See photos from every decade of Wheel of Fortune's 50-year run

When Wheel of Fortune The game show premiered on January 6, 1975 and looked very different than it does today. While Pat Sajak and Vanna White would ultimately define the show in most viewers’ memories as much as the titular wheel, it would be years before either co-host signed on. Instead, Wheel of Fortune launched as a daytime series on NBC with co-hosts Chuck Woolery and Susan Stafford at the helm.

Over the past five decades, the show changed channels several times, but also aired in syndication, aired both daytime and evening, and received several Daytime Emmys, including three for Sajak. As the longest-running syndicated game show in the United States, it has definitely stood the test of time and become a television institution.

On the show’s 50th anniversary, take a trip down memory lane to see how it’s done Wheel of FortuneThe look and feel of its hosts has evolved since 1975.

1970s

Susan Stafford and Chuck Woolery in 1975.

Courtesy of Everett

Wheel of Fortune Creator Merv Griffin has tapped actor, musician and game show host Chuck Woolery to host Wheel of Fortuneis the earliest incarnation alongside model and actress Susan Stafford. Woolery left the show in 1981 and was replaced by Pat Sajak. The following year, Stafford followed suit and Vanna White took her place.

1980s

Pat Sajak and Vanna White in the 1980s.

Herb Ball/NBCU Photo Bank

The initial host was the dream team Pat Sajak and Vanna White Wheel of Fortune together in 1982 and became the undisputed faces of the show over the next four decades.

1990s

Pat Sajak and Vanna White in the 1990s.

Ron Tom/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty

The look of the show has definitely moved with the times. White, in particular, brought a distinctive, breathtaking glamor to her role as co-host in the late ’80s and ’90s.

2000s

Vanna White and Pat Sajak in 2006.

Maury Phillips/WireImage

White and Sajak remained strong Wheel of Fortunein the 2000s. Of course, White’s look matured into something more elegant and modern as the era of big hair and flashy dresses receded.

2010s

Vanna White and Pat Sajak in 2017.

Gerardo Mora/Getty Images

In 2017, White and Sajak celebrated the 35th anniversary of their collaboration as co-hosts of the show with a special taping at Walt Disney World’s Epcot Center in Orlando.

2020s

Vanna White and Ryan Seacrest.

Eric McCandless/Sony Pictures Television

With Sajak’s departure from the flagship series in June 2024 Wheel of Fortune entered a new era when Ryan Seacrest joined White as his new co-host in September of that year. Meanwhile, Sajak didn’t stay away from the wheel for long. In July, the veteran anchor announced he would be returning as host of ABC Celebrity Wheel of Fortunewhich premiered in October.

Breaking News

Dellupodisabato

See photos from every decade of Wheel of Fortune’s 50-year run