The Game Show Forum
The Game Show Forum => The Big Board => Topic started by: WhammyPower on May 17, 2019, 06:20:37 PM
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https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/who-wants-to-be-a-millionaire-canceled-1203217602/
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After a while, you got the impression that nobody was gonna be a millionaire, though everyone wants to be one
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Sad to see it go, especially as I had the chance to participate in the series way back when as a contestant and POF (hard to believe I was someone's POF two decades ago, back when the show was still airing as a "multi-night event program"). Unfortunately, the writing has been on the wall for some time …
-- The ABC O&Os picked up Tamron Hall's talk show for next fall, putting either WWTBAM and/or Rachael Ray's talk show on the brink (as both had clearance from the Alphabet stations). Rachael quietly got a one-year renewal earlier this year, making WWTBAM's future perilous at best.
-- The show is just unrecognizable from what it was even a decade ago. I understand a lot of it is for legal reasons, but the show hasn't felt like the WWTBAM we loved in years.
-- Tossing out the "Tournament of 10" gimmick they did a while back, the last time a contestant won the grand prize in the "proper" manner was in 2003. It's hard to get excited for a show that promotes the chance of becoming a millionaire when, after a while, you come to the realization it will never happen again.
But it was a great ride, and I'm blessed that myself and many friends and colleagues got the chance to participate on the show, whether as contestants, phone-a-friends, audience members or just plain fans. It was, for me, the first modern "people's game show" -- one where you didn't have to travel to LA or NYC to audition. Just pick up the phone and get a chance to win a spot in the "Ring of Fire."
JD
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17 years in syndication, plus another three in prime time is one hell of a run. It seemed like the show that kept on chugging, despite being on the bubble for at least five years now. However, like James said, it seems like a totally different show now. In a way, it felt more like a generic daytime TV show, as opposed to the game show that arguably revitalized the genre 20 years ago.
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Don't make any sarcastic comments, but I remember when WWTBAM was big. I remember John Carpenter appearing on the cover of People magazine. It was a show where people would talk about what happened the night before in the days before streaming and social media.
We thought ABC would run it for 15 years - had they not overexposed it and made changes that alienated its fanbase (like too much on celebrities and scrapping the phone game that made it a show with Everyman and Everywoman appeal.) By the time WWTBAM ended its regular run in 2002, When the show entered syndication, the show stripped the Everyman (and Everywoman) appeal of the original by getting rid of the phone game and Fastest Finger, I couldn't relate. (It didn't help that the first season of syndicated WWTBAM didn't air here.)
ABC brought it back in 2004 for Super Millionaire (remember the Three Wise Men?) and a 10th anniversary edition in 2009 with Regis hosting. But for many it wasn't the same (such as what the Alphabet Web is learning with American Idol).
If the lawsuit with Disney and Celador over the show's profits hadn't taken place, we might have seen WWTBAM back for an August multi-night run, and possibly a 20th anniversary multi-night event this August to (presumably) wrap up the show. Have Carpenter, Doug Van Gundy, and all the people we remember back to say goodbye. Now if Regis wants to come again to host one final time...that's another story.
But we need to thank Reege, Michael Davies, and the producers, directors, writers, and the men and women who stepped into Regis' shoes to host the syndicated version for two decades of final answers and lots of money being given away - and changing the primetime TV landscape forever. Remember, there were no big money shows on primetime for decades sicne the quiz show scandals (with the exception of 100 Grand in 1963). Now there are shows offering big money all the time.
Brian
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Don't make any sarcastic comments
Then don't post.
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Don't make any sarcastic comments
Then don't post.
Mazel tov.
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The big problem with WWTBAM is that the title wrote a check that its prize budget couldn't even come close to cashing.
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Well, if I'm remembering the leaked emails correctly, this cancelation will send the rights to Millionaire in the US back to Sony, who can do a reboot of the original format (or whatever they're doing internationally) when they feel the time is right.
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Don't make any sarcastic comments
Are you new here?
Please also curb the use of "We". You're not speaking for everyone.
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Well, if I'm remembering the leaked emails correctly, this cancelation will send the rights to Millionaire in the US back to Sony, who can do a reboot of the original format (or whatever they're doing internationally) when they feel the time is right.
If I read correctly, three years. I wouldn’t be surprised if the show returns by 2025. Give the public a chance to miss it, and it comes back, just like any other wildly popular game show.
/It worked for “Pyramid”
//And “Deal or No Deal”
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Back in 1999, I was just rediscovering my love for game shows. When I read the recaps of WWTBAM in the UK on alt.tv.game-shows, I found it so amazing, almost hard to believe, there was a game show this captivating to the home viewer. When it came on here, I loved watching the show.
Then it hit me. I was a good test-taker in school. If I could get on this show, I might do well.
It appeared as "Play It!" at Disneyland in Anaheim in 2001, and Klauss and Randy and I visited. (Still remember Randy making it to the top of the leader board when time expired for one show.)
