Friday, June 30, 2023

Wheel Of Hosts

 


It has been announced that game show host Pat Sajak will be retiring from Wheel of Fortune next year  (2024) at the end of the show's 41st season. Sajak announced his retirement a few weeks ago and although there was some speculation about who would be his replacement, this past week it was announced that Ryan Seacrest will take over as host. Meanwhile letter "turner" Vanna White has mentioned that she might be leaving the show soon as well. Her reasons seem to be salary related.

Meanwhile across the pond in the UK it was announced that ITV will revive the UK version of Wheel of Fortune, which ran from 1988 to 2001. The UK revival will have talk show host comedian Graham Norton Stepping in as its host.

I casually watch Wheel because in my area it comes on before Jeopardy so I sometimes need some background noise while I am having my dinner. I like Vanna and always have but honestly for several decades since they shifted from having her physically "turn" the letters, to her just touching the puzzle screen to electronically change the letters, she doesn't have to do a whole heck of a lot. As for these new incarnations of these game shows I would rather watch the UK version with Graham Norton and adjust to British Englishisms than watch a single second of Ryan Seacrest hosting.