ITV's new iteration of the classic quiz show, Millionaire Hot Seat, hosted by Jeremy Clarkson, has sparked a wave of criticism from viewers who took to social media with a unified complaint. The show, which aired on Tuesday evening, 6th January 2026, puts a rapid-fire spin on the familiar format, but some audience members were left frustrated by the contestants' behaviour.
The Fast-Paced Format and Viewer Backlash
The revamped game, fronted by the Clarkson's Farm and former Top Gear star, features six contestants rotating through a single "hot seat." Each player has a mere 15 seconds to answer questions of increasing difficulty. A correct answer allows them to stay and climb the prize ladder, while a wrong one results in instant elimination and a reduction in the jackpot.
An additional strategic element is the single 'pass' granted to each player. Using it sends them to the back of the queue for another chance later. However, a passed question must be answered correctly by the next contestant in line, or they face elimination.
Despite the high-speed premise, viewers quickly flocked to platform X to voice a singular grievance: contestants were taking too long to deliberate and talk through their answers within the short timeframe.
Social Media Erupts With Frustration
One exasperated viewer commented on the tendency for contestants to over-elaborate, suggesting they "think they're on regular WWTBAM [Who Wants To Be A Millionaire]." Another bluntly posted: "Can't they just answer the bl**dy question and stop talking sh**e all the b****rd time!"
The sentiment was echoed by others questioning the contestants' perception of time. "Do they realise how long 15 seconds is? Stop yapping," one user quipped, while another advised simply: "Don't have to give a definition, just answer the question."
Mixed Reactions and Brutal Eliminations
Not all feedback was negative. Some viewers found the new, ruthless format engaging. One person likened it to "a quiz show version of speed dating," and another tweeted in support: "#millionairehotseat quite like the format tbf."
Clarkson himself frequently highlighted the show's harsh nature. The brutal mechanics were demonstrated when a contestant passed a question about the non-traditional ingredient in a Caesar salad. The next player, unable to pass the subsequent question, guessed incorrectly and was immediately eliminated. "The correct answer is feta cheese," Clarkson stated before calling for the next contestant and remarking, "What a brutal game! It's so brutal."
The debut of Millionaire Hot Seat has certainly made an impact, dividing opinion with its high-pressure format and prompting a clear complaint from a segment of its ITV audience. The show is available to stream on ITVX.
