ABC to Bring Back ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire’ for Brief Primetime Run, Jimmy Kimmel to Host
ABC is bringing back “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” for a special primetime run of episodes hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, featuring only celebrity guests, in honor of the game show’s 20th anniversary.
ABC head Karey Burke announced the news Wednesday at the Television Critics’ Associations Winter Press Tour.
The updated version of the game show will feature a few changes, including a new rule that celebrities playing the game can invite any guest to help them answer questions and win money for a charity of their choosing. ABC is also introducing a live, interactive app that allows viewers to compete from home for the same amount of money celebrities play for in the show. A lineup of celebrity players will be announced at a later date.
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“Millionaire” premieres April 8. The original series premiered in 2000 and ran until May 2019.
“Regis came to me in a dream, asked me to do this and promised my own line of neckties if I did. I had little choice but to say yes,” said Kimmel, host of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on ABC.
Original executive producer Michael Davies is returning to run the series.
“My professional career has been inextricably linked with Jimmy’s since the days of ‘Win Ben Stein’s Money,’ and he was one of the first-ever celebrity contestants on ‘Millionaire’ in its original run,” Davies said. “I can’t wait to work with him on this dynamic new version of the show that changed my life and the fortunes of so many who benefitted from and simply loved the game.”
“Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” will be executive produced by Davies, Kimmel and Mike Richards, former executive producer of “The Price Is Right” who will soon take over “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune” later this year. “Millionaire” is produced by Sony Pictures Television’s Embassy Row, Kimmelot and Valleycrest Productions Ltd.
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