(Ronda Churchill / Disney-ABC Home Entertainment and TV Distribution)
Talk about a final answer. The daytime, syndicated version of the Who Wants to be a Millionaire TV show has been cancelled, so it will not return for the 2019-2020 television season. The game show originally premiered in August of 1999 as an ABC primetime TV series, hosted by Regis Philbin, before its cancellation in June of 2002. It then returned to air as a syndicated daytime game show, in September of that year, and where it has enjoyed a long, prosperous run.
Syndicated by Disney-ABC Home Entertainment and TV Distribution, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire is currently hosted by Chris Harrison of Bachelor fame. Meredith Vieira was its first host in syndication from 2002 to 2013, followed by Terry Crews for two years, before Harrison assumed the podium in September of 2015. During the quiz show, contestants attempt to answer a series of 14 questions, with each one worth more money than the last. They generally can employ three lifelines (currently “Ask the Audience,” “50:50,” and “Plus One”) to help them on their journey toward the million dollar grand prize. Notably, there have been very few $1,000,000 winners in the total of 20-year life of the game show. .
“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” is coming to an end.
Variety has learned exclusively that the syndicated game show has been canceled. To date, it has aired nearly 3,000 episodes, including over 300 when the show aired on ABC.
“After a successful 17-year run, ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire’ will not return in national syndication for the 2019-20 season,” a show spokesperson told Variety.
What do you think? Were you still watching the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire game show TV series? If it were up to you, would it be cancelled or renewed for the 2019-2020 television season?
I agree with the other comments, “Find another network”. I watched one time & then recorded other one to watch later. Come on guys & gals, do your magic!!
That’s really too bad. I enjoyed millionaire. It educated people because of the questions & correct answers. It will be missed.
Cam
I watch the show religiously, find another network for it, like CNBC.
Come on, you producers. If you’re reading this, right now. Find another network to pick Who Wants To Be a Millionaire up for next season, please. Will someone please make a petition on Change.org?
It was syndicated, there was NO Network.
It doesn’t matter.
ANOTHER stupid ABC decision. Hope one of the streaming services picks it up BC it will Force people to tune in EACH DAY!
So sorry this show is being cancelled I watch it daily.
I watch this show every day & wish it wasn’t being cancelled. Hope they change their minds & renew it.
I am really sorry to hear this. I watch the show every day. Why was it cancelled, and why doesn’t another station pick it up?
Again, it was syndicated. One Market a NBC affiliate could air whereas a CBS Market could air.
Sorry to hear that TLC has cancelled “Who Wants to be a Millionaire”. We have enjoyed this show since it first aired when Regis Philbin was the host. It is such an inspiring and educational show and even the kids love to guess the correct answer to the the questions. We are not happy to see a show of this caliber being cancelled. Hopefully, one of the networks will pick it up for future broadcast.
That was my favourite game show. Can’t they find another network to pick it up next season? Anyway, are there any plans for Syndication to make a new or revived game show to replace Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Like The Chase (based on the British game show), Tipping Point (based on the British game show), Pointless (based on the British game show), Win Your Wish List, The Rich List, Catchphrase, Deal or No Deal, 5-Star Family Reunion, In It to Win It, Secret Fortune, The Weakest Link, Going for Gold, Supermarket Sweep and/or Name That Tune. There is… Read more »
There are some other shows I would have preferred to be cancelled instead of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire! I enjoy this show and wish it would stay on!
WWTBAM is not cancled
I watch it every day and always play along
I can’t say that I am surprised by this. Nobody really cared about Who Wants To Be A Millionaire after Regis stopped being the host. I mean Meredith was okay as a host but she’s Meredith. I am not sad about the cancellation at all, just wondering why it took so long? I really do think that some shows stay on the air just to be staying on the air and this is one of them.
All good things must come to an end.
Good riddance !!! That was the slowest moving game show ever! BORING!
Gee I am surprised. I love the game. As for being too slow, fast forward the parts that lag. I wonder what will take its place. I was thinking of visiting the program by being in the audience this summer. Oh well life moves on.