Watch Who Wants to Be a Millionaire
- TV-PG
- 2020
- 2021 Seasons
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6.1 (2,534)
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire is a game show that originally aired on ABC from 1999 to 2002. The show features contestants who answer a series of multiple-choice questions in an attempt to win a grand prize of one million dollars. The show was hosted by Meredith Vieira from 2002 until 2013, with occasional appearances from other hosts such as Chris Harrison and Cedric the Entertainer during special episodes. Each episode begins with a contestant being selected from a pool of hopefuls, who then sit in the famous "hot seat" and begin answering questions. The questions start out relatively easy, with a prize amount attached to each correct answer. As the questions get harder, the prize amount increases, and the ultimate goal is to answer all 15 questions correctly in order to win the grand prize of one million dollars. Each question is presented on a large screen, with four possible answers displayed beneath it. The contestant is given a set amount of time to answer the question, and can opt to use one of three lifelines if they are unsure of the answer. The first lifeline is "50/50," which eliminates two of the wrong answers and leaves the contestant with a 50% chance of selecting the correct one. The second lifeline is "Phone-a-Friend," in which the contestant can call a pre-selected friend or family member for help with the question. The third and final lifeline is "Ask the Audience," in which the studio audience votes on which answer they think is correct, and the contestant can then choose to go with the majority vote or select a different answer. If the contestant successfully answers all 15 questions, they win the grand prize of one million dollars. However, if they answer a question incorrectly at any point, they will lose all of the money they have accumulated up to that point, with the exception of reaching certain milestones such as $1,000 or $32,000. Who Wants to Be a Millionaire became a cultural phenomenon when it first premiered on ABC in 1999. It quickly became one of the highest-rated shows on television, and its success led to numerous international adaptations and spin-off series. The show's format has remained largely unchanged over the years, with slight variations introduced in certain seasons. The show's success can be attributed to its unique premise, which offers ordinary people the chance to win a life-changing amount of money simply by answering trivia questions. The show also became known for its dramatic moments, such as when a contestant had to use a lifeline or when they were faced with a particularly difficult question. The tension was augmented by the show's signature music, which became synonymous with the show's intense atmosphere. In 2002, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire was cancelled by ABC due to declining ratings. However, the show remains a beloved classic, and many viewers still remember the excitement and drama of watching contestants vie for the million-dollar prize. Overall, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire is a thrilling game show that combines trivia questions with the chance to win a large amount of money. Its popularity has stood the test of time, and it remains one of the most iconic game shows in television history.
