Open Post: Hosted The Renewal Of “Jeopardy!” And “Wheel Of Fortune” For Five More Years
Mayim Bialik and Ken Jennings can keep vying for wittiest Jeopardy! host (verdict: sorry, it’s still the legend, Alex Trebek), and Pat Sajak gets to continue to curmudgeonly condescend to a fresh crop of contestants and bitch to a probably very tired Vanna White backstage until the producers’ wish of him retiring is finally granted–because ABC just held on to two of the very lucrative “feathers in their cap” by forking out even more money than they had to last time to secure a five-year renewal for both shows.
Deadline reports that ABC’s parent company, Disney, secured the bag Jeopardy! and Wheel brings in by emptying out their own bag a little bit more than they had to last time they re-upped the pricy pair of shows.
Deadline understands that it has renewed both shows, which are the two-most watched shows in syndication, for five years through the 2027-2028 season. This will take Wheel of Fortune through its 45th season and Jeopardy! through its 44th season.
It comes five years after its last big increase was announced, which saw ABC beat Fox to keep hold of both shows for the 2020-2021, 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 seasons after Fox came in with a rival bid.
Both have had a consistently loyal viewership of youngs and olds alike who don’t like to leave their house after 6 p.m. All involved in the transaction are excited to have nailed this Daily Double. Steve LoCascio, President of CBS Media Ventures, said this about the game shows staying on the air
“Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! are the crown jewels of syndication, drawing larger audiences than almost every prime-time broadcast show. This new deal is a testament to the power of these shows and the power of broadcast television. Viewers and advertisers alike love these shows, and we are excited that this deal continues the legacy of these brands for years to come.”
So sharpen those claws, Pat; you’ll have to get yourself fired to abandon this ship! Hobnobbing with Marjorie Taylor Greene is a great start!
Pics: YouTube/Adam Nemser/startraksphoto.com