Talk:Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (American game show)/Archive 1

Meredith Vieira leaving Millionaire at end of 7th Season?

There have been a lot of rumors circulating over the past season that Meredith will be leaving the show at the end of the 7th season to pursue her other current job with rival network NBC. Until recently these were just wild speculations, but it was recently noted that a British woman named Cat Deeley (Host of the UK "So You Think You Can Dance?") taped a week's worth of US Millionaire as a guest host (to be aired Feb. 16-20th, 2009). Reportedly by UK rumors, she impressed Disney-ABC so much that they offered her a £1,000,000/year contract to become the show's primary host beginning in August, 2009.

As I said before, this was just a wild rumor for awhile, but it was recently announced that Cat would be guest-hosting Millionaire the week of Feb. 16th. If that's true, then maybe they were right about the rest of it? I guess we'll find out at the end of this summer. 65.80.177.131 (talk) 08:35, 9 February 2009 (UTC)

Meredith will be hosting next season, rest assured.--Contributions/70.240.230.131 (talk) 20:18, 15 June 2009 (UTC)Chris

Confusing about bonus

I don't really understand this: "Eventually, the bonus grew to $2.18 million, when Kevin Olmstead won the eventual prize on April 10, 2001. However, two such prizes were awarded due to a questioning error during the time the bonus was in place. Ed Toutant was called back after the aforementioned error, when the bonus was at $860,000 on January 31, 2001. When he continued in an episode not aired until September 7, 2001, he also answered all 15 of his questions correctly, and was given $1 million and the $860,000 bonus." Could there be more information on the questioning error? It isn't clear what happened. --Libertyernie2 00:33, 7 September 2006 (UTC)

Hi, I know your question is several years old, but I'd like to post a response for future reference. Ed Toutant was originally asked the following question for $16,000: "Scientists in England recently genetically altered which vegetable so it glows when it needs water? A: Potato B: Tomato C: Cabbage D: Carrots"

He answered "Tomato" and was ruled incorrect (correct answer: Potato) and left the game with $1,000. However, after conducting research, glowing potatoes were being researched in Scotland, not England. It's very possible that the question writers were meaning to write "Great Britain" instead of England, as Scotland is a part of Great Britain. Furthermore, it was discovered that scientists in England were in fact working on glowing tomatoes. When this information was presented to the producers, they invited Ed back to the show. Hope this clarifies the situation for you. MillionaireJunkie (talk) 21:38, 13 December 2008 (UTC)

Move to "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (US Version)"

The current title is misleading. As it stands, the current title would imply (to someone who isn't aware of the main article) that this is the main article about the show, and that it originated in or is only shown in the US. The title needs to show that this isn't the main article about the show, and mustn't imply that the show is only in the US. 84.71.71.132 02:22, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Per WP:TV-NC, the current title is what this article should have, and it is properly disambiguated from the general version (Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?) and the UK (original) version (Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? (UK game show)). Furthermore, this article doesn't claim to be the main article for the series because there is a link to Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? in the first paragraph. I will also link to the UK series to elminiate further inclusion issues. Tinlinkin 17:12, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Does the U.S. version really not have a question mark at the end of its title, officially, or should the article be moved again so that there is a question mark? Robert K S 19:01, 7 November 2006 (UTC)

The US version does not have a question mark, because there is a supersitition that a work with a question mark will perform more poorly than without (see Question mark#Trivia). The current official site for Millionaire does not include the question mark, the ABC online game doesn't have it, and I have rarely seen a question mark in reference to the US version, unless it was included without prior knowledge. Tinlinkin 12:46, 9 November 2006 (UTC)

Dan Weisman Removal Information

For anyone who happened to miss the talk leading up to the deletion, I thought I'd summarize.

Mr. Weisman is rumored to have one a million dollars based on the leak of information. On a Missouri radio station, someone claiming to be present at the taping of the show reported that Mr. Weisman won and that the show was allegedly recorded in October 2006 and will air early in 2007.

