- A newspaper columnist dedicated his column to the harsh criticism of the game show Wheel of Fortune and its host Pat Sajak, who announced his resignation on Monday
- Drew Magary of the San Francisco Chronicle didn’t hold back, describing him as “an empty suit” and “that one real estate agent your wife didn’t like.”
- Magary hopes the producers will take the time to refresh the game show and choose a more exciting host
A columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle said, “Pat Sajak is an asshole” just days after he announced he was stepping down from the Wheel of Fortune game show after more than four decades at the helm.
Drew Magary angered the longtime ABC quiz host, describing him as “an empty suit,” “the one real estate agent your wife didn’t like,” and someone who “has all the warmth of a host at the Cheesecake Factory.”
Magary notes that Sajak’s time on the show appeared to have been more focused on celebrity interactions than genuine engagement with regular contestants.
He complains that as a viewer he found the show to be sluggish, with unnecessary segments featuring Sajak and his co-host Vanna White when the game was over, pointing out that only moments where the contestants made glaring mistakes did, caught his attention.
“Maybe that’s why I used to grimace every time I watched the 7:25 p.m. show, only to realize the game show portion was over and I was left with Sajak and co-host Vanna White saying their whole ‘I think , we’ve learned” played The Routine of Something Today as the final, unnecessary section.
“Maybe that’s why in my adulthood I only paid attention to the ‘wheel’ when a contestant screwed up.”
On Monday, Pat Sajak confirmed his plans to retire from the show after serving as a host for the popular televised game show for more than four decades. Drew Magary, pictured, told a San Francisco Chronicle columnist, “Pat Sajak is an asshole.” *’ Days after announcing he intends to step down from the Wheel of Fortune game show, Drew Magary speared the longtime host on the ABC quiz show, describing him as “an empty suit,” “that one real estate agent your wife didn’t like.” Taking to social media, a number of other users also seemed to agree that Sajak’s retirement wasn’t a huge loss. Alex Trebek announced that he was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer in March 2019 and was battling it. He passed away in November 2020
Magary says the show has often fallen short of its potential and believes it could be far better than it currently is — but he doesn’t think audiences have a similar fondness for Sajak as they do for Jeopardy’s Alex Trebeck, and points out points out that he only worked four days a month — the equivalent of 48 days a year — for a $15 million paycheck.
That means Sajak earns $312,500 for each day he works and $52,083 per episode, according to 2016 figures.
He likely earns more than that, having signed new deals in late 2021 that will allow him to host the show through the 2023-2024 season.
One of the reasons for Magary’s dislike is that their political views do not agree.
In 2014, Sajak tweeted the so-called “global warming alarmists,” calling them “unpatriotic racists.”
He also wrote a series of blog posts for a conservative website called Human Events.
One of the 2008 articles was headlined, ‘Against Obamacare?’ Then you must be a racist.’
Around the same time, Sajak described himself as a “conservative Republican who is pleased with the disorder on the Democratic side.”
Magary says he hopes Wheel can use Sajak’s departure to turn With Sajak into something more appealing than just an older people’s show.
Producers could seek a younger and more authentic presenter, update the categories and phrases to reflect the current times, conduct open auditions for presenters to generate interest, and give air to the puzzle segments rather than overwhelm them with unnecessary additions, argues he.
“It’s a chance to make Wheel of Fortune good television for the first time in decades,” he says.
“No one would ever put Trebek in the hearts of ‘Jeopardy!’ replace.” Fans. “By contrast, replacing Sajak in your heart will be just as emotionally draining as getting a new postman,” Magary suggests in one particularly scathing sentence.
“Both ‘Wheel’ and its viewers will only benefit now that Sajak is gone, having clenched his teeth as the chair of ‘Wheel’ for more than four decades.”
Sajak and White were pictured together at a 1995 television convention in Las Vegas. In 2011, Sajak received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Daytime Emmys for his work on the TV series. Pat Sajak on Monday confirmed his plans to retire as the host of The Wheel of Fortune, having held the position for more than four decades
Magary points out that many modern game shows lack the due consideration and care needed for such enduring appeal, often relying on former athletes-turned-hosts who struggle to explain the rules .
