- A newspaper columnist dedicated a column to lashing out at the game show Wheel of Fortune and host Pat Sajak, who announced his retirement on Monday.
- Drew McGarry of the San Francisco Chronicle didn’t hold back, calling him “an empty suit” and “a real estate agent your wife didn’t like.”
- McGarry said he hopes the producers will take the time to revitalize the game shows and pick more exciting hosts.
columnist of San Francisco Chronicle Days after announcing his plans to retire from the game show Wheel of Fortune, which he has helmed for over 40 years, Pat Sajak said, “Pat Sajak is a freak.”
Drew McGarry skewers the longtime ABC quiz host, describing him as “an empty suit,” “a realtor his wife doesn’t like,” and “someone with the warmth of a Cheesecake Factory host.” said.
McGarry noted that Sajak’s time on the show appeared to be more focused on interacting with celebrities than genuine engagement with the public.
He complained that the unnecessary corner featuring Sajak and co-host Vanna White immediately after the match ended felt lingering as a viewer, and the only moment when a contestant made an obvious mistake was that he It is suggested that it may have drawn the attention of
“Maybe that’s why I always grimaced whenever I stumbled upon the 7:25 p.m. I realized that Vanna White of ‘I Think We’d Learned’ was just doing all of Something Today’s routine as an unnecessary final segment.
“Maybe that’s why I only paid attention to ‘Wheels’ as an adult when a contestant failed so badly.”
McGarry believes the show has often fallen short of its potential and could be much better than it is now, but viewers will love Sajak in the same way Jeopardy’s Alex Trebek did. and pointed out that he only worked four days a month, or 48 days a year, with a salary of $15 million.
According to 2016 figures, Sajak earned $312,500 per day worked, or $52,083 per episode.
Considering he signed a new deal at the end of 2021 as the show’s host for the 2023-2024 season, he’s probably making more than that.
Part of the reason I dislike McGarry is that their politics aren’t aligned.
In 2014, Sajak tweeted that “global warming alarmists” were “unpatriotic racists”.
He has also authored a series of blog posts on a conservative website called human event.
Around 2008, one of the articles was titled “Against Obamacare?” Then you must be a racist. 』
Around the same time, Sajak described himself as a “conservative Republican who rejoices in the mess on the Democrat side.”
McGarry said he hopes Weill can use Sajak’s departure for Wiz Sajak’s makeover to make it more engaging than just a senior citizen show.
Producers seek out younger and more authentic hosts, update categories and phrases to reflect the current era, conduct open auditions of hosts to attract interest, and overwhelm pieces of the puzzle with unnecessary additions. Instead of doing, he argues, you can give the pieces of the puzzle a breather.
“For the first time in decades, we have a chance to make ‘Wheel of Fortune’ good TV,” he says.
“There was no one to replace Trebek in the mind of ‘Jeopardy!'” Fan. In contrast, replacing a Sajak in your mind would be as mentally difficult as hiring a new postman,” suggests Magary in one particularly striking sentence.
“The only time both ‘The Wheel’ and its audience will benefit is now without Sajak, who has clenched his teeth mentally and presided over ‘The Wheel’ for over 40 years.”
McGarry said many modern game shows lack the thoughtfulness and care necessary for such lasting appeal, relying on former athlete-turned-hosts who struggle to explain the rules. points out that there are many
On the other hand, “Wheel of Fortune” is simple and intuitive, making it both accessible and fun. Magary believes the show can regain its fun and communal spirit without Sajak.
However, even if Sajak leaves, he will still be involved with Wheel of Fortune as a consultant for the next three years, giving him the ability to influence the show’s direction while maintaining its current outdated format. There are plenty of possibilities.
“No doubt Sajak wants to look like he does now. It’s ridiculous, outdated and nonsensical. Why is Ryan Seacrest already being touted as the frontrunner for the job?” Guess what? McGary adds a significant profit.
On social media, many other users also seem to agree that Mr. Sajak’s resignation is not a big loss.
“CBS gave him a late-night show in 1989 to play against Johnny Carson. Needless to say, it didn’t work. He has a dial tone kind of personality,” Jackson Harris wrote.
“I always had a conspiracy theory that Pat secretly didn’t want people to win. seemed to have won his money,” tweeted Bill Mueller.
Meanwhile, speculation continues as to who will replace Sajak.
Whoopi Goldberg has confirmed that she has her sights set on taking over as host.
At The View on Wednesday, the conversation turned to who would host the Wheel Of Fortune as the panel welcomed Jeopardy. Presenter Ken Jennings appeared as a guest.
Joy Behar revealed, “Woopi wants that job,” and the 67-year-old actress agreed, “I want that job too.” I think it will be a lot of fun.”
Whoopi is no stranger to game shows. She starred in her 1998 Hollywood revival of Her Squares and was also the show’s producer for seven of her seasons.
Some viewers thought Whoopi was perfect for the role, but others weren’t convinced.
“Replace Whoopi Goldberg!” Not Ryan Seacrest, he’s overdoing it. Vanna is too sweet. We need someone with an edge and a sense of humor,” wrote one.
Another user added, “Replacing @patsajak with @WheelofFortune with @RyanSeacrest or Whoopi Goldberg is a terrible idea.” Give it to John O’Hurley!
A third viewer said, “If Whoopi Goldberg is the new host of ‘Wheel of Fortune,’ I’ll never watch it again.” Awful fit.
Meanwhile, Wheel of Fortune favorite Vana White will “strongly consider” taking over the host role.
A source close to the 66-year-old White told DailyMail.com that the show’s letter-sending co-host was well prepared to take on the task.
“Vanna still doesn’t want to leave Wheel of Fortune after Pat’s retirement announcement and is strongly considering taking over Pat’s role as the show’s host,” a source said.
The source continued, “Next year is going to be a tough year and Vanna wants to be a part of it all after he leaves and hopes they don’t force her out.” there is,” he said.
The TV personality has co-hosted the long-running game show with Sajak since 1982, and sources stressed the star still has no plans to quit.
“Vanna is working for the long term,” they added. “If she doesn’t take over her job when her Pat ends, she wants to be part of the selection process for Pat’s replacement. If it’s up to her, she’ll be in that job forever.” because it will happen.”
However, the TV star is prepared for the decision to take time, the sources added. “Vanna knows they’re going to do the same thing they did with Alex Trebek and his replacement and do a big thing with everything.” , if Vanna leaves the Wheel, it’s not her decision. “
On Monday, Sajak confirmed plans to retire as host of “Wheel of Fortune” after more than 40 years.
Suzanne Plate, executive vice president of game programming for Sony Pictures Television, said in a statement, “Pat has served as host of ‘Wheel of Fortune’ for an astonishing 40 years across America. It has entertained millions of viewers.”
“We are extremely grateful and proud to have Pat as our host for so many years and look forward to celebrating his incredible career throughout the next season.”
Plate said Sajak “has agreed to continue as a consultant on the show for three years after hosting last year,” adding, “I am thrilled that he will continue to be close to the Wheel of Fortune family.” I have!” he added.
Sajak has hosted the show’s nighttime editions with White since 1983.