However, this is all information from a leak, and without further confirmation from a party who could be more believed (pranks do occur, after all), this page should not, and therefore does not, exist, and Mr. Weisman is not listed on the millionaires list.

If it should ever pass that Mr. Weisman does show up on Millionaire and does in fact win a million dollars, both references will obviously be replaced, but until then, please do not. Goofyman 00:33, 25 February 2007 (UTC)

Yeah... haven't seen anything about a Dan Weisman. I'll check YouTube though. :) —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.189.63.127 (talk) 23:59, 23 June 2008 (UTC)

Has usa millionaire tape shows in the uk set?

• I was watching the gsn special about millionaire and the first 2 weeks look like it has been tape in the uk set the fastest fingers poduims look the same as the uk. They had the skinny green ones.

• No. They filmed in New York City, NY. ever since the USA version debuted.--70.241.5.20 (talk) 01:51, 6 September 2008 (UTC)Chris

Vandalism

I don't know if this article should be tagged for vandalism or not, but, someone just vandalised the article. Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Who_Wants_to_Be_a_Millionaire_%28US_game_show%29&diff=139831465&oldid=139432787

Someone might want to disable editing of the article by unregistered users, and possibly ban that IP for vandalism. Thanks.

--MrJacky 09:01, 22 June 2007 (UTC)

Number of episodes?

Since the ABC run has concluded, it might be helpful to display how many new episodes hosted by Regis Philbin aired. Does someone know exactly how many shows were made? TomStike 18:33, 23 August 2007 (UTC)

By the ABC site: 363 primetime episodes; 1,284 daytime episodes. GameGuy95 (talk) 13:49, 30 June 2009 (UTC)

...In popular culture

This really needs to be trimmed, but can we at least keep some of the more important references in pop culture? I mean, some of the references definitely don't need to be there, but there should be at least a few important references (confer with Jeopardy! in popular culture). RJaguar3 | u | t 23:40, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

Fair use rationale for Image:WhoWantstobeaMillionaireUS.jpg

Image:WhoWantstobeaMillionaireUS.jpg is being used on this article. I notice the image page specifies that the image is being used under fair use but there is no explanation or rationale as to why its use in this Wikipedia article constitutes fair use. In addition to the boilerplate fair use template, you must also write out on the image description page a specific explanation or rationale for why using this image in each article is consistent with fair use.

Please go to the image description page and edit it to include a fair use rationale. Using one of the templates at Wikipedia:Fair use rationale guideline is an easy way to insure that your image is in compliance with Wikipedia policy, but remember that you must complete the template. Do not simply insert a blank template on an image page.

If there is other fair use media, consider checking that you have specified the fair use rationale on the other images used on this page. Note that any fair use images lacking such an explanation can be deleted one week after being tagged, as described on criteria for speedy deletion. If you have any questions please ask them at the Media copyright questions page. Thank you.

BetacommandBot (talk) 07:39, 15 January 2008 (UTC)

Ed Toutant episode

Has it ever aired since the initial ABC run? Does GSN even have possession of his million dollar win? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 65.31.33.93 (talk) 04:46, 9 March 2008 (UTC)

I think GSN got his original run with the tainted $16,000 question, but as far as his second run, I'm not sure. Although I would tune into GSN tomorrow (6/24/2008) for the 12AM ET/9 PT episode. Last I checked, Dan Blonsky's million-dollar run is going to be finished up. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.189.63.127 (talk) 23:58, 23 June 2008 (UTC)

Even though it was 8 years ago, I still remember that Friday night when I was in a rush to get somewhere, and I decided not to tape Millionaire thinking it was going to be just another rerun, only to end up being the rare moment that Ed Toutant won the million and change.--68.56.10.166 (talk) 08:45, 25 May 2009 (UTC)

