‘Wheel Of Fortune’ Fans Outraged Host Pat Sajak’s 40th Anniversary Wasn’t Celebrated

“Wheel of Fortune” viewers were left outraged following the Tuesday night episode when the game show failed to recognize host Pat Sajak’s 40th anniversary.

On Tuesday, Sajak took to Twitter to celebrate the 40th anniversary since he made his debut hosting the game show. In the tweet, he reflected on Dec. 28 1981, and the pop culture at the time.

“When I started hosting ‘Wheel’ (with Susan Stafford) on this date 40 years ago, the top 10 TV shows included ‘Dallas,’ ‘Three’s Company,’ ‘The Jeffersons,’ and ‘The Dukes of Hazzard.’ Ronald Reagan was in his 1st year as president. Number 1 song: Olivia Newton-John’s ‘Physical,’” the message read.

Sajak was also celebrated by his daughter Maggie, who tweeted about the special day. “Happy 40th Wheel-iversary to this guy! On this day in 1981, @patsajak hosted his very first episode of @WheelofFortune…and the rest is history!” she wrote.

However, when “Wheel of Fortune” aired later that evening, there was no mention of Sajak’s anniversary. The lack of celebration left viewers, who come to admire the host, furious that he wasn’t recognized for his contributions to the game show.

Several fans took to Twitter to voice their frustration over the anniversary snub. “Happy 40th Wheel-aversary! And Shame on Wheel of Fortune for not dropping balloons, serving cake and a tribute!” one person wrote.

Another person suggested Sajak’s anniversary wasn’t celebrated because the shows are filmed in advance.

“People thinking they snubbed Pat’s 40th anniversary on the episode… those episodes are recorded well ahead of time, and they film 6 episodes in one day. All in all, Pat only films 4 days a month for an entire season. It’s not current events #wheeloffortune,” the individual wrote.

Throughout his time as host on “Wheel of Fortune,” Sajak has earned multiple Daytime Emmy Award nominations and received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011 at the Daytime Emmys.