Pat Sajak Stuns Fans with Shocking Comeback: The Legendary Host Returns to Wheel of Fortune Nearly a Year After Saying Goodbye—How did Ryan Seacrest Respond?

In a move no one saw coming, Pat Sajak is officially stepping back into the spotlight, returning to Wheel of Fortune as host nearly a year after his emotional farewell. The iconic game show veteran, who passed the torch to Ryan Seacrest, is making a surprise return that has left fans buzzing—and wondering what this means for Seacrest’s future. Sources say the unexpected comeback is tied to a special event, but speculation is swirling about whether Sajak’s return could become something more permanent.

Curious why he’s back and how Seacrest fits into the picture now? Don’t miss the full scoop on the stunning TV twist.

PAT Sajak is making a shock comeback to Wheel of Fortune almost one year after he retired and was replaced by Ryan Seacrest.

Back in June, Pat said goodbye to the wheel when he retired from his hosting duties after nearly 40 years at the helm of the show – but little did fans know, he would actually return… not once, but twice.

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Pat Sajak retired from the show last yearCredit: Getty

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Pat will be making a comeback for the celebrity special of the hit show later this monthCredit: Getty

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Pat also returned at Christmas for another celebrity special episodeCredit: Getty

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Ryan Seacrest took over from Pat Sajak last SeptemberCredit: Instagram / ryanseacrest
Ryan Seacrest took over from Pat in September, with the incoming host speaking out.

When Ryan was announced as the new host he said that he was “truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak”.

“Pat Sajak is such a legend. He makes it look so easy and smooth and seamless. He’s remarkable,” Ryan previously gushed.

Although Pat left almost a year ago, he is due to return to the iconic show.

The Celebrity Wheel of Fortune spinoff was pushed back and will premiere April 30 – and Pat is hosting.

The spinoff was filmed a year ago, or possibly even longer.

A star-studded lineup of celebrities will compete on the show.

PAT’S FINAL SPIN

The show will see the likes of Josh Gad, Regina Hall, Ellie Kemper, Justin Long, Joe Manganiello, and Katharine McPhee compete to win cash for good causes.

The celebrities will be playing to win $1 million for their chosen charities.

It was a press release from ABC, they revealed that Pat would be back when they shared how “new episodes of Pat Sajak’s ‘Final Spin’ as host of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” would be airing.

Wheel of Fortune fans ‘angry’ at Ryan Seacrest for ‘mistake Pat Sajak would never make’ that cost player bonus round
The release revealed that the episode would air from 8pm until 9pm EDT on April 30.

It was also revealed that the 2025 Jeopardy! Masters tournament would air straight after from 9pm until 10pm EDT.

Fans have since reacted to Pat’s return to the show.

“Huh??  I’m confused.  I thought he already officially left?” said one person on Reddit.

Wheel of Fortune must-know staff

Wheel of Fortune’s universe is more vast than fans realize. Here’s a look at the key staffmembers of America’s most iconic puzzle-based game show:

Ryan Seacrest: host, 2024-present

Vanna White: co-host, 1982-present

Maggie Sajak: social media correspondent, 2021-present

Jim Thornton: announcer, 2011-present

Pat Sajak: host from 1981-2024, the newly-retired Pat still hosts Celebrity Wheel of Fortune and is now a supervising producer

Bellamie Blackstone: executive producer, 2021-present

Steve Schwartz, supervising producer of over 30 years and now co-executive producer

Jimmy McGuire: Stage Manager and Jeopardy! Clue Crew alum (also Jeopardy!’s stage manager)

Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! famously share a studio lot and use the others’ set next door for practice games before players take the stage.

Learn more about who keeps Wheel of Fortune spinning here.

Another said: “I’m so excited hes back!”

This won’t be the first time that Pat has returned to Wheel of Fortune since his official departure.

PAT’S BOOMERANG ACT

Back in December 2024, just mere months after Ryan’s series began, Pat returned for the Christmas special.

“Great to see Pat back in action,” penned one fan at the time of the episode airing.

Another said, “Love Celebrity Wheel of Fortune. Great seeing Pat also. Looking forward to solving the puzzles”.

Pat was only back temporarily, with his comeback purely for the celebrity special of the iconic show.

The contestants that appeared on the show were all famous faces, with them all playing for various charities.

Chance the Rapper played for SocialWorks, legendary singer Dionne Warwick played for North Jersey Community Research Initiative, and Lil Jon played for Open Paths Counseling Center.

Chance ended up winning the game, with him taking home an eye-watering amount of money for his chosen charity.

The rapper won $139,300, with every dollar donated to SocialWorks.

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Ryan Seacrest has not yet hosted a celebrity special episode of the showCredit: CBS