Million Dollar Winners

Dhett is vandalizing, the million dollar winners are correct as I have them. These episodes aired in the past week on GSN, and the date are confirmed. His vandalizing has been reported anyhow. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 65.31.33.93 (talk) 18:09, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Many thanks to the 204 ip for fixing this. I will admit to having Blonsky and Trela mixed up, but clearly Dhett was vandalizing the July 2000 winners, knowing full well it was erroneous information. He's been reported to the moderators anyhow, if he does it again, he's blocked. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 65.31.33.93 (talk) 21:14, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Quarter Millionaires

Anybdoy have the quarter-million dollar winners? I know there weren't a large amount of them, but I have seen a couple. Can anybody get those on? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.189.63.127 (talk) 18:48, 23 June 2008 (UTC)

I found the first 14 quarter-millionaires from one of the links here:

Doug Van Gundy (8/20/99), Gary Levine (11/11/99), Toby Moore (11/18/99), Matt Marcotte (11/20/99), Neil Larrimore (11/24/99), Joe Roberts (1/9/00), Michael Avitzur (2/15/00), Dan Demars (2/20/00), David Forman (2/24/00), Kevin Simcox (3/12/00), Al Schaeffer (3/16/00), Ian Reifowitz (4/2/00), David Rice (4/6/00), Tom Ashton (4/16/00), and Chris Barker (4/23/00).

I also happen to know of a few other quarter-millionaires, but I have no dates on them. They are Danny Bonaduce, Johnny Bench, Charles Barkley, and Jon Lubin. Bonaduce was on Classic TV Edition, Bench and Barkley were on Sports Superstars Edition (they actually came right after each other), and Jon Lubin was on College Edition. If it helps. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.189.63.127 (talk) 21:58, 14 July 2008 (UTC)

As the main article notes, Meredith Vieira won a quarter-million on a 2002 celebrity-week primetime show for a 9/11 charity. Glenn L (talk) 06:05, 4 March 2009 (UTC)

David Duchovny and the Half-Million Question

Is there anyone out there that has the exact day that David Duchovny was on?

He was on May 1, 2000 —Preceding unsigned comment added by 70.188.175.248 (talk) 23:39, 2 July 2008 (UTC)

College Scholarship Millionaire?

I recently heard that producers are in the process of making College Scholarship Millionaire, an edition where high-school age kids (13-18) go on and play for money to be put into a trust fund for a college scholarship to the college of their choice. Is this true? GBL4AV 13:32, 27 July 2008

-- I do not think this is correct. I haven't heard anything about a specialty show with that theme, nor did I see any notices about auditions for it. Millionaire often has "College Week" specials, but no show where scholarships are awarded. 65.80.177.131 (talk) 08:26, 9 February 2009 (UTC)

Tim Shields

Reading through the American game show winnings record page, a man named Tim Shields apparently went on Millionaire and won $500,000, followed by an additional $16,000 on the Champions Edition. Is this true, and if so, what day was he on? 71.165.67.179 (talk) 03:30, 2 September 2008 (UTC)GBL4AV

Why are they adding this rule to Millionaire?

I don't understand; why are all the nations that have "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" putting a time limit on the questions? It may be helpful at the $1,000,000 question, but the time limit can put pressure on the contestant... —Preceding unsigned comment added by 70.241.5.20 (talk) 01:50, 6 September 2008 (UTC)

I think Michael Davies, Millionaire's producer, used the time limit to get more people into the hot seat, and so there aren't idiots rung up at the $4,000 question all the time. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.165.67.179 (talk) 05:11, 9 September 2008 (UTC)

Logo out of date

Eventually the logo is going to need to be updated to the 2008-09 season. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 216.232.206.206 (talk) 21:45, 9 September 2008 (UTC)

Unusual Blurb

Does the entire section at the bottom of article talking about the 'humor' value of making fun of Millionaire losers seem a little strange to have in an Encyclopaedia article? I am tempted to just delete the whole Hoax section, but figure it should be discussed. 203.211.74.105 (talk) 04:39, 20 November 2008 (UTC) Section has been cut back to hoax information only, made some minor changes to grammar etc. 203.211.74.105 (talk) 02:04, 21 November 2008 (UTC)

