Jimmy Kimmel is taking a break from his late-night talk show this summer, but he’s not stepping away from the spotlight entirely. Instead, he’s returning to host a new celebrity-filled season of “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire,” where stars compete to win money for their favorite charities. The show, which airs on ABC, promises a mix of humor, nostalgia, and philanthropy, making it a must-watch for fans of both Kimmel and the classic game show.
Kimmel, who has hosted previous revivals of “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” in 2020 and 2021, finds the game show format a refreshing change from his usual gig. “This show is so much easier than my show,” he joked. “The amount of preparation is basically one minute of reading through pronunciations and then sitting down.” Despite the lighter workload, Kimmel is fully committed to making the show entertaining and meaningful.
The new season features a variety of celebrity pairings, including stars from beloved TV shows like “Everybody Loves Raymond,” “Scrubs,” and “Full House.” These celebrities are not just playing for fun; they’re competing to win up to $1 million for their chosen charities. “It’s been very fulfilling so far. And people have made a lot of money. You can tell when you talk to these people that, all joking aside, all game show aside, these charities mean a lot to them,” Kimmel said.
One of the standout moments from the new season involves Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell, the iconic duo from “Kenan & Kel.” Their appearance on the show was met with overwhelming enthusiasm from the audience. “When Kenan and Kel walked out there, I’m not joking, the whole front row of the audience here started crying,” Kimmel recalled. The emotional reaction underscores the deep connection fans have with these celebrities and their charitable causes.
The show also features other notable pairings, such as John Mulaney and Nick Kroll, John Stamos and Dave Coulier, Ray Romano and Brad Garrett, and Zach Braff and Donald Faison. Each duo brings their unique chemistry and humor to the hot seat, making for some unforgettable episodes. “I really have to say I laughed very, very hard at a number of the episodes,” Kimmel said. “Ray Romano and Brad Garrett were arguing through the whole show, and it was absolutely hilarious.”
This season marks the 25th anniversary of “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” on ABC, a milestone that adds an extra layer of significance to the show. The original version, hosted by Regis Philbin, became a cultural phenomenon when it premiered in 1999, drawing millions of viewers and setting the standard for dramatic game shows. The new season pays homage to this legacy while introducing fresh elements, such as the celebrity pairings and the return of a live studio audience.
Kimmel is particularly excited about having an audience back in the studio, a feature that was missing during the pandemic. “I really wanted to do it the proper way in front of people because you like to hear people laugh at your jokes,” he said. “Also, the drama that goes along with a couple of hundred people watching the action happen is an important part of the show.”
The return of the live audience adds a new level of energy and excitement to the proceedings. “Doing the show in front of nobody is no fun,” Kimmel admitted. The audience’s reactions, whether they’re laughing at a joke or holding their breath during a tense moment, enhance the overall experience for both the contestants and the viewers at home.
In addition to the celebrity pairings, the new season also features a visit from John Carpenter, the show’s original $1 million winner. Carpenter’s appearance serves as a nostalgic nod to the show’s early days and its enduring appeal. “That was a huge part of our culture when that show premiered and that insane ratings run that the show went on with Regis hosting,” Kimmel said. “It does bring back a lot of memories.”
Kimmel’s involvement in “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” is part of a broader summer lineup on ABC, which includes other popular shows like “The Bachelorette,” “Celebrity Family Feud,” and “Press Your Luck.” The network is also introducing a new game show called “Lucky 13,” co-hosted by Gina Rodriguez and Shaquille O’Neal. This diverse lineup ensures that there’s something for everyone to enjoy during the summer months.
For Kimmel, hosting “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” is a welcome change of pace from his late-night duties. “Hosting a game show is about 30 times easier than hosting a late-night talk show,” he said. “For me, it is like a vacation. You really don’t have to prepare. You have to be able to read, and you have to be able to throw to a commercial and make chitchat with the contestants. But you don’t have to write a monologue. You don’t have to prepare for celebrity guest segments. You don’t have to write scripts.”
Despite the lighter workload, Kimmel is fully invested in making the show a success. “This show is a lot of fun because there’s so much drama when you start getting up into the high dollar amounts,” he said. “It doesn’t matter who you are, it becomes very tense, especially when they’re playing for charities that are meaningful, not just to them, but to everybody.”
As the new season of “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” kicks off, fans can look forward to a mix of humor, drama, and heartfelt moments. With Jimmy Kimmel at the helm and a lineup of beloved celebrities competing for worthy causes, the show promises to be a highlight of the summer TV schedule.
Source: OnTheRedCarpet.com, The Hollywood Reporter, People, Variety
