Insiders Reveal Why ABC Postponed Celebrity Wheel of Fortune Air Date

Pat Sajak’s highly anticipated return is on hold. The fifth season of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune was pushed back for the second time, and ABC had a mishap with its Fall 2024 scheduling.

This decision could also cause trouble with Ryan Seacrest. In September, he took over as the new host of Wheel of Fortune. Seacrest hoped to break out on his own in the game show industry, but he’s expected to sit in Sajak’s shadow for a little longer.

Inside ABC’s Scheduling Mishap

Celebrity Wheel of Fortune Season 5 was initially slated for a Monday, October 14 premiere. Then, ABC pushed the premiere back to Friday, October 25, since it coincided with Monday Night Football. However, the new season won’t premiere until 2025.

The insiders told The U.S. Sun that the last-minute schedule change was an “ABC network decision and Sony TV.” Both Sajak and producers will have to sit tight until football season ends. They didn’t intend this to “look like a long goodbye.”

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Spells Trouble for Seacrest

The American Idol host took over Sajak after Season 42. He’s been fitting into his new role well. Despite retiring, Sajak hosted Celebrity Wheel of Fortune for the fifth season. The scheduling conflict could affect Seacrest’s new role as well.

“You have to feel for Ryan Seacrest because he’s willing to work in Pat’s shadow for longer than he expected he would have to when he signed up to take over ‘Wheel,'” the source told the publication.

Seacrest signed a two-year deal with Sony. If he chooses to host longer, he will become the new face of the WoF primetime specials and celebrity editions. Ratings for the original game show skyrocketed since Seacrest joined the show.

What do you think about this schedule change? Are you willing to wait for Sajak’s final episodes? Let us know in the comments section.