Wheel of Fortune Fans Eagerly Await Pat Sajak's Final Spin, but ABC Delays Premiere

Wheel of Fortune fans were eagerly anticipating the premiere of the new season of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, which was set to be Pat Sajak's final time hosting the franchise. However, ABC has announced that the show's premiere has been pushed back to 2025, much to the disappointment of viewers.

Unveiling the Unexpected Delay: A Shift in Priorities for ABC

Prioritizing Monday Night Football

The decision to delay the premiere of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, as well as the shows "Press Your Luck" and "Scamanda," was made by ABC to prioritize Monday Night Football. The network is adding six additional Monday Night Football simulcasts to its previously announced schedule, a move made in conjunction with the NFL. This decision is only for the 2024-25 season, as ABC aims to maximize the reach of NFL programming across the Disney ecosystem.

Ensuring a Consistent, Weekly Run for Game Shows

Furthermore, the delay will give the ABC game shows "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune" and "Press Your Luck" a more consistent, weekly run during the midseason when there are fewer preemptions, such as football and the 2024 election. This move is expected to provide a more stable and predictable viewing experience for fans of these shows.

Sajak's Sendoff Season on Hold

The news of the delay comes as a disappointment to Wheel of Fortune fans, as Pat Sajak has already taped much, if not all, of his sendoff season. This highly anticipated final chapter of Sajak's hosting tenure will now be on the backburner for three months, leaving viewers eager to see the iconic puzzle-presenter's farewell.

A Glimmer of Hope: Consistent Airing and No Preemptions

While the delay is certainly a letdown, there is a silver lining for Wheel of Fortune enthusiasts. When the show does premiere in the new year, it will likely air weekly on Monday nights on ABC and is expected to have no preemptions or schedule changes, providing a more consistent viewing experience for fans.

The Trailer's Tantalizing Tease

In the weeks leading up to the expected October 14 premiere, Wheel of Fortune fans were already getting excited about the new season. The show's social media channels had been actively promoting the upcoming season, including the release of a full trailer that showcased Sajak and his longtime counterpart, Vanna White, reunited on the revamped Wheel of Fortune set.

A Star-Studded Lineup for Charity

The trailer promised big names, big laughs, and big wins for charity, with a lineup of celebrity guests that includes Rainn Wilson, Ellie Kemper, and Oscar Nuñez of The Office, Josh Gad, Justin Long, and Rachael Harris of New Girl, as well as Sam Richardson, Randall Park, and Matt Walsh of Veep. Additionally, the special will feature Tiffany Haddish and Regina Hall of Girls Trip, along with Joe Manganiello, Katharine McPhee, Andrew Rannells, Pete Holmes, and Cameron Brink.

A Bittersweet Farewell for Pat Sajak

While the delay is undoubtedly a disappointment for Wheel of Fortune fans, it also marks a bittersweet moment for Pat Sajak, who has been the face of the iconic game show for decades. As he prepares to step away from the franchise, viewers will have to wait a little longer to witness his final spin and the celebration of his remarkable career.