Whoopi Goldberg Wants to Host ‘Wheel of Fortune’ & Ken Jennings Chimes In
Whoopi Goldberg has thrown her hat into the ring for the new host of Wheel of Fortune following Pat Sajak‘s upcoming retirement.
Sajak made the announcement on Monday, June 12, revealing that he’ll be retiring at the end of the upcoming 41st season. This means the search for a new host is on, with names like Ryan Seacrest and Maggie Sajak (Pat’s daughter) already floating around as potential successors.
Goldberg made her intentions clear on Tuesday’s (June 13) episode of The View, when Jeopardy! host Ken Jennings joined the panel to share his thoughts on the Wheel of Fortune situation.
“Another legendary game show host, Pat Sajak, just announced that he’s going to be retiring from Wheel of Fortune at the end of next season. What’s your reaction to the news, and any ideas on who should replace him?” Alyssa Farah Griffin asked Jennings.
“Well, Pat’s a legend. Over 40 years and the price of a vowel has not gone up one penny. No one controls inflation like Pat Sajak,” the Jeopardy! G.O.A.T. joked.
“But that’s an interesting question,” he continued. “Jeopardy had its own succession crisis. Hopefully, Wheel has got an envelope somewhere that says, ‘What to do when Pat packs it in.'”
While Jennings was answering, Goldberg could be heard in the background saying, “I want the job.”
“Whoopi wants that job,” Joy Behar told Jennings, with Goldberg herself confirming, saying, “I want that job. I think it would be lots of fun.”
Jennings seemed on board with the idea, quipping, “Well, there you go, we figured it out.”
Behar then took things a step further, suggesting, “Sara [Haines] and I could be Vanna White. We’ll take turns walking back and forth and pointing to the letters.”
As Jennings mentioned, he is familiar with the struggles of an iconic game show looking for a new host. Following the death of legendary host Alex Trebek in 2020, Jeopardy! went on a long journey to find his replacement. The 2020-2021 Jeopardy! season saw a rotating line-up of guest hosts, with the show’s producer Mike Richards (who also exec-produced Wheel) eventually landing the gig.
However, Richards was dropped after one week when sexist comments he’d made on a 2013 podcast came to light. He was also fired as executive producer of both Jeopardy! and Wheel.
Ultimately, Jennings and The Big Bang Theory‘s Mayim Bialik were announced as permanent Jeopardy! hosts in 2022.
The View, Weekdays, 11 am/10 c, ABC
Conversation141 Comments
Please read the TV Insider Community Guidelines.
Comments are closed on this story.
-
O
If you put Whoopi’s in for the host of Wheel of Fortune, that will be the end of that show.
194 13
-
O
Ending the show would be bad! Sorry but, “NO WHOOPI!!”
19 4
-
-
P
Whoopi? Really? She going to bring all of her political baggage and raceism with her? We need someone pleasant, not controversial to succeed a great show after decades with an iconic host.
163 15
-
O
Amen to that!!
4 2
-
O
Are you insinuating that Whoppi Goldberg is racist???? I don't see that in her. While sadly we have far too many racists people in every culture, Whoppi is thankfully NOT of them.
1
-
-
R
I'll never watch the show again if they put Goldberg as the host. Let Pat's daughter take over or someone just as good. Been watching this show for ever.
154 11
-
O
👍👍👍👍
1 4
-
B
Racism alive and obvious
☹️☹️☹️🌇🌇
3 7
-
O
another idiot republican racist
4 5
-
-
R
I wouldn"t watch it any more.
135 9
-
R
Gee, haven't seen anything they said good about Whoopi yet. What does that have to say about her. Still can't understand why she is still on TV anyway.
113 8
-
G
Why are u all so hateful that’s is why our country is falling flat u are the most hateful people in the world we Americans u all make me sick
2 16
-
P
If anyone tries to fire her, she would file a discrimination suit saying it's because she's black.
1
-
-
C
I would stop watching immediately!
101 9
-
O
Well, half of America dislikes(to put it mildly) Whoopi. What would that do for ratings?
105 13
-
O
Does the half of America you mentioned watch now?
3 1
-
P
The show will go off the air for lack of viewership.
