Fans of the renowned game show “Wheel of Fortune” were taken aback when veteran host Pat Sajak unexpectedly departed before the bonus round. Speculation swirled about the reasons behind Pat Sajak’s departure and what it meant for his longstanding 42-year tenure on the show.
“Wheel of Fortune,” conceived by Merv Griffin, has graced television screens since January 1975, with Pat Sajak and Vanna White as its iconic hosts. While Sajak had hinted at a potential exit at the conclusion of Season 40, White expressed her desire to continue hosting alongside him. Their partnership has become synonymous with the show, making it challenging for fans to envision anyone else in their roles.
During the April 26 episode, Sajak relinquished hosting duties for the bonus round, and the show’s announcer, Jim Thornton, stepped in as host. This unexpected switch left viewers pondering Sajak’s absence, with some speculating about illness or termination. However, it soon became apparent that this was a planned change when contestant Sarah praised Jim Thornton at the episode’s outset. Thornton playfully responded, foreshadowing his impromptu hosting stint later on.
Upon the show’s return from a commercial break for the bonus round, Sajak remained absent, and Jim Thornton continued to host. Although contestant Sarah couldn’t crack the bonus puzzle, she walked away with an additional $40,000 and had the chance to meet Thornton. Sajak briefly reappeared during the credits, jokingly asking Vanna if he had missed anything.
The circumstances surrounding Pat Sajak’s absence on that episode remain undisclosed. Some viewers speculated that it provided an opportunity for Jim Thornton to demonstrate his hosting prowess as a potential successor to Sajak in the future. With Sajak’s possible departure at the end of Season 40, Thornton may see more opportunities to helm episodes of “Wheel of Fortune.”
Currently, the show airs on ABC weeknights at 7:30 p.m., and fans eagerly anticipate updates on the future of this beloved game show and its hosts.