Let me tell you, folks, even the most seasoned hosts can have their moments of frustration. During a live episode of Wheel of Fortune on January 24, Pat Sajak found himself in one of those situations. A contestant named Deanna had a tough time solving what seemed like a relatively simple puzzle. Now, here's the thing: Pat has been at this for a long time, but even the best of us can feel the pressure when things don’t go as planned.
When Things Get a Little Tense on the Set
As Deanna struggled to piece together the puzzle, you could see Pat clenching his teeth, clearly trying to keep his cool. Finally, she decided to buy a vowel and then attempted to solve the puzzle with one crucial letter missing. That’s when Pat, ever the professional but clearly exasperated, let out a loud “Please!” It was one of those moments that reminded us all that hosting a game show isn’t always as glamorous as it seems.
Eventually, Deanna managed to guess the phrase correctly: “the most beautiful sunsets.” You could see the relief wash over Pat as he let out a sigh and chuckled softly. He later joked about the ordeal, saying, “I felt less like a game show host and more like a dentist, pulling teeth to get there.” It was a lighthearted comment that summed up the moment perfectly.
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Keeping It Light and Fun
Thankfully, Deanna took it all in stride. She laughed it off, proving that she had the right attitude about the whole experience. And guess what? The audience loved it. They roared with laughter, turning what could have been an awkward moment into a fun and memorable part of the show. That’s the magic of live television—those unexpected moments can often be the best ones.
Pat’s Final Bow
This particular episode aired during Season 41 of Wheel of Fortune, which will be Pat’s last as host. After years of hinting at retirement, he’s finally stepping down. Ryan Seacrest will be taking over for Season 42, set to premiere in September 2024. Ryan, who’s no stranger to hosting duties himself, is absolutely thrilled about the opportunity.
Ryan, 49, can barely contain his excitement about this new chapter in his career. During a recent appearance on Sunday Today in September 2023, he expressed his intentions for keeping the integrity of the show intact. “My version will be the version that is,” he said. “The game works. All you want to do is walk in and say, ‘Good evening,’ grab your devices, and ‘Here’s the first puzzle.’” It’s clear that Ryan respects the legacy of the show and plans to honor it while bringing his own energy to the table.

Of course, Ryan isn’t stepping into this role alone. He’ll be working alongside Vanna White, who recently extended her contract with Wheel of Fortune through the 2025-2026 season. For Vanna, 66, continuing without Pat feels bittersweet. “It’s hard to believe it’s been 41 years,” she told Good Morning America in November 2023. “I think of Pat as family and always will.”
She went on to share just how connected they are: “I know everything about him. I can tell when he walks in, when he’s walking up the stairs. If he’s in a good mood or a bad mood.” It’s clear that their bond runs deep. The two have even jokingly referred to themselves as “Ken and Barbie.”
“We’re not quite that today,” Vanna admitted with a laugh. “But Ken and Barbie go together and always have. Peanut butter and jelly go together. Pat and Vanna go together.” It’s a testament to their enduring partnership and friendship.
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