89 7
-
P
Half of America does not hate Whoopi
3 2
-
-
O
If that were to happen, that would be the WOF version of the Bud Lite fiasco....only worse.
102 13
-
P
I only drink beers approved by muh leaders! Unlike those liberal sheep who drink Bud Lite.
3 6
-
G
T for twit?
6 3
-
-
-
P
Hire her and you lose me and many others as viewers.
97 9
-
B
She would ruin the show
74 5
-
O
They'd have to get a really wide angle camera.
5 4
-
G
I thought they decided against you already !
4
-
-
-
G
If Whoopie gets the job. I’ll won’t be watching.
77 9
-
O
she would make it into Wheel of disgrace
63 4
-
R
Been watching Jeopardy for 30 years.
If Whoopi becomes the shows host, I will stop watching
56 8
-
G
Good thing it is to host Wheel of Fortune then!
10 2
-
R
Wrong show is mentioned, yet 15 likes.
5
-
-
O
Absolutely NO.
53 5
-
G
Where’s the Joy ?
7
-
-
C
I would never watch again if anyone from the View would even interview for the host job and I love WoF. Don’t know anyone who would watch again. Hopefully the producers are smarter than that.
45 5
-
O
Goldberg should be banned from all television shows. Her political viewpoints and nasty demeanor are anethema to most Americans
25 3
-
O
I TOTALLY AGREE!! Not really a fan of hers, (well except for a few movies she was in)
3
-
-
G
If Vanna stays, it will be beauty and the beast.
26 4
-
O
Even half the liberals hate her. That would be one way to guarantee the end of WOF.
23 3
-
P
NO! We don't want that idiot whoopi. Viewership will plummet and it will ruin a perfect show.
17 1
-
R
I would never watch a second with that racist as the host
16 1
-
C
Whoopie is an antisemite and a leftist. Appointing her to this position would assure that half of America wouldn't watch ...
14 1
-
G
I AGREE WITH EVERYONE TOO. I HAVE BEEN WATCHING FOR MANY YEARS AND I WON'T HESITATE A MINUTE TURNING HER OFF LIKE I DO FOR ALL HER SHOWS!!!
14 3
-
O
I would never watch again. World class pot stirrer and trouble maker. ...
12 2
-
R
I will never watch it again if Whoopi get that position.
12 3
-
G
I like either Ryan Seacrest or Pat's daughter, they both would be fun
9
-
R
"week" -? - thanks for volunteering. 🙂
10 1
-
O
Let Vanna host and let Maggie turn the letters! When Pat was out sick, Vanna did a great job!
10 2
-
P
I'd never watch it if whoopie was host
9 1
-
O
I can’t stand Whoopi! I hope they have the good sense not to consider anyone from the View! Especially, Whoopi!
10 2
-
O
My husband and I will never watch it if Whoopy becomes the host. She is a hatefully person!
10 2
-
P
Yeah that's what America needs, diversity.. A fat, black, beauty challenged,retarded liberal to host. I'm all for it!!
11 4
-
K
I am an African American woman and I am strongly against Whoopie Goldberg hosting this show. This show is the one thing on tv that is a vessel of PEACE ! For decades this show has been a symbol of neutrality and because of it's benign nature, it has been chosen to be aired in environments of high stress, ie hospital waiting rooms, nursing homes etc. Unlike Jerry Springer "reality shows," or soap operas or even drama filled news stories. This show is PEACEFUL and NEUTRAL ! "Whoopie Goldberg's" very NAME is offensive to most people but especially offensive to black people. She has decided to go from a controversial comedian, to actress to a far left wing activist. Jennings has kept the neutral peaceful tradition of the show, and I pray HE continues! Let Whoopie stay in "The View FROM THE SEPTIC TANK" where she belongs! After all, her NAME IS "WHOOPIE cushion," isn't it?!
7 1
-
O
No, no, no! Whoopie Goldberg would NOT be a good fit, AT SLL!
7 1
-
C
I’ve watched for years. With her in there I never will again!
5
-
O
Absolutely not that would be the end of that show not that I'm racist cuz I am a black woman myself but whoopie no no absolutely no
6 1
-
R
I beg they say NO.
