ITV's new iteration of the classic quiz show, Millionaire Hot Seat, hosted by Jeremy Clarkson, has ignited a wave of criticism from viewers who tuned in for its Tuesday evening debut. The primary grievance centred on contestants taking too long to answer questions within the show's strict 15-second timeframe.
What Is Millionaire Hot Seat's New Format?
The programme, which aired on Tuesday, 6 January 2026, puts a rapid and strategic twist on the familiar 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?' formula. Clarkson, best known for Clarkson's Farm and Top Gear, explained the rules at the outset.
Six contestants rotate through a single 'hot seat', where they must answer a question within just 15 seconds. The difficulty and potential prize money increase with each correct answer, but a wrong answer leads to instant elimination and a reduction in the jackpot.
Each player has one 'pass' to use, sending them to the back of the queue for another chance later. However, a passed question must be answered correctly by the next contestant, or they face elimination.
Viewers Flood Social Media With Same Complaint
Almost immediately, viewers took to social media platform X to voice near-identical frustrations. The core complaint was that contestants were spending too much of their precious 15 seconds deliberating out loud rather than giving a direct answer.
One viewer criticised, stating the participants seemed to "like the sound of their own voices," while another bluntly advised: "Don't have to give a definition, just answer the question." Others questioned if the contestants understood how short 15 seconds truly is, with one posting: "Can't they just answer the bl**dy question and stop talking sh**e all the b****rd time!"
Mixed Reactions to the High-Stakes Game
Despite the backlash, the format found some fans. One viewer compared it to a "quiz show version of speed dating," appreciating its pace. Another tweeted in support, saying: "#millionairehotseat quite like the format tbf."
Clarkson himself frequently highlighted the ruthless nature of the game. This was demonstrated when a contestant, unable to answer which ingredient is not traditional in a Caesar salad (feta cheese), was instantly eliminated after a wrong guess.
Introducing the next player, Clarkson remarked on the show's harshness, saying: "What a brutal game! It's so brutal."
Millionaire Hot Seat is available to stream on ITVX.