Then 2004 and my game of "Play It!". I guessed the last three answers without any lifelines. Streamers coming down from the ceiling, the studio roaring like a jet engine. A few months later, Kelly came back into my life, and well, you know the rest... I guess you could say, kinda, I'm the original Slumdog Millionaire. :))
After "Play It!", I knew, I *HAD* to get on the real show. After two previous tryouts, they called me about this time last year (since when does a game show call me!?!) to try out again. I passed the test, got through the interview. and well, thank God it happened. :) I'll never forget the part, a small one, but a part nonetheless, that this show played in my life.
I say thank you, WWTBAM, for a wonderful experience. And that's my final answer.
--Charlie, MPW #42, Season 17 Contestant
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Think about this:
Thoughts?
OVER THE SHOULDER
You get to ask the person in the relationship chair what they think the answer is. (Similar to Second Chance on 21-2000.)
/used the same name as the 'net Millionaire lifeline
Coincidence?
--Charlie
I thought up the concept of the lifeline in 2010, four years before its debut. Then I got to use this lifeline in my appearance. (And it worked!) I consider my winnings to be royalty for creating the lifeline. 8)
--Charlie
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The show has not been appointment TV for me for several years now. I tried out to be a contestant a few times when Meredith became the host and the show taped in NYC. It had a nice run. But put it to bed and bring it back a few years from now.
I also visited the "Play It" attraction at Disneyland in 2001. I was there the week that 9/11 happened. I didn't get picked but it was fun to see it done.
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As one of the many people whose lives were changed in a major way by this show (19 years ago this week, come to think of it), it's kind of sad news to hear. Although the numerous game play and host changes lost me as a viewer years ago, I'm still sorry to see the show finally end. It was always fun to be able to say you were on the top-rated show on TV, if only for a day or two...
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Well, if I'm remembering the leaked emails correctly, this cancelation will send the rights to Millionaire in the US back to Sony, who can do a reboot of the original format (or whatever they're doing internationally) when they feel the time is right.
But when is that time? Assuming that the only change they made is to the dollar values, does sitting down to answer trivia questions grab people anymore on primetime TV? The Wall has up to three million dollars on the line and Spin the Wheel looks to have a ton of money on the line, not only would it have to be Super Millionaire, but that the bigger money amounts would have to be attainable and several times over.
I come to bury Millionaire, not to praise it, but I think it has done a service in bringing game shows back to primetime viewing--I just wish that the majority of the games were better in general.
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But when is that time? Assuming that the only change they made is to the dollar values, does sitting down to answer trivia questions grab people anymore on primetime TV?
You could've asked the same thing about "naming a series of items to your partner that fit a given list" or "guessing the best punchline to this joke" or "praying the RNG gods smile favorably upon you" and yet we have Pyramid, Match Game, and soon Card Sharks and PYL.
One has to think that the pendulum that swung away from hard quizzes on TV eventually returns and something as simple as Millionaire could be seen as a refreshing throwback for a 2nd time.
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I never liked Millionaire as a daily show i thought it was better in primetime a few nights a week. When Regis hosted it, it was must see tv ("Did you see the guy last night winning $64k last night?!) with all the changes they done over the last few years format, host, music and cues the show doesn't feel like Millionaire anymore. The last time i really watched Millionaire was with the clock i thought it was exciting.
I found Chris Harrison to be a boring bland host. Terry was annoying as heck and Cedric was okay.
Off topic but Family Feud has shown its age and tiredness i wouldn't miss that show if it went off the air.
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I for one think the show got three more years out of itself than it really should've had.
You know how critical I was of Meredith early (and I do still believe she took awhile to hit the stride I enjoyed because her style just didn't do it for me) but once she left the void it created wasn't easy to fill. Whatever you felt about Cedric as host is just that (and that's cool, he wasn't everybody's cup of tea), because the staff from the previous regime was still there and still running the show very well. Once Rich Sirop and Geoff Rosen left, that's when I think it all went to pot (I can't speak for James Rowley brcause I didn't deal with him) because you lost that driving force.
As much as I like Terry Crews the performer, his hosting job was just disastrous. That's when I figured the time was right to pull the plug. To me, when Chris Harrison came in and they got back to basics, that was a much needed shot in the arm. Bought them at least a couple of extra years they never really should've had to begin with.
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If I read correctly, three years. I wouldn’t be surprised if the show returns by 2025. Give the public a chance to miss it, and it comes back, just like any other wildly popular game show.
I could see the show coming back five years from now to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Maybe have Meredith host and see if a series of specials can kick off a new primetime run. So here's to 2024 with fingers crossed.
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I never liked Millionaire as a daily show i thought it was better in primetime a few nights a week. When Regis hosted it, it was must see tv ("Did you see the guy last night winning $64k last night?!)
And Millionaire was must-see TV with Regis; he was watched by more viewers in primetime than on his daytime show (which explains Millionaire becoming the #1 show in all of television in 1999-2000).
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I never liked Millionaire as a daily show i thought it was better in primetime a few nights a week. When Regis hosted it, it was must see tv ("Did you see the guy last night winning $64k last night?!)
