Pat Sajak’s last “Wheel of Fortune” episode on June 7 attracted 11 million viewers, the most since April 2020. It was the most-watched TV show of the week, not counting sports, with a high rating of 6.2. All five of his final episodes were among the week’s top 15 shows.

Reruns of “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” on ABC also saw increased viewership as Sajak said goodbye. The June 7 rerun had 4.1 million viewers, making it the most-watched summer Friday broadcast in four years, excluding sports. For ABC, it was the best summer Friday show in seven years and the top show in its time slot in eight years.

Sajak ended his more than 40-year career as host and passed the role to Ryan Seacrest, who will co-host with Vanna White. Sajak’s farewell marked the end of a long and successful era for the show.

In his final message, Sajak thanked viewers for inviting him into their homes over the years. He said he aimed to keep the show fun and free from social issues or politics, making it a safe place for families to enjoy.

Sajak also mentioned that “Wheel of Fortune” became more than just a game show. It helped kids learn letters, aided non-native English speakers, and brought families and communities together. He expressed his gratitude for being part of viewers’ lives and said goodbye as Seacrest and White prepared to take over in the fall.