7 2
-
B
No way on Whoopi…you’ll lose a lot of faithful watchers..A big NO to Whoopi!!!
7 2
-
G
Oh hell no!!!!!!!
6 1
-
O
and another idiot
6 2
-
O
Absolutely Not! I wouldn't watch it anymore either! Don't do it if you want to save the show.
7 3
-
O
Same … would never even think of watching it again. She sucks .
7 3
-
G
Please don't do thatPlease don't do that. Please don't
4
-
G
NO Whoopi!!!! She is too racist!
5 1
-
B
Wanna see TWOF go off the air? Make Whoopi the host
5 1
-
O
If Whoopi’s gets t I’ll never watch it again
5 1
-
C
We need entirely new faces on both game shows …
4
-
G
Please no anyone but her
6 2
-
P
I would watch if Maggie Sajak took over, but I would never watch if Whoopi Goldberg or Ryan Seacrest took over. She's a bully. If you don't agree with her, she'll bully you, and as far as Ryan Seacrest, he is on so many shows already. I just don't like him.
3
-
G
I would stop watching ….
3
-
L
Oh hell no!!! I’ll never watch my favorite show again if she’s on it! She’s too divisive, she’s crude and ignorant. Please no. We watch jeopardy EVERY night and have forever, don’t even know how long. Since almost the beginning.
3
-
P
Ummm ... I think it's Wheel of Fortune that's being discussed
2
-
-
C
VANNA WHITE ....
4 1
-
R
Somehow Whoopi would still get triggered and have a meltdown...
4 1
-
C
Please, NO!! She would be terrible and ruin the show. I bet there would be a lot of people stopped watching! Pat's daughter would be a great pick!
3 1
-
R
I would never watch Wheel with Whoopi hosting.
4 2
-
G
Ngl sister act was a w
1
-
O
Frankly I'm glad the current host of WofF is finally leaving. Having been a witness of how much of a snob, celf centered. Egomaniac and down right mean person Sajack is, I'm glad to know we soon will see the back of this person. If you don't believe me, do two things, 1. Look at his behavior in the past year, and 2. Ask anyone working for a hotel that has said No to him and they will back up what I'm telling you. Once he's gone I look forward to watching W of F.
1
-
O
Don't think they would replace Pat with the dumbest and ugliest human on earth.
1
-
O
I no longer like her as I believe she spews hate. I refuse to watch the View because of that hate. My wife and I play Wheel every night against each other. If hate lady hosts, we will pass.
1
-
O
She is probably the most hated female on television. I won’t watch anything she’s on.
1
-
R
Absolutely NO to Woopie Goldberg! She and Joy Behar are the reason I quit watching the View years ago! BOTH are too racial and controversial, ALTHOUGH, THEY WOULD NEVER ADMIT IT!!! Let Pat's daughter host!
1
-
C
No body that is racist like she is should be doing it.
1
-
C
Very bad idea, she has the personality of zombie! I love the show , but would stop watching if she were to host! Please don’t make that mistake!!
1
-
O
RIP Wheel of Fortune if she becomes host!!!
1
-
B
Whoopie is the reason I quit the View yrs. ago. I don't want to quit watching Wheel as well should you give her Pat S's job. Whoopie is too illiterate/ignorant for any word game! I have cringed at her butchering of the English language in the past.
1
-
O
Whopping has a host,
No way in Hell!
1
-
P
I would quit watching if Whoopi is selected, and I am an avid watcher! She grosses me out!
1
-
G
I watch wheel every night without fail. Put Whoopi at the helm and I will never watch again. That's a promise.
2 1
-
B
Whopper Goldberg is trash.
2 1
-
R
If she becomes host, I’ll stop watching it. She is anabomination
2 1
-
R
Whoopi should not I will not watch it she needs to 🛑 and leave the country like she once said
2 1
-
O
I would like to see Tom Bergeron as host. He would be perfect.
1
-
P
Joy Beyhar turning letters? I just threw up in my mouth.🤮
2 1
-
G
If Whoopie get my whole family will ne er watch
2 1
-
R
No. I will stop watching. She can be trouble. !!! Don’t like her attitude.
-
O
We need someone fun like Jeff Foxworthy in there!