To be honest, I never knew there was a hoax until this snippet appeared. I have seen the picture it refers to many times, but I always assumed it was a hoax in the UK or something. I personally think it's out of place in the article, but I'll leave that for someone else to decide. MillionaireJunkie (talk) 21:24, 13 December 2008 (UTC)

I am editing the Dumbest Contestant Hoax down to a bare minimum again after noticing it was reverted back in. No offense to the editor who added it initially, but it does not seem entirely notable. I will leave the link to the original image, the link to the email itself, and some other basic info. If you want to change it back, I would love to hear some justification for it. This page is massive at the moment, and could probably do with a bit of an overhaul :) Cheers Nait2k4 (talk) 01:24, 15 December 2008 (UTC)

Moved Notable Contestants List

I have moved the ponderous list of contestants to its own page and linked it, as well as tidying up some over linking and formatting in the celebrity section. Page is down to about 37kb, which is slightly better than the 55 odd it was. Cheers Nait2k4 (talk) 02:18, 15 December 2008 (UTC)

The deletion of the article constitutes vandalism, and I shall find a way to recover the information of the notable contestants. Be well aware that if a legitimate article is deleted, reguardless of Wikipedia's Deletion Policy, you are responsible for any information lost. You are forewarned!--Tomballguy (talk) 21:26, 14 March 2009 (UTC)Chris

Rick Rosner

Funny he wasn't even mentioned, as he claims the question he missed was not worded precisely enough. The question was: "What capitol city is located at the highest altitude above sea level?" The answer, Quito, actually varies in elevation, and at some points is much lower than Kathmandu, the answer Rosner gave. He actually sued Millionaire over this question, though the outcome of the lawsuit is not known by me. Darktangent (talk) 08:55, 31 March 2009 (UTC)

I am interested as to the outcome of this as well. The controversy was well covered on Errol Morris's documentary series First Person, but I am unaware of the ultimate outcome as well. I feel that controversies regarding the show and the few contestants who have had serious issues with misleading questions should be mentioned.WesUGAdawg (talk) 23:55, 16 September 2009 (UTC)

Removing "out of time" section

I've removed the section listing contestants who have run out of time.[1] This list has the potential to become unnecessarily large, and I can't think of why such a list would be noteworthy. --Bando26 (talk) 04:00, 7 April 2009 (UTC)

August 2009 Money Tree

Will someone please tell me where the new money tree for the primetime revival came from? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.232.195.191 (talk) 01:57, 26 April 2009 (UTC)

I agree. Where DID that come from? Is it valid. If so it needs explanation, as someone reading only that section would not know what it means.

Furthermore, I am not sure that the August 2009 money ladder came from a reliable source.--207.161.83.70 (talk) 01:53, 11 May 2009 (UTC)

Please do not insert such irrevelent money trees for the revival unless you have a reliable source. Such unsourced material may be challenged and removed.--70.240.200.116 (talk) 23:12, 19 May 2009 (UTC)Chris

Umm, I also looked up for what the money tree will be and although I couldn't find an offical board, there is the saying that the revival will be the syndicated version, rule for rule. Now, even though there isn't a showing of the board, it should be assumed that the syndie's board will likely be the revival board. I mean, even though it may not show entirely, you can find the truth in small words.166.155.181.46 (talk) 20:01, 22 June 2009 (UTC)

Yes, but according to WP policy, content needs to be sourced. --(GameShowKid)--(talk)--(evidence)--( 20:05, 22 June 2009 (UTC)

Good Evening, the Primetime "Money Tree" and "Lifelines" will be exactly the same as in the current syndicated version. Thank you. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 70.72.204.203 (talk) 06:20, 1 August 2009 (UTC)

Syndicated and Network split

Should we split this article into two? (One for the syndicated version and one for the network (ABC) run.) Soopto (talk) 20:46, 19 May 2009 (UTC)

