over from Ryan — she’d be a slam dunk!”
Sajak is a true legend, and there will never be another one like him. We can only hope that ABC follows through with airing Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, and gives him the sendoff that he deserves!
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