Sajak left the network version in January 1989 to host his own late-night talk show, while remaining as host of the nighttime Wheel. Woolery left in 1981, and was replaced by Sajak. The network version was originally hosted by Chuck Woolery and Susan Stafford. The original version of Wheel was a daytime series on NBC from January 6, 1975, to June 30, 1989, then on CBSįrom July 17, 1989, to January 11, 1991, and again on NBC from Januaryġ4, 1991, until it was cancelled on September 20, 1991, therebyĬo-existing with the nighttime version from 1983 to 1991. It stars Pat Sajak and Vanna White as host and co-host. The current version of the series, which airs in nightly syndication, premiered on September 19, 1983. To win cash and prizes determined by spinning a giant carnival wheel. The show features a competition in which contestants solve word puzzles, similar to those used in hangman, Wheel of Fortune (often known simply as Wheel) is an American television game show created by Merv Griffin that debuted in 1975.

Wheel of fortune in 2002