And Millionaire was must-see TV with Regis; he was watched by more viewers in primetime than on his daytime show (which explains Millionaire becoming the #1 show in all of television in 1999-2000).
Yes. Probably because primetime shows generally get more viewers than ones that air in the daytime. Bizarre concept, I know.
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The one thing I could see happening with a prime-time reboot is, on top of a refreshing of the set design (bringing it more in line with the UK set), a 16th question that's a free shot for $2M.
Now granted, I'm playing with money that isn't mine here, but it's a big way to set the show apart from previous runs. I mean, you'd have to win the million first to even have a chance at the double, which is not likely to be an easy feat, plus you can add the stipulation that there are no lifelines allowed even if you had any left.
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The one thing I could see happening with a prime-time reboot is, on top of a refreshing of the set design (bringing it more in line with the UK set), a 16th question that's a free shot for $2M.
Now granted, I'm playing with money that isn't mine here, but it's a big way to set the show apart from previous runs. I mean, you'd have to win the million first to even have a chance at the double, which is not likely to be an easy feat, plus you can add the stipulation that there are no lifelines allowed even if you had any left.
I like the idea, but not the free shot. I'd do what India and Australia did.
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I never liked Millionaire as a daily show i thought it was better in primetime a few nights a week. When Regis hosted it, it was must see tv ("Did you see the guy last night winning $64k last night?!)
And Millionaire was must-see TV with Regis; he was watched by more viewers in primetime than on his daytime show (which explains Millionaire becoming the #1 show in all of television in 1999-2000).
Yes. Probably because primetime shows generally get more viewers than ones that air in the daytime. Bizarre concept, I know.
Briefly playing devil's advocate here:
Let's say stuff goes according to plan and the syndicated Millionaire becomes an accompanying show to the primetime series. Does it benefit the syndie series in any way? I ask that largely because of the ratings problems the first season brought and how close we were to not even having a second season, never mind sixteen more.
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But when is that time? Assuming that the only change they made is to the dollar values, does sitting down to answer trivia questions grab people anymore on primetime TV?
You could've asked the same thing about "naming a series of items to your partner that fit a given list" or "guessing the best punchline to this joke" or "praying the RNG gods smile favorably upon you" and yet we have Pyramid, Match Game, and soon Card Sharks and PYL.
This doesn't really answer my point, though. We're now at a point where "$1 million" is no longer eye-catching or noteworthy, and we now have a game show on the air that looks like it asks no more of the contestants than to grab a peg on a giant wheel and give it a spin. The fact that ABC is plugging holes in their summer schedule with nostalgia-friendly game shows is nice--and nobody watches Match Game for the money--but I hope you're right that quiz questions as format foundation won't dry up completely.
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but I hope you're right that quiz questions as format foundation won't dry up completely.
In an era where people seem to have shorter attention spans, I'm guessing a show that pumps out, perhaps 15 question in a half hour (I haven't watched in years) isn't nearly as compelling as the competing show that features 61 every episode.
I think a competing quiz could be successful if the pace was faster; I believe Split Second would do quite nicely.
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"Short attention spans" is always a complaint people have about today's audiences, so I don't know how far that flies here.
The original WWTBAM would ask maybe 30-40 questions in a one-hour episode, depending on how far up the ladder the contestants got (a deep run would mean more time spent on an individual question, thus fewer questions overall). But with a few exceptions, even if a lot of time was spent on a single question it was probably because of the Lifelines being spent on it and then the time taken to re-assess the situation. As long as the story keeps moving forward I don't think people have a problem with the gross quantity of questions asked per show. What drove us nuts during the DOND era was that trivial decisions would be given long expanses of airtime to litigate and then resolve, in an obvious attempt to fill out an otherwise short game.
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What drove us nuts during the DOND era was that trivial decisions would be given long expanses of airtime to litigate and then resolve, in an obvious attempt to fill out an otherwise short game.
My opinion aligns with this. Unless there's a new or less conspicuous manner to build drama, it becomes fatiguing after a few episodes, and the 70% of the audience that is watching via DVR is going to fast forward.
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As long as the story keeps moving forward I don't think people have a problem with the gross quantity of questions asked per show.
Compare Millionaire to 500 [sic] Questions.
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The show has not been appointment TV for me for several years now. I tried out to be a contestant a few times when Meredith became the host and the show taped in NYC. It had a nice run. But put it to bed and bring it back a few years from now.
I also visited the "Play It" attraction at Disneyland in 2001. I was there the week that 9/11 happened. I didn't get picked but it was fun to see it done.
I went there and got the top score on the leaderboard...but time ran out and I never got the chance to play! Frustrating.
The question was about Chaplin's first leading lady, who was Edna Purviance.
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i will miss this show badly
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The prime time version was one of my favorite game shows ever.
The early version of syndicated show was nice and I loved Meredith Viera's hosting, but losing her and having too many format changes certainly hurt it. These last few seasons with few six-digit winners just made it not memorable.
I was in the Play It! attraction at Walt Disney World in 2002 and lost on my 250K question. Playing the game after beating over 600 people in a Fastest Finger was such a thrill!