Earlier this week, longtime host Pat Sajak announced he would retire after the show’s upcoming 41st season, which begins filming in September.
The 76-year-old television personality said in a Twitter statement, “Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” he shared. “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!)”
While it was unfortunate news for viewers who have been watching him for 40 years on their television screens, others are eager to know who will fill in to take over his hosting duties. While many have been throwing out some big names online, Whoopi Goldberg is making it clear that she would love to take on the job.
Goldberg made her intentions clear during the latest episode of The View while discussing his retirement with .fellow Jeopardy! host Ken Jennings. During the panel, he was asked to share his thoughts on the Wheel of Fortune situation. “Another legendary game show host, Pat Sajak, just announced that he’s going to be retiring from Wheel of Fortune at the end of next season. What’s your reaction to the news, and any ideas on who should replace him?” Alyssa Farah Griffin asked Jennings.
“Well, Pat’s a legend. Over 40 years and the price of a vowel has not gone up one penny. No one controls inflation like Pat Sajak,” The Jeopardy! G.O.A.T. joked. While Jennings continued to talk about the topic, Goldberg could be heard in the background saying, “I want the job.”
“Whoopi wants that job,” Joy Behar told Jennings, with Goldberg herself confirming, saying, “I want that job. I think it would be lots of fun.” Jennings was even on board with the idea, and added, “Well, there you go, we figured it out.”
More On Pat Sajak’s Retirement
While Whoopi would be a good choice for the gif, Pat Sajak has not yet reacted to her volunteering for his spot.
In the meantime, his news still comes as a slight shock to fans although it was well expected. Back in September 2022, he hinted at the possibility of his retirement, saying he’ll probably leave the series before it goes off the air.
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“In most television shows by this time, you would have said, ‘That’s probably enough,’ but this show will not die,” Sajak said at the time while talking with Entertainment Tonight. “It appears I may go before the show,” he added.
In a statement to PEOPLE following his announcement, Suzanne Prete, the EVP of Game Shows at Sony Pictures Television, also confirmed Sajak’s upcoming retirement, but gave more details about his future plans.
“As the host of Wheel of Fortune, Pat has entertained millions of viewers across America for 40 amazing years,” Prete said. “We are incredibly grateful and proud to have had Pat as our host for all these years and we look forward to celebrating his outstanding career throughout the upcoming season. Pat has agreed to continue as a consultant on the show for three years following his last year hosting, so we’re thrilled to have him remaining close to the Wheel of Fortune family!”
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If she does get Pat’s place on the show, then Wheel of Fortune will no longer be watched in our home. It would be a fatal decision for the show IMO.