Probably not. All it needs is a subsection in the current article, since the original Network show is still in the article. --(GameShowKid)--(talk)--(evidence)--( 21:10, 19 May 2009 (UTC)

GameGuy95 went ahead and split the article without discussing it first. I've warned him, and redirected the new article to this one. Editors: Please discuss drastic changes such as this one here before making sudden actions. Thank you. --(GameShowKid)--(talk)--(evidence)--( 07:59, 20 June 2009 (UTC)

The syndicated article should seperate from the current article due to the fact that with the primetime version coming back, the syndicated version should have a different article to announce the progress of that show. Look at Deal or No Deal and Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader; they have seperate articles themselves and the current progress is shown themselves. So, that is the reason why there should be a seperate article. —Preceding unsigned comment added by GameGuy95 (talk • contribs) 19:17, 20 June 2009 (UTC)

Also, I apologize for not discussing it first. I just think that even though the primetime revival is only for two weeks, there should be a seperate article for the syndicated version so we can know updates on that version such as renewal, host change, etc. I believe there should be a seperate article. —Preceding unsigned comment added by GameGuy95 (talk • contribs) 00:41, 21 June 2009 (UTC)

I'm bringing back the syndie split. Anyone who rejects, may them speak now or forever hold their peace. —Preceding unsigned comment added by GameGuy95 (talk • contribs) 15:50, 21 June 2009 (UTC)

I reject. The article has gone on for this long without a split. I think it's clear that it's not extremely important. And, for the love of God, use the fucking signature button! It's not that hard! --(GameShowKid)--(talk)--(evidence)--( 17:02, 21 June 2009 (UTC)

FINE!!!GameGuy95 (talk) 20:58, 21 June 2009 (UTC)

Now, I don't know why there shouldn't be a syndie split. I mean, even if no one wants an article for syndication, why not have a sort-of seperate article. I mean, another Infobox section with the syndication article on the same page is a good idea. Maybe even thining out to two seperate shows on one page is another option. I mean, come on! If we can change with an African-American as president, we can certainly change with a measley article.

Also, I looked up on the revival. There is going to be a celebrity at the end of each show.166.155.181.46 (talk) 19:48, 22 June 2009 (UTC)

Any problem with section split on the same page?GameGuy95 (talk) 21:24, 22 June 2009 (UTC)

Here at ABC, we feel a split would be beneficial to differentiate between the primetime and daytime versions of our show. Please continue splitting the article. Thank you.

Your welcome. And, this may seem like an impossible dream, but if/when u revive the show, could you all try a format something like ive been trying to do. GameGuy95 (talk) 01:15, 11 August 2009 (UTC)

Leave it as a whole, because the format is just about the same in all U.S. versions. WikiLubber (talk) 01:19, 11 August 2009 (UTC)

Trivia section

I have removed the Trivia section twice. The points are not necessary to the article. Why is it being reinstated? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Twistedkombat (talk • contribs) 00:40, 6 July 2009 (UTC)

Tapings

The episode to be taped on July 28. 2009 (for the primetime version) has been cancelled. This information was given to me by ABC-TV staff because I had a ticket for that show. --Cooly123 (talk) 19:28, 29 July 2009 (UTC)

There never was actually supposed to be a taping for this date; it was just a wrong date which appeared on the Millionaire website. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 70.72.204.203 (talk) 06:23, 1 August 2009 (UTC)

Ratings update

Can we lisr the place for hour that the show took in the ratings chart? (for example Aug 12 was 1st for the hour) -- 16:41, 13 August 2009 (UTC) —Preceding unsigned comment added by Cooly123 (talk • contribs)

People posting spoilers before tonight's airing

Seriously, it's not fair for those who want to learn the outcome of the show manualy. Please do not post spoilers of tonight's 10th Anniversary finale until AFTER the episode airs.--mysterious singing springs needs to be shut down 23:00, 23 August 2009 (UTC)Chris —Preceding unsigned comment added by Tomballguy (talk • contribs)