-
G
No not Whoopi. I will never watch the show again. Not a good choice.
-
P
Kevin James he’d be funny and brighten up that show
-
O
Not Whoopi’s. Too controversial. Political nonsense and all that
-
G
I say Tom Bergeron.
-
O
If that liberal, anti American witch is made host, I will never watch WoF again!!!
-
P
I will stop watching “Wheel” is Whoopi G. Is the host!!!!!!
No way!
-
P
NO ONE in their right mind would want to listen to her mouth. How the view continues is beyond me.
-
O
No way. Would never watch again
-
B
anyone but that divisive hag!
-
G
I hope it's not her, she is awful
-
R
If whoopie gets the job, I'll never watch it again!
-
G
She’s not smart enough to host Jeopardy and she is too caustic to host Wheel of Fortune. How about a remake of the Gong Show and give her the hook on dayn1?
-
G
I think that would be disasterous.
-
G
If whoopi host I'll stop watching.
-
O
Woopi should not host on any show
Anywhere in the u.s.
-
O
Give us Seacrest. The nepo baby would just be embarrassing.
-
O
I will stop watching if she hosts the show…She would be the worst person to even think of her doing the show…
-
B
I will never watch the show again if she is the host. She is a hateful nasty person
-
O
She does, and I will be changing channels. I think the “ Wheel “ people are smarter than that. No to Joy as well!
-
R
Whoopi? No way!! Wayne Brady would be perfect.
-
G
If Goldberg gets in I’m done with the wheel
-
R
She is afraid to fly, how is she going to handle that, they fly to a lot of cities and foreign destinations
-
P
if she hosts i won't be watching anymore
-
O
Maggie definitely
-
R
I will never watch again if y'all pick Whoopi!!!!!
-
G
I won't be watching The Wheel anymore, if Whoopi or Joy from the View are on it....!!!
-
O
I don't think they should put in a host that is past retirement age Vanna and Whoppi are both in their late 60's . Give Maggie her father's job
1 1
-
G
NO Whoopie, would never watch the show. Ryan Seacrest would be good, but definitely not her. 😝👎
1 1
-
P
I love Wheel of Fortune but would never watch again if Whoopi hosted.
1 1
-
P
I can't stand her. I would never watch wheel again. I never miss it now. I can't believe the view is still on TV. They all suck. And their (who cares what they think) opinions.
1 1
-
C
Hell No, I would stop watching.
1 1
-
O
I have watched for 40 years but will quit watching if she becomes the host.
1 1
-
C
I would NEVER watch the Wheel of Fortune again! Of course, that won’t e the end of the show! She is a racist and her political views would take precedence!! BIG NO!!
1 1
-
P
If she is in, I am out!!
1 1
-
B
Absolutely not Whoopi!
-
G
I think she would be horrible. She’s to outspoken and opinionated. I’ve always liked her (especially in the movie Ghost) but she isn’t funny anymore. She seems to take everything personal and wears a large chip.
1
-
R
LaVar Burton
1
-
P
Whoopi would be awesome.
Pat and Vanna have been washed up for about 30 years!
3 4
-
O
Jennings is a rabid never Trumper but to his credit he leaves this baggage at home and does an outstanding job hosting Jeopardy. Whoopi has demonstrated she would not be capable of that. I don't care for the likes of Ryan Seacrest being Pat's successor either. Nor do I care for Maggie succeeding her father either. I think comedian Steven Wright would be the perfect host.
1
-
C
Goldberg is a comedic legend. I think she'll bring both humor and diversity to the show.
3 5
-
G
I think Whoopi has a lot of humor.
I am not biased against anyone.
Someone with humor would be wonderful
-
-
O
I like the idea about Whoopi taking over the show..the show needs a funny person..and it will get rid of a lot of idiot conservatives...
1 4
-
O
I’m a fan of Whoopi, I think it would work very well. She very knowledgeable and it would be a different side of Whoopi you may not know about.
For me I would watch it more. My only vote is for Whoopi thank you Whoopi for soda king up.
5 11
-
C
I would watch it I love Whoopi 🙂 I think it would be interesting to see give
2 8
-
P
Jimmie falon I think would be good.
4 10
-
G
Another leftist - no thanks
-