When the show returned from a commercial break for the bonus round, Sajak was still absent, and Jim Thornton continued to host. Although Sarah couldn’t solve the bonus puzzle, she won an additional $40,000 and had the opportunity to meet Jim. Sajak reappeared briefly during the credits at the end of the episode and jokingly asked Vanna if he had missed anything.
The details surrounding Pat Sajak’s absence on that particular episode remain undisclosed. Some viewers speculated that it could have been an opportunity for Jim Thornton to showcase his hosting abilities as a potential replacement for Sajak in the future. With Sajak’s possible departure at the end of Season 40, Jim Thornton may have more opportunities to host episodes of “Wheel of Fortune.”
As of now, the show continues to air on weeknights at 7:30 p.m. on ABC, and fans eagerly await further updates regarding the future of the beloved game show and its hosts.