The Pat Sajak Show, which aired from January 1989 to April 1990, was CBS's first attempt at a late-night talk show since The Merv Griffin Show. Although it was short-lived, the show played a significant role in shaping CBS's approach to late-night programming, influencing future decisions and strategies.
CBS's Late-Night Ambitions
Before The Pat Sajak Show, CBS had struggled to establish a successful late-night talk show. The network's previous attempt, The Merv Griffin Show, ended
in 1972, leaving CBS without a strong presence in the late-night arena. The Pat Sajak Show was seen as a fresh opportunity to compete with NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
CBS invested heavily in the show, spending over $4 million on a new soundstage at its Television City studios and hiring a staff of more than 30. Pat Sajak, known for his role on Wheel of Fortune, was chosen as the host, bringing his popularity and charisma to the new venture. Despite these efforts, the show faced challenges in attracting viewers, with ratings generally half those of Carson's Tonight Show.
Challenges and Competition
The Pat Sajak Show launched in the same month as The Arsenio Hall Show, which quickly gained traction in syndication. This competition further impacted CBS's late-night ratings, leading to the show's cancellation on April 9, 1990. The final episode aired on April 13, 1990, with comedian Paul Rodríguez hosting in Sajak's place.
The show's format, initially 90 minutes, was reduced to 60 minutes in October 1989, as CBS executives believed the shorter format was more suitable for late-night television. Despite these adjustments, the show struggled to find its footing in a competitive landscape.
Legacy and Influence
The cancellation of The Pat Sajak Show led CBS to restore its CBS Late Night block of movies and reruns, which the show had replaced. It wasn't until the debut of the Late Show with David Letterman in 1993 that CBS found success in late-night programming.
The Pat Sajak Show's legacy includes its impact on CBS's strategy and the use of Studio 42 at CBS Television City, which later hosted numerous other talk shows. While the show itself was short-lived, it remains a notable chapter in CBS's late-night history, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in the television industry.
