Deadline reported that ABC has renewed the show for fresh episodes after Pat intimated that he may leave after season 40.
Wheel of Fortune was renewed for “five years through the 2027-2028 season,” the site reported. In early January, the show announced its historic 45th season.
Pat and Vanna's comments about leaving the show in the future upset fans, even if they haven't confirmed the joyful news.
We’re getting near the end,” Pat told Entertainment Tonight in September 2022. "It's long." No more for 40 years. Nearly over. That long in people's living rooms is an honor. We’re proud.”
Wheel of Fortune fans were worried after Pat's cryptic tweet on Vanna's 40th anniversary. “I hope you and Pat don’t retire soon. "I think if one or both of you retired that would be the end of the show," one fan remarked on Vanna's Instagram.
Pat says they trust the performance will go on when they leave the soundstage. “This show will not die,” he told ET. “I may leave before the show.”
Pat has mentioned leaving Wheel of Fortune before. He said something similar in October 2021.
“We’re certainly closer to the end than the beginning,” he told Entertainment Tonight. “I’d like to leave before people tune in and look at me and say, ‘Oh, what happened to him?’ It won't be here in 10 years."