Reports from the Wheel of Fortune NBC set have claimed that producers want long time host Pat Sajak to “take a break” from the game show, or are possibly pushing him into taking an early retirement.
74-year-old Sajak has hosted ‘Wheel’ since 1983, earning himself 19 Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host nominations and winning the accolade three times. However, according to an unnamed source, producers believe Sajak “just hasn’t been the same” since his 2019 surgery.
Wheel Of Fortune Producers Pushing Pat Sajak To Take Early Retirement.
The month long break Sajak took for the emergency surgery on his intestine and subsequent recovery is the only time Sajak has spent away from the Wheel of Fortune set in almost 40 years. During that time, Vanna White stepped in, moving from her usual letter-turner role to hostess.
However, it has been Sajak’s disposition since returning to the show that is most concerning the show’s producers.
Just last month Sajak made waves for seemingly mocking a contestant’s lisp and fans have noticed his usual tongue-in-cheek humor has ‘landed’ a little harsher than necessary. Specifically he was questioned by fans when he called a contestant “ungrateful” and chastised another when they interrupted a sponsorship plug.
Producers also began to worry when Sajak started making small flubs, like revealing the bonus round puzzle prize amount before the puzzle was revealed. They fear what kind of errors could come. The source continued, “The producers want him to at least take a break from the show. They’re hoping that will pull him out of this tailspin.”
However, with retirement not out of the question soon, it is assumed a break could become more permanent, especially if a suitable replacement host is found in the interim.
White delighted fans with her charisma and ease when she took on the position, but if the show is looking to revamp and appeal to younger audiences, it’s possible White could be another casualty.
Currently Wheel’s sister game show, Jeopardy is also in the midst of a transition period after the passing of adored host, Alex Trebek. With three guest hosts down and a stream to come, fans have been left guessing as to who will take on the position permanently.
It may be hard for those who have sat down to watch the double header each weeknight for years to see both of their beloved shows look so different while being helmed by new faces. In that case, Sajak’s position may be safe for a little longer yet, or alternately, producers may just want to rip the band aid off!
Watch Pat and Vanna on Wheel of Fortune, weeknights on NBC…while you can!
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