Pat Sajak might hold the record for the shortest retirement of all time.
On July 10, about a month after Sajak officially bid farewell to “Wheel of Fortune,” ABC announced that the longtime host will return to lead “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” later this year.
In a press release, the network confirmed its fall schedule, with Sajak’s name included in the lineup. “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune,” which kicks off Oct. 7 at 8 p.m. ET, will mark Sajak’s “final spin” on the game show, according to ABC.
Viewers thought they already saw Sajak helm the wheel for the last time when his final “Wheel of Fortune” episode aired June 7. He delivered a sweet message to fans who have been watching him throughout the years, especially those who have stuck around since he began hosting the show in 1981.
“Well, the time has come to say goodbye. I have a few thanks and acknowledgements before I go. And I want to start with all of you watching out there,” he said during the final moments of the episode.
He continued, “It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade. And I’ve always felt that the privilege came with a responsibility to keep this daily half-hour a safe place for family fun. No social issues, no politics, nothing embarrassing, I hope. Just a game.”
But over the years, the game evolved into a communal experience for families and friends across different generations, he said.
“What an honor to have played even a small part in all that. Thank you for allowing me into your lives,” he added.
As Ryan Seacrest steps in to replace him next season on “Wheel of Fortune,” Sajak already has multiple projects lined up.
In addition to his upcoming appearance on “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune,” he will star in a play called “Prescription: Murder” next year.
In June, the Hawaii Theatre Center confirmed that Sajak will share the stage with “long-time buddy” and Hawaii newscaster Joe Moore. The center said the production serves as a “theatrical predecessor” and “inspiration” for the crime drama “Columbo.” In the play, Sajak will portray a “brilliant psychiatrist” who concocts a plan to murder his wife.
“Prescription Murder” will debut on July 31, 2025, and run until Aug. 10, 2025.
