With Pat Sajak Retiring, Is This The End Of Legendary Game Show Hosts?

Pat Sajak can finally give his hand a rest as the iconic game show host won't be spinning the wheel anymore after officially stepping away from his hosting duties on Wheel of Fortune for 41 years. 

An emotional Sajak spent the last few minutes of last night's finale thanking viewers while also talking about the unique relationship that the show had with viewers across the globe.

"I've always felt that the privilege came with the responsibility to keep this daily half hour a safe place for family fun. No social issues, no politics, nothing embarrassing, I hope-just a game. But gradually it became more than that - a place where kids learned their letters, where people from other countries honed their English skills, where families came together along with friends and neighbors and entire generations. What an honor to play even a small part in all of that - thank you for allowing me into your lives," Sajak ended last night's show.

SAJAK HOSTED LONGER THAN BOB BARKER AND ALEX TREBEK

Yet, for many viewers, Sajak's departure hit a bit harder as it truly showcased an end of an era, as Sajak was the last long-time iconic game show host to not only still be on the air - but also still be alive and with us for 41-years.

Generations of families grew up watching not only Pat Sajak, but also fellow legends like Bob Barker on The Price is Right, Alex Trebek on Jeopardy - heck, you can even include Regis Philbin and his storied career that included the launch of the immensely popular Who Wants to be a Millionaire? They became a part of people's daily lives.

I can distinctly remember watching Jeopardy into Wheel of Fortune at the dinner table for literally 15+ years of my life because my parents always had it on. Even though at times I wanted to watch anything else, I learned to appreciate that one hour of the classic back-to-back shows as almost a routine and therapeutic ending to my day. 

As he battled Pancreatic cancer during his last remaining months on Jeopardy, the always professional and straightforward Trebek actually got emotional when a contestant wrote "We Love You, Alex" as his Final Jeopardy answer. The clip immediately went viral and summed up perfectly just how much some of these shows - and their hosts meant to people.

I can't think of one modern day television personality that would bring this type of reaction. 

WILL MODERN DAY HOSTS MATTER AS MUCH AS THE LEGENDS?

Beginning next season, Ryan Seacrest will begin the difficult task of following in Pat Sajak's footsteps as part of a multiyear deal hosting Wheel of Fortune. He'll probably do a solid job, just like Drew Carey has after replacing Bob Barker, and Ken Jennings for Trebek on Jeopardy.

But it won't be the same, because things aren't the same and the importance of these classic shows will never reach what they once were - especially as future generations continue to move away from traditional television. Times have changed; technology, cell phones, and social media have turned society into a bunch of anxious, compulsive, high-strung, unfocused sheep that go through the motions of life without connecting to anyone or anything anymore - especially when it comes to entertainment.

I'm sure many of you reading this can relate with me when I say that one of my favorite childhood memories was school being canceled because of snow, or staying home if I was sick. Why's that? Because that meant watching The Price is Right at 11am Eastern. I look at my nieces and nephews now and they have zero idea what the show is and would much rather just go on their iPads. 

It's precisely this reason why we are seeing the end of the game show host era and that personal relationship that generations of viewers felt as they watched on a daily basis. Sajak hosting for 41-years is the equivalent of Cal Ripken Jr.'s consecutive game streak - and just like Ripken's accomplishment, Sajak's four decades will most likely not be broken any time soon. If ever.