Tom Bergeron Spoke Out About Rumors He Will Replace Pat Sajak On Hosting “Wheel of Fortune”

Jun 23, 2023 by apost team

“Wheel of Fortune” is one of America’s most popular television game shows. Created by Merv Griffin, the game show has aired continuously since 1975. During the game show, contestants can win cash prizes by solving word puzzles similar to those in Hangman. Since its inception, “Wheel of Fortune” has undergone several changes in scheduling. In addition, thousands of contestants have competed on the show, which has also seen several hosts. However, one person has remained attached to the show since 1983. 

That person is none other than Pat Sajak. Born Oct. 26, 1946, Sajak began hosting duties on “Wheel of Fortune” in 1981. From 1981 onwards, he hosted the game show’s daytime and syndicated evening versions. Sajak’s longevity as a game show host was heralded when he became the longest-running game show host in the 36th season of “Wheel of Fortune” in 2018-2019.

However, after four decades of hosting the beloved game show, Sajak announced that he would be stepping down as the show host. Following the announcement, many fans took to social media to react to Sajak’s retirement and express their love for him.

Along with bidding Sajak goodbye as the host, fanatics of the show have one question in mind, who will replace him? Many big names were thrown into the mix, but it seemed like only one emerged the strongest – “Dancing With The Stars” host Tom Bergeron! 

After days of relentlessly hounding on social media, Bergeron has finally clarified his involvement in the said hosting gig, and fans did not anticipate his answer at all! Keep on reading to learn more about if Bergeron will replace Sajak on “Wheel of Fortune!”

On Jun. 13, 2023, Sajak took to Twitter to announce his retirement from “Wheel of Fortune.” His tweet read: 

“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!).”

“Wheel of Fortune” also posted Sajak’s retirement announcement on its Instagram page, and many fans commented, expressing their thoughts about the development. One fan wrote: “Wheel’ miss you, Pat!”

Another fan said they were sad to see Sajak leave and described him as an institution in their home. A third fan concluded that Sajak was “One of the best TV hosts ever!”

Since Sajak’s retirement announcement, Deadline reported that he will remain as a consultant for the show for three years until his final episode in June 2024. There are a lot of names tossed in the mix already, and there are quite some promising ones being speculated. 

An article from Good Housekeeping said that Vanna White, Sajak’s co-host since 1982, could fill in the role very well, as she has done multiple times in the past already. Maggie, Sajak’s daughter, who is also a social media correspondent on the show, is also in the running. 

Whoopi Goldberg also expressed interest in filling in for Sajak in a conversation on “The View” with “Jeopardy!” host Ken Jennings, but perhaps one of the loudest ones was former “Dancing With The Stars” host Bergeron. 

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The 68-year-old host boasts a portfolio of hosting capabilities, as he helmed “Breakfast Time,” “Hollywood Squares,” “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” “Good Morning America,” and “Dancing with the Stars” until he was fired in 2019. 

Bergeron is a recipient of a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host in 2000 and received nine Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Competition Program, for which he won once in 2012. 

In an Instagram post that Bergeron shared on Jun. 15, 2023, he was seen doing some heavy lifting at the gym, looking as focused as ever. “It’s impressive until you hear your hip crack 😵‍💫🤣” he wrote in the caption. 

The video even fueled fan speculation that he might be getting ready to replace Sajak on “Wheel of Fortune.” fans took to the comment section and asked him if he was. 

“When you find out that the [Wheel of Fortune] gig is open,” someone said. However, Bergeron clarified that he “developed an aversion to wearing suits,” seemingly signifying that he is not up for the challenge. 

Another fan directly asked him, “Are you getting in shape to spin the Wheel of Fortune? You’d be great for that job,” but Bergeron’s answer had a definitive and dismissive answer already. 

“I’m hearing @ryanseacrest is in line for that one. Which is good ’cause the kid needs the work… 😉,” he clarified. 

Ryan Seacrest hosting “Wheel of Fortune” is also a good choice. In fact, NBC Los Angeles cited multiple reports saying that he has been the “frontrunner” for the role. Since 2002, Seacrest has been the host of “American Idol” until today. Aside from the annual reality singing competition, Seacrest is also on Daytime on “Live with Kelly and Ryan” with Kelly Ripa.  

Are you a fan of Pat Sajak or Tom Bergeron? Who do you think should replace Pat Sajak on “Wheel of Fortune?” Do you think Ryan Seacrest could be a good fit? Let us know, and pass this on to your family, friends, and other loved ones!