What is Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? about?

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? is an iconic American television game show adapted from a British original, offering contestants the chance to win up to $1 million by answering a succession of multiple-choice questions. The format is straightforward yet captivating, with each question escalating in complexity and jeopardy. As participants work their way through the tiers of questions, they are afforded a limited number of lifelines, such as ‘Ask the Audience’ and ‘50/50’, which they can use when in doubt. Intensity and drama build as contestants advance, with the ultimate goal of reaching the million-dollar question. The show initially aired as a special event in 1999, hosted by Regis Philbin, and garnered immense popularity, leading to its establishment as a regular series on ABC. The program not only became a staple in American households but also sparked a wide variety of international versions, making it a significant part of the global television landscape.

The first episode of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? aired on August 16, 1999 and the most recent episode to air was on August 23, 2009.