Wheel of Fortune, on the other hand, is simple and intuitive, making it accessible and fun. Without Sajak, Magary believes the show can regain its fun and community spirit.
But even with Sajak stepping down, he’ll remain associated with Wheel of Fortune as an advisor for three years, meaning he can certainly influence the direction of the show and maintain its current, outdated format.
“I bet Sajak wants it to look the same as it does now: silly, outdated and pointless.” Why do you think Ryan Seacrest is already being touted as a favorite for the job? Magary adds a slicing win.
Taking to social media, some other users also seemed to think that Sajak’s retirement wasn’t a huge loss.
“CBS gave him a late night show in 1989 and had him compete against Johnny Carson. Needless to say, it didn’t go well. “He has the personality of a dial tone,” Jackson Harris wrote.
“I always had a conspiracy theory that Pat secretly didn’t want people to win.” He always seemed a little okay with people going broke. “It was like they were winning his money,” Bill Mueller tweeted.
‘I Think It Would Be Fun’: Whoopi Goldberg is poised to take on the role of ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ host after 76-year-old Pat Sajak announced his retirement
Meanwhile, speculation continues as to who could replace Sajak.
Whoopi Goldberg admitted she wants to take on the role of presenter.
On Wednesday’s The View, the conversation turned to who would host Wheel Of Fortune as the judges welcomed Jeopardy! Guest presenter Ken Jennings.
Joy Behar revealed, “Whoopi wants the job,” to which the 67-year-old actress agreed, “I want that job.” I think it would be a lot of fun.
Whoopi is no stranger to game shows. She starred in the 1998 reboot of Hollywood Squares and also served as a producer on the show for its seven seasons.
While some viewers thought Whoopi would be great for the role, others weren’t convinced.
“Replace with Whoopi Goldberg! NOT Ryan Seacrest, he’s over the top. Vanna is too cute. “I need someone with wit and humor,” wrote one.
Another added: “@RyanSeacrest or Whoopi Goldberg for @WheelofFortune replacing @patsajak is a horrible idea. ‘Give it to John O’Hurley!’
A third viewer said, ‘If Whoopi Goldberg becomes the new host of Wheel Of Fortune I will never watch it again.’ Terrible seat.’
Meanwhile, Wheel of Fortune favorite Vanna White would be “very much considering” taking on the role of presenter.
A source close to White, 66, told DailyMail.com that the show’s co-host, who shoots letters, is more than up to the task.
“Vanna doesn’t want to leave ‘Wheel of Fortune’ even after Pat has announced his retirement, and she would definitely consider taking on his role as host on the show,” the insider revealed.
Mixed Response: While some viewers felt Whoopi would be great for the role, others weren’t convinced that Wheel of Fortune favorite Vanna White would “very much consider” the role of host to take over Pat Sajak
The source continued, “Next year is going to be quite a ride and Vanna wants to be a part of it even after he’s gone and she’s hoping she won’t be forced to come out.”
The TV personality has co-hosted the long-running game show with Sajak since 1982, and the insider stressed that the star has no desire to stop now.
“Vanna is in it for the long haul,” they added. “If she doesn’t take Pat’s job when it’s done, she would love to be part of the selection process for Pat’s replacement because, if she has her way, she’s going to be there forever.”
However, the TV star is prepared for the decision to take time, as the source added, “Vanna knows they will do the same thing they did with Alex Trebek and his successor and that they have a great time “If Vanna is away from Wheel in a year, it wasn’t her decision.”
On Monday, Sajak confirmed his plans to step down as Wheel of Fortune moderator after having held the position for more than four decades.
Suzanne Prete, executive vice president of game shows at Sony Pictures Television, issued a statement saying, “As the host of Wheel of Fortune, Pat has entertained millions of viewers across America for an amazing 40 years.”
“We are incredibly grateful and proud to have had Pat as host all these years and look forward to celebrating his outstanding career in the coming season.”
Prete said that Sajak “agreed to continue as a consultant for the show for three more years after he hosted last year,” adding, “We’re thrilled that he remains close to the Wheel of Fortune family !“
Sajak has hosted the evening edition of the show with White since 1983.