The hosts of two of the longest-running game shows on television — “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy” — aren’t going anywhere, TheWrap has learned.
Sony Pictures Television announced Tuesday that Alex Trebek, Pat Sajak and Vanna White have all had their contracts renewed for two more seasons, extending them through at least the 2019-2020 TV year.
“Pat, Vanna and Alex are beloved by generations of TV viewers, and the enduring popularity of ‘Wheel of Fortune’ and ‘Jeopardy’ is a testament to their incredible talents,” Harry Friedman, executive producer of both shows, said in a press release. “All of us at ‘Wheel of Fortune,’ ‘Jeopardy,’ and Sony Pictures Television are thrilled that they will continue through the 2019/20 season.”
According to Sony, “Jeopardy” is the top-rated quiz show on television, reaching around 23 million viewers per week. “Wheel of Fortune” brings in around 27 million weekly viewers, according to Nielsen. Each show has won multiple Emmy awards, with “Jeopardy” hitting the unique distinction of being the TV game show with the most wins, according to the Guinness World Records.
“Jeopardy” is currently in its 33rd season on the air, while “Wheel of Fortune” is in its 34th. Both were created by legendary TV show mogul Merv Griffin.
It’s a testament to the shows’ power also that neither have shaken up the format too much throughout their decades-long histories.
While neither Sajak, White or Trebek are the original hosts, all three have been with their respective shows since the 1980s.