Pat Sajak’s Last ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Episode Draws Huge Ratings Surge
The summary of the provided text details Pat Sajak’s departure from the game show “Wheel of Fortune,” which he hosted for over forty years. His final episode aired on June 7, and it attracted more than 11 million viewers, marking the largest audience for the show in over four years, specifically since the onset of the pandemic in April 2020. This episode was also noted as the most-watched program on both cable TV and broadcast for the week, excluding sports events. Throughout Sajak’s farewell week, the show maintained high ratings, averaging 8.5 million viewers and achieving an 18-week high in household ratings. In his final message on the show, Sajak expressed gratitude to the viewers, emphasizing how privileged he felt to have been a consistent presence in their homes over the years.
Pat Sajak’s final appearance on “Wheel of Fortune” scored a massive ratings boost as viewers turned in to see the longtime host say goodbye to the game show he made popular.
Sajak’s last episode — after hosting for more than forty years — aired on June 7 and drew an audience of more than 11 million viewers, the Hollywood Reporter reported.
It was the largest audience the syndicated game show has seen in more than four years, since April 2020 when the world was at the start of the pandemic. Excluding sports, the final episode for the long-time game show host was the most-watched program on cable TV or broadcast, at any time of day, for the week of June 3-9, the outlet noted.
During Sajak’s entire last week of hosting, the game show experienced larger than usual viewership, with an average of 8.5 million viewers for the week, hitting an 18-week high in household rating (5.0), the outlet noted.
Pat Sajak’s ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Goodbye Hits Four-Year Ratings High https://t.co/D9RZ1acyik
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) June 18, 2024
Sajak’s final message was simple: he told viewers, “Well, the time has come to say goodbye. I have a few thanks and acknowledgments before I go, and I want to start with all watching out there. It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade.”
“I always felt that the privilege came with the responsibility to keep this daily half-hour a safe place for family fun,” he added.“No social issues. No politics. Nothing embarrassing, I hope. Just a game. But gradually it became more than that.”
“A place where kids learned their letters, where people from other countries honed their English skills, where families came together along with friends and neighbors, and entire generations.
“What an honor to play even a small part in all of that,” Sajak continued. “Thank you for allowing me into your lives.”
Last year, Sajak announced he was leaving the show, with cohost Vanna White — who first appeared alongside the host in 1982 — remaining on board.
“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” Sajak wrote on June 12, 2023.
“It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months,” he added. “Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)”
Shortly after the retirement announcement, his replacement was announced with media personality Ryan Seacrest confirming he’d been picked to succeed him, posting on X that he’s “truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak.”
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