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Pat Sajak is back for one final spin around the Wheel – Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, that is.
The beloved game show host – who retired after 41 years from his longtime gig in June – reprised his role for a final season of the celebrity spin-off rendition of the show. In a special holiday episode, which aired on Monday, December 2, Sajak, 78, reunited on the colorful stage with letter turner Vanna White.
Sajak and White were joined by celebrity contestants Chance the Rapper (playing for SocialWorks), Dionne Warwick (playing for North Jersey Community Research Initiative), and Lil Jon (playing for Open Paths Counseling Center).
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It looks like the special episode delivered, as fans rejoiced on X (formerly known as Twitter) about getting to see their beloved Sajak once more.
“Pat Sajak is hosting Celebrity Wheel of Fortune. All seems right again,” one user declared. Another agreed, saying, “This episode of wheel of fortune is a cultural reset.”
Others mentioned some key moments from the episode, including the iconic lineup of celebrity contestants. “Chance , little John & Dionne Warwick on wheel of fortune giving pat a headache,” quipped one fan, while another noted an iconic moment between Sajak and Lil Jon: “Definitely didn’t have Pat Sajak doing “What?!” and getting the “YEAH!” back from Lil Jon on my Bingo card for today. But it’s even more awesome than you think! Let’s go to the clip!”
Prior to tonight’s big event, Sajak teased his return to TV on X. “Apparently I’m back on TV tonight. I guess I’d better shave and shower. @celebritywof @ABCNetwork,” he posted, which received many excited replies from fans. One fan even mentioned Wheel of Fortune‘s news host – long time TV personality Ryan Seacrest. “Replacing Seacrest I hope!!” they boldly stated, while someone else replied, “For forever, would be nice.”
Seacrest, 49, officially took over as host of Wheel for season 42, making his debut on the show in September. While his hosting abilities have received mixed reviews and reactions from fans so far, the radio host’s presence has actually helped boost the show’s ratings. According to an October Variety article, this season has been “the most-watched entertainment series across broadcast, cable, and syndication.”
As for Sajak, he will return for the remaining episodes of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune season 5, though the exact release date for the remaining episodes has not yet been announced. Regardless, they will officially mark Sajak’s final appearances as host.
