Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune are officially renewed for another five years. Alex Trebek, Pat Sajak, and Vanna White recently renewed their contracts with Sony TV, which led to CBS Television Distribution renewing the shows through 2023. If that wasn’t enough, the network also has an option of renewing for another three years at the end of the new contract, which means we could get up to eight more years of two of the most popular game shows in television history.
In addition to being some of themost popular game shows in TV history,JeopardyandWheel of Fortuneare also some of the longest running. Both shows were created by Merv Griffin, withJeopardypremiering in 1964 andWheel of Fortunein 1975. Steve Hackett, president of sales for CBS TV Distribution had this to say about the renewals.
“Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardyare two of thelongest-running shows on television- and for good reason. They consistently deliver entertaining, timeless programming that the whole family can enjoy together, creating whole new generations of fans. We’re excited they will continue to anchor stations' lineups, delivering eyeballs and ad dollars to our partners, for many years to come.”
Jeopardystarted out as aday-time quiz show, and was later moved into the evening slot starting in 1975. The first three versions of the show were hosted by Art Fleming, with Alex Trebek signing on in 1984 to take over the hosting duties of the syndicated version of the show. Trebek is currently 78 years old and will be 83 by the time his contract is up in 2023. Even with an option for three more years, Trebek may be ready to stop hosting the popular series. However, the host is still clearly enjoying his hosting job and still finds time to tease some of the contestants at times.
Wheel of Fortunealso got its start as daytime TV programming before moving to the evening slot in 1983, based on the popularity of the show. Chuck Woolery was the first host of the game show and kept the gig until 1981, which is when Pat Sajak took over. Vanna White has co-hosted the show with Sajak since 1983, and the two have hosted the syndicated version of the show ever since. Unlike the quiz game ofJeopardy,Wheel of Fortuneis based off of the game Hangman, using word puzzles.
TherenewalofJeopardyandWheel of Fortuneshould come as good news to the families and friends who compete with each other on a nightly basis. With that being said, technology has given some family members the upper hand, and has unfortunately led to some family cheating. However, everybody knows that the best ways to watch the shows is live, where cheating is nearly impossible. The renewal announcement comes to us fromThe Hollywood Reporter.
