or


[01/26/04 - 12:00 AM]
ABC Revives 'Millionaire' for February Sweeps
By Brian Ford Sullivan (TFC)

CHICAGO (thefutoncritic.com) -- ABC is resurrecting its once white-hot "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" franchise for February sweeps, as the network announced over the weekend a special week-long event entitled "Super Millionaire."

"Super Millionaire" will kick off on Sunday, February 22 at 9:00/8:00c with subsequent installments on Monday, February 23; Tuesday, February 24; Thursday, February 26; and Friday, February 27 (all at 10:00/9:00c). Here's how ABC describes the event (via press release):

As with the original, primetime version, contestants from across the country will attempt to navigate 15 multiple-choice questions for cash, but this time the stakes are higher�much higher. The dollar value of the easiest question starts at $1,000, and quickly escalates from there, with the final question worth $10,000,000. In addition to the 3 lifelines so familiar to millions of Americans, "Super Millionaire" will add new lifelines at a certain level of the game. At that point, the game will "morph" into a new dimension, and the stakes and tension will be at levels never seen before on network television. Regis Philbin will host and Michael Davies will executive produce. Celador, the UK company which created "Who Wants to be a Millionaire," has overseen the development of the new format. Paul Smith, managing director of Celador Productions, will continue to executive produce alongside Mr. Davies, for Diplomatic Television.

"For months, we have been carefully monitoring the environment to determine if the time is right for a new, totally amped up version of Millionaire � broadcast in its original, event-like form," ABC topper Lloyd Braun said in the release. "We think this is the time."

Executive producer Michael Davies added, "Celador's Millionaire is perhaps the greatest game show format ever devised - a global phenomenon, beloved by its fans, it has been an enormous hit all over the world. In the US, Regis Philbin made this the most successful prime time game show of all time, and now, Meredith Vieira hosts a fantastically successful, five day a week version of the game. With its new lifelines, music, graphics and zeros, "Super Millionaire" will take the format to a whole new level. We are currently gearing up for the tremendous demand we expect from regular Americans wanting their chance at the $10 million top prize. And Regis is back - let's call this installment, The Return Of The King."





  [january 2004]  
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
    


· WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE (ABC)





[02/22/25 - 08:09 AM]
"Portobello," from Marco Bellocchio, Debuts on Max in 2026
Max has announced its first Italian scripted original production.

[02/21/25 - 02:45 PM]
4 Nations Face-Off: Canada-USA Championship Game Delivers 9.3 Million Viewers; ESPN's Largest Hockey Audience Ever
The telecast peaked with 10.4 million viewers and was the most-viewed non-NFL event ever on ESPN+.

[02/21/25 - 11:22 AM]
New Vice Series "The Grudge" Premieres on March 26
Taking viewers inside sports' fiercest rivalries, where every game is more than a contest - it's a battle for pride, redemption, and legacy.

[02/21/25 - 10:15 AM]
"High Potential" Finishes Spectacular First Season Hitting Series Highs
In addition, "High Potential" achieved a remarkable benchmark for the finale episode, earning a series high on streaming and becoming ABC's best drama episode ever, based on seven-day views on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+.

[02/21/25 - 10:00 AM]
FOX's "The Quiz with Balls" Hosted by Jay Pharoah Rolls Into Season Two with Renewal of Hit Game Show
The popular game show pits brains against balls, combining a high stakes quiz show and a large-scale physical competition with each episode featuring two families competing for $100,000 in an epic "battle of the balls."

[02/21/25 - 09:01 AM]
Video: "CHAOS: The Manson Murders" - Official Trailer - Netflix
Directed by Errol Morris, the film untangles a web of conspiracy involving the CIA, LSD, Jack Ruby, the Manson Family, and Vincent Bugliosi, casting doubt on the official story of the 1960s' most infamous killing spree.

[02/21/25 - 08:00 AM]
"The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim" Begins Streaming Exclusively on Max February 28
Set 183 years before the events chronicled in the original trilogy of films, "The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim" tells the fate of the House of Helm Hammerhand, the legendary King of Rohan.

[02/21/25 - 12:01 AM]
Video: Netflix Unveils the Premiere Date and First Look of Dome Karukoski's "Little Siberia"
A pastor's faith turns upside down when a meteorite lands in his small Finnish town, its impact stirring up chaos and criminal intentions.

[02/20/25 - 04:01 PM]
Video: "When Life Gives You Tangerines" - Official Trailer - Netflix
In Jeju, a spirited girl and a steadfast boy's island story blossoms into a lifelong tale of setbacks and triumphs - proving love endures across time.

[02/20/25 - 04:01 PM]
Fremantle Announces "Neighbours" Will Be Resting from December 2025
"As this chapter closes, we appreciate and thank Amazon MGM Studios for all that they have done for 'Neighbours' - bringing this iconic and much-loved series to new audiences globally," said Jason Herbison.

[02/20/25 - 04:01 PM]
ESPN Statement on Decision to Opt Out of Major League Baseball Deal
"We are grateful for our longstanding relationship with Major League Baseball and proud of how ESPN's coverage super-serves fans," said the company.

[02/20/25 - 01:22 PM]
Lifetime Announces Two New Original Movies for This Spring
Look for "Taken at a Basketball Game," starring D.B. Woodside and Claire Qute, on March 15; followed by "Wife Stalker," starring Keshia Knight Pulliam, on March 29.

[02/20/25 - 01:01 PM]
Leighton Meester to Guest Star in "Nobody Wants This" Season 2
She'll be playing Kristen Bell's middle school nemesis who Joanne crosses paths with as an adult.

[02/20/25 - 12:30 PM]
Hulu Renews Hit Drama Series "Paradise," from Dan Fogelman and Starring Sterling K. Brown, for a Second Season
Following the season one finale on Hulu on March 4, "Paradise" will air a full first season run on ABC beginning Monday, April 7 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

[02/20/25 - 12:00 PM]
Feature Documentary on Popular Dutch Actor Rutger Hauer "Like Tears in Rain" Makes Exclusive US Debut Thursday, March 13, 2025 on Viaplay
Through private, never-before-seen footage and candid interviews with family, friends and colleagues, his goddaughter Sanna Fabery de Jonge uncovers his intimate world in the revealing, acclaimed documentary.