And who fans are saying should’ve replaced Pat as the new WOF host

 

PAT Sajak, host of Wheel of Fortune since 1981, has garnered praise from fans shortly before his upcoming departure.

The popular game show recently aired a montage of Pat’s funniest one-liners throughout his time on Wheel of Fortune.

A montage of Pat Sajak's funniest one-liners was aired during a recent episode of Wheel of Fortune ahead of his departure

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A montage of Pat Sajak’s funniest one-liners was aired during a recent episode of Wheel of Fortune ahead of his departureCredit: Instagram/wheeloffortune
Pat, who has been hosting WOF since 1981, will replaced by American Idol host Ryan Seacrest

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Pat, who has been hosting WOF since 1981, will replaced by American Idol host Ryan SeacrestCredit: Facebook/ Eric Kenley Ripper
Fans praised Pat for his quick-witted humor on the game show and said they will miss him after he retires

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Fans praised Pat for his quick-witted humor on the game show and said they will miss him after he retiresCredit: Instagram/wheeloffortune

The moment showed Pat, 77, spewing out quick-witted jokes with contestants throughout the years.

The first joke showed him and his co-host, Vanna White, 67, as he turned over to a skeleton figure and asked, “So how long have you been waiting to be a contestant on Wheel?”

Other clips had audience members laughing as he quickly responded to contestants about their careers.

After the segment aired, Vanna turned to Pat in real time and said, “You are so funny!”

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“Actually you’re the best audience because I can get you giggling pretty quickly,” he told his co-host.

Pat then said the show would be airing more memorable moments from his career in the episodes leading to his upcoming departure.

ONE OF A KIND

The clip was shared on the WOF Instagram account and captioned, “Pat’s got jokes—always has.”

In the comments, fans praised the longtime host and said they would miss him on the popular show.

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“Only one more month [crying],” one person wrote, while a second added, “Pat and his humor Gosh I’m going to miss him!!”

“I love Pat’s sense of humor! Pat is so funny and hilarious! He might be a host of Wheel of Fortune but he’s also a comedian too,” a third said.

Wheel of Fortune contestant throws sass right back at Pat Sajak in playful moment before icon host’s retirement

“I am so bummed. I’m gonna miss him,” a fourth wrote.

“The GOAT of game show hosts. You can never be replaced, Pat. You’re on of a kind!!” a fifth noted.

“I’m so gonna miss him. It won’t be the same without him,” another added.

“I hope Ryan Secrest will be as entertaining and funny as Pat. He has big shoes to fill,” someone else penned.

Wheel of Fortune host timeline

Premiering in 1975, the beloved game show has had a few different iconic hosts in its nearly 50 seasons.

1975 – 1981 : Chuck Woolery was the original host of Wheel of Fortune until he departed in 1981.

1981 – June 2024: Pat Sajak took over and became a beloved Wheel of Fortune host for over 40 years.

September 2024: Ryan Seacrest was declared the newest host as Sajak announced his retirement.

ROBOTIC RYAN?

After Pat retires in June, Ryan Seacrest, 49, will host the beloved game show.

Ryan, who has hosted American Idol, Live with Ryan and Kelly, and his own radio show, will officially begin the new gig in September 2024.

Pat’s official last show will be on June 7 for the Season 41 finale.

Vanna will keep her role and will host alongside the newcomer.

While Ryan has yet to step into Pat’s shoes, viewers have already shown that they aren’t too excited about the replacement.

After the news was announced last year, many fans wanted Pat’s daughter Maggie Sajak, who is the social media correspondent, to take over.

Others wanted to see Maggie take Vanna’s position and for Vanna to take the lead hosting role.

It was revealed last year that Ryan would be the new host of WOF alongside Vanna starting in September 2024

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It was revealed last year that Ryan would be the new host of WOF alongside Vanna starting in September 2024Credit: ABC 7

“Vanna should have taken the job and Maggie should take over for Vanna. Makes me think they are saying a woman can’t do Pats job,” one fan said on social media.

“I like Ryan but he does not have the personality for Wheel. I, also, believe Maggie & Vanna would be the best choice,” a second added.

“Vanna or Maggie would have been much much much better choices!” wrote another.

Along with Pat’s daughter, some fans said they wanted to see Joel McHale as the new host.

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“Joel is a quick wit and Ryan is too robotic. I would prefer Joel over Seacrest,” someone wrote.

Joel, 52, is an actor and comedian known for hosting shows such as The Soup and Card Sharks.

Critics believe Ryan may be too 'robotic' and have questioned whether he will be as funny or entertaining as Pat

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Critics believe Ryan may be too ‘robotic’ and have questioned whether he will be as funny or entertaining as PatCredit: Getty
Viewers have shown they aren't too excited to see Ryan step into the longtime host's shoes

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Viewers have shown they aren’t too excited to see Ryan step into the longtime host’s shoesCredit: Instagram/wheeloffortune
Many fans said they would've rather seen Pat's daughter, Maggie Sajak, lead the show alongside Vanna

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Many fans said they would’ve rather seen Pat’s daughter, Maggie Sajak, lead the show alongside VannaCredit: Getty Images – Getty