Jimmy Kimmel lastly hosts Who Desires to Be a Millionaire? It ought to be completed the way in which it ought to be completed – in entrance of a studio viewers. The landmark sport present returns with an all-celebrity model to have fun its twenty fifth anniversary on Wednesday evening, albeit for his third season as host of Regis Philbin fame. It was the primary time followers had been lastly allowed again into the present’s studio.
“I actually wished to do it the correct manner in entrance of individuals since you love listening to folks chuckle at your jokes,” Kimmel mentioned. “Additionally, the drama of getting a whole bunch of individuals watching the motion occur is a giant a part of the present. I imply, it is not enjoyable to carry out in entrance of nobody.
However that is precisely what Kimmel needed to do when she first hosted a revival of the primetime collection in March 2020. The primary version was shot and not using a studio viewers however nonetheless managed to movie simply hours earlier than COVID-19 stay-at-home orders had been issued. The second cycle came about within the fall of 2020, when the pandemic was nonetheless in full swing and “Kimmel” nonetheless had no viewers.
Now that it is 2024, the studio viewers is again, permitting Kimmel to choose a crowd to deliver much more vitality to the present. And this time, there’s one other new twist: The celebrities at the moment are paired up, and each are in a clumsy place. Within the earlier version, contestants may deliver their mobile phone pals into the studio, however they stood towards a backdrop, which Kimmel admits is a bit awkward now.
“Final time we had one [‘lifeline’] The assistant sits within the again, and it makes extra sense to have this individual sit with them,” Kimmel famous. “Generally you’re employed issues out alongside the way in which, even when the present is as mature as Millionaire .”
Celeb pairings this season embody John Mulaney and Nick Kroll; Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell; Rosie O’Donnell and Lisa Ann Walter; John Stamos and Dave Coulier; Ray Romano and Brad Garrett; Zach Braff and Donald Faison; Lil Dicky and GaTa; Kelly and Jack Osbourne ; Ike Barinholz and Alan Barinholz; Sebastian Maniscalco and Omar J. Dorsey; Nicole Byer and Sahir Zamata ; Sofia Busch and Alex Edelman; Gillian Jacobs and Danny Pudi; Natasha Leggero and Jason Ritter; Ron Funches and Ray Giva tz; and Jeff Ross and “Cousin” Sal Econo.
“I actually should say, there have been some episodes the place I laughed actually, actually arduous,” Kimmel mentioned. “I believe we spent two and a half hours filming John Mulaney and Nick Kroll as a result of they had been so humorous the entire time. Ray Romano and Brad Garrett had been in the entire present are all arguing, and it is completely hilarious. We actually attempt to be sure that the celebrities have actual relationships and that we’re not simply pairing folks up due to their names, and that pays off loads as a result of after they concentrate on one. You actually get to know them if you ask questions and argue about what to do or what to not do. We deliberately did not fee one of many representatives as a result of we thought it will be extra fascinating to observe them talk about the problems.
Different standout co-stars embody Ike Barinholtz and his father Alan, who most just lately performed a decide on Amazon Freevee’s “Jury Responsibility.” Audiences responded most favorably to “Kenan & Kyle” stars Thompson and Mitchell.
“Of all of the celebrities on our present, viewers are essentially the most excited to see Kenan and Kyle collectively,” Kimmel mentioned. “There have been girls crying within the entrance row. There have been a variety of ‘Good Burger’ followers there.
“Who Desires to Be a Millionaire” premiered on ABC in August 1999 and have become an on the spot phenomenon. Quickly, “Millionaire” grew to become a fixture on ABC, attracting as many as 30 million viewers and serving to the Alphabet community soar to the No. 1 spot.
“When the present premiered, it was an enormous a part of our tradition, and the present went on to get loopy rankings with Regis internet hosting it,” Kimmel mentioned. “It undoubtedly introduced again a variety of reminiscences. I imply, it was actually the most important factor in 1999.
On the twenty fifth anniversary, John Carpenter, the present’s authentic $1 million winner, additionally paid tribute to the present’s origins by visiting (he additionally made an look on the present’s tenth anniversary).
Kimmel is at present on summer season break from “Jimmy Kimmel Stay,” spending time along with her household and presenting as a visitor host. When taking over “Thousands and thousands” (which he taped final spring), Kimmel famous that internet hosting a sport present is “30 occasions simpler than internet hosting a late-night speak present. To me, it is like a trip. You actually No preparation is required. You’ve got to have the ability to play commercials and chat with the contestants. However you do not have to arrange for the movie star visitor phase.
“This present is enjoyable as a result of if you begin getting excessive quantities of cash, there’s a variety of drama. Regardless of who you might be, it will get actually intense, particularly after they’re working for a worthy charity that is not just for They, and it means one thing to everybody. It is an actual sense of drama and pleasure that you do not get on a chat present, however you do not get the emotional rollercoaster of internet hosting a sport present. It is nice if you’re joking as a result of when it is so quiet you may hear a pin drop. Now could be the right time to drop a pin.