My friend, you need to read two things: WP:SPOILER and WP:NPA. –túrian^patois 23:28, 23 August 2009 (UTC)

2009+

Any information about the show airing past August 2009? -- 01:17, 24 August 2009 (UTC) —Preceding unsigned comment added by Cooly123 (talk • contribs)

We'll probably never know. I hope it does, but just remember that this is not a forum for discussion about the article's topic.Chris--mysterious singing springs needs to be shut down 02:50, 25 August 2009 (UTC) —Preceding unsigned comment added by Tomballguy (talk • contribs)

The show will have a 8th Season on Syndication, Viera said so on the last night of Primetime Millionaire, as the 9 Contestants who were left on the Fastest Finger seats will be the first 9 to be taped for that season. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jM0HJFX1tBQ&feature=related Rollinman (talk) 18:20, 26 August 2009 (UTC)

We know that, but the user on top of this discussion was asking about the Primetime show.--It's my Junior year in High School! 02:00, 11 October 2009 (UTC)Chris

1999-2009

There are over 11 seasons this year. They will have season 12 on 2010. It will be the longest running show like The Simpsons on 2012. Wait for the next episodes to come. - Alex Lindell —Preceding unsigned comment added by Alex Lindell (talk • contribs) 15:08, 10 October 2009 (UTC)

...And where did you hear that? Show us a source!--It's my Junior year in High School! (talk) 00:33, 5 November 2009 (UTC)Chris

This Article Needs to Be Seperated

The Wiki Millionaire page has become completely crowded, displeasing and a disgrace to look at recently. EVERY other television show's primetime and syndicated shows have been seperated.

The process should begin to start seperating this page's contents into 4 sections:

-Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (US Primetime) 1999-2002 -Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (Syndicated) 2002-Current -Who Wants to Be a Super Millionaire 2004 -Who Wants to Be a Millionaire: 10th Anniversary Celebration 2009

Let the seperating process begin! 136.159.209.102 (talk) 20:30, 15 October 2009 (UTC)

Separating is not needed for the article. However, an article already exists for Super Millionaire. Feel free to organize the article. If Millionaire does come back in primetime for a second run, I can see it needing a separate article, like Super Millionaire. -- GSK (talk ● evidence) 23:45, 15 October 2009 (UTC)

SUPER Millionaire had 12 episodes. MILLIONAIRE Ten Anniversary had 11 episodes. It is so utterly messey that not even the ORIGINAL primetime episode is not seperated from the SYNDICATED version. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 136.159.209.4 (talk) 18:45, 24 November 2009 (UTC)

Ok here's the thing GSK:

Number 1: that user has a good point. The entire article is very cluttered, very messy and very long. Seperation is needed, period. Its so messy, I can't even figure out which is which. Also, more information can be given for each show like:

• Contestants that Run out of Time
• Top Prize losers
• ETC. ETC.

Number 2: Please tell the world why you won't have a stupid seperation of the article. It's just that easy. Also, why don't YOU, yes you, organize it yourself and MAYBE we'll change our minds.

Thank you GameGuy95 (talk) 23:24, 6 December 2009 (UTC)

Tournament of Ten

In this tournament, the highest seeded player that answers the question right wins a million. If a lower seed answered it prior, what do they win? Their original earnings? Only $25,000? Some amount in the middle? I don't think this is clear. Wolfman2000 (talk) 17:31, 10 November 2009 (UTC)

It was perfectly clear, I don't understand how people don't comprehend the rules. They are risking their ORIGINAL earnings. If they answer wrong, they lose a portion as normal (i.e. if they had $100,000 and lost, they would drop back to $25,000). If they answered correctly but didn't win the tournament, then they left with the same amount they won on their previous show. Nothing more, nothing less. It's not that hard. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 65.80.177.131 (talk) 20:22, 19 November 2009 (UTC)

Out of time

Can somebody please give me a full list of contestants who have ran out of time on a question please? GameGuy95 (talk) 16:23, 28 November 2009 (UTC)