Who Wants to Be a Millionaire: About the Hosts

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire has seen an impressive roster of hosts across its international versions, but the U.S. edition alone has featured a fascinating evolution of personalities at the helm. From the iconic Regis Philbin to current stars like Jimmy Kimmel, each host has brought their own charisma, pacing, and energy to the high-stakes format. Here’s a look at the key figures who’ve helped shape the Millionaire experience for American audiences.

Regis Philbin: The Original Face of Millionaire

Regis Philbin was the original and defining host of the U.S. version, which premiered on ABC in 1999. Already a household name from his daytime talk show, Philbin added gravitas and warmth to the hot seat. His iconic phrases — especially “Is that your final answer?” — became part of the cultural lexicon.

Philbin’s presence helped launch the show into a national obsession. Viewership for his initial prime-time run reached over 30 million people, leading ABC to air the show as often as four times a week. Regis’s style was firm but empathetic — he conveyed the tension of each moment without overwhelming the contestant or the audience.

He remained host until 2002, setting the tone for what a Millionaire host should be: polished, articulate, and deeply invested in the contestant’s journey.

Meredith Vieira: Queen of Daytime Millionaire

In 2002, the show transitioned to a daily syndicated format, and Meredith Vieira took the reins. Best known at the time for her work on The View and Dateline NBC, Vieira brought a mix of intelligence and emotional sensitivity that helped sustain the show’s popularity in a more intimate, daytime setting.

Over her 11-year run, Vieira became the longest-serving U.S. host of Millionaire. She presided over several changes to the show, including new lifelines and prize structures. Vieira’s approachable demeanor helped contestants feel at ease, and her subtle humor and supportive energy made her a fan favorite.

Cedric the Entertainer, Terry Crews, and Chris Harrison

Following Vieira’s departure in 2013, the show experimented with a series of new hosts:

  • Cedric the Entertainer hosted for one season with a relaxed, comedic vibe, though ratings dipped.
  • Terry Crews, actor and former NFL player, followed in 2014–15. Known for his charisma and enthusiasm, Crews injected high energy but couldn’t recapture Vieira’s longevity.
  • Chris Harrison, best known as the host of The Bachelor, took over in 2015 and stayed through the show’s final syndicated season in 2019. Harrison’s polished delivery suited the modernized set and new format elements introduced during this period.

Each of these hosts brought distinct flavor to the show, with varying degrees of success in terms of ratings and audience reception.

Jimmy Kimmel: The Revival Host

In 2020, ABC revived Millionaire for prime time with Jimmy Kimmel as host. The reboot came during the COVID-19 pandemic, which introduced new production constraints like no live audience and socially distanced contestants. Despite the limitations, Kimmel’s version was a hit.

His comedic timing, cultural familiarity, and sincere engagement with celebrity and civilian contestants struck a strong chord with viewers. The show also introduced a format where contestants could bring a guest “expert” to assist them, adding a collaborative and often heartwarming element to the gameplay.

Kimmel’s run saw the first $1 million celebrity win (David Chang) and helped reinvigorate interest in the classic quiz format during a time when nostalgia and comfort TV were in high demand.

Other Notable International Hosts

While not part of the U.S. version, it’s worth mentioning a few of the most recognizable international Millionaire hosts:

  • Chris Tarrant (UK): The original Millionaire host globally. His British humor and dramatic pacing became a model for others.
  • Amitabh Bachchan (India): A Bollywood icon whose hosting of Kaun Banega Crorepati elevated the show into a national institution.
  • Eddie McGuire (Australia): Hosted the Australian version for over a decade, blending sports fandom with trivia smarts.

The consistency of the host’s role across versions has helped create a cohesive global brand, with each country's host becoming a local TV legend in their own right.

Summary

The host of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire isn’t just a moderator — they’re part game master, part coach, and part therapist. From Regis Philbin’s no-nonsense intensity to Meredith Vieira’s comforting encouragement, from Jimmy Kimmel’s dry wit to international legends like Chris Tarrant, each has helped turn a series of multiple-choice questions into must-see TV. The faces may change, but the heartbeat of the show remains the same: one person, one question at a time, chasing a million-dollar dream — with a host guiding them along the way.