For the first time in 42 years, Wheel of Fortune will have a new host.
On Monday, long-time Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak announced his retirement from the show. Sajak plans to host his final season — which begins in September — and then will retire after over four decades on the job.
Sajak has been the primary host of Wheel of Fortune since 1981 and for many, the only host of the show they’ve ever seen. Over the years, Wheel of Fortune has entertained many, in part thanks to contestant goofs and Sajak’s own antics. As of Monday, no replacement for Sajak has been named.
Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)
— Pat Sajak (@patsajak) June 12, 2023
Since Sajak’s replacement is still up in the air, here are six people who could very comfortably step into his shoes and take over Wheel of Fortune hosting duties!
Father's Day deal
Vanna White
Considering Vanna White has been the co-host of Wheel of Fortune for four decades herself, she’d be a perfect fit for the role! Who better to take over the reins than someone who has been an integral part of the show already?
LeVar Burton
Given many hoped LeVar Burton would end up as the new Jeopardy! host, he’d no doubt be a popular pick for this role too. There’s a reason Burton’s name has come up multiple times over the years as a host, as he’s quite the beloved figure for many.
John Michael Higgins
While John Michael Higgins started as an actor, he also has years of hosting experience between America Says and Split Second. Higgins even had a run on Celebrity Jeopardy! as a guest back in 2022.
Scott Rogowsky
Scott Rogowsky is no stranger to hosting duties, as he spent a good amount of time hosting HQ Trivia, a mobile trivia game. If Wheel of Fortune wanted to appeal to a younger audience, hiring Rogowsky would be one way to go about it.
Wayne Brady
Wayne Brady has long been a host in the television game show sphere, ranging from Let’s Make A Deal, Don’t Forget the Lyrics! and more. Plus, for all you theatre lovers out there, Brady is no stranger to the stage, famously starring in Kinky Boots between 2015 and 2016.
Michael Strahan
After years of co-hosting Good Morning America and Live! with Kelly and Michael, Michael Strahan has gotten into the game show business as the current host of Pyramid. Not too bad for a former NFL player with a Super Bowl ring!
