ABC is resurrecting the quiz show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire for a series of charity specials hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, marking the format’s 20th anniversary in the United States. The network announced the revival on Tuesday at the Television Critics Association winter press tour.
The new run, premiering on Wednesday, April 8, will feature celebrity contestants who can bring a guest to help answer questions. Guests could be relatives, teachers, or trivia experts. The money won will go to the contestant’s chosen charity.
Viewers will also be able to play along via a live app, competing to win the same amount as the celebrities. The format was originally remade by ABC in August 1999 from the British version. It aired in syndication until last year.
Michael Davies, who first brought the show to the US, will executive produce alongside Jimmy Kimmel and Mike Richards. The series is produced by Embassy Row, Kimmelot, and Valleycrest Productions.
Davies said, “My professional career has been inextricably linked with Jimmy’s since the days of Win Ben Stein’s Money, and he was one of the first-ever celebrity contestants on Millionaire in its original run. I can’t wait to work with him on this dynamic new version.”
