In a major shake-up, TV Blackbox can exclusively reveal that Network 10 is set to revive Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, marking the return of one of Australia’s most iconic game shows.
The format first launched on the Nine Network in 1999 with Eddie McGuire as host, later evolving into Millionaire Hot Seat in 2009. After more than two decades on air, Hot Seat was put on hiatus (read: axed) in late 2023, with Tipping Point Australia taking over its timeslot in early 2024.
While Nine briefly revived Millionaire for a few specials in 2021, it seemed the format had been put to rest—until now. The primetime show remains a global hit, with Jeremy Clarkson’s UK version locked in for another season on ITV next year and Jimmy Kimmel hosting a 25th-anniversary run on ABC (US) last year.
McGuire himself was confident the show would return, telling SMH last year: “It’ll come back. It’s too good a format not to.” But instead of Nine, the revival is happening on Network 10, with sources telling TV Blackbox casting is complete and is set to film soon in Melbourne.
While details on the host and timeslot remain under wraps for now, it’s unlikely that 10 will opt for the nightly Hot Seat-style format. Instead, the show is expected to return as a series of primetime Millionaire specials, airing around other key stripped programming on the network.
Sony Pictures Television owns the Millionaire format and took over local production in later years alongside McGuire’s Jam TV. Sony’s Australian production arm, Curio Pictures, which has worked with 10 on the revival of Shark Tank Australia, could be a likely choice to produce the new version.
The revival is the latest in a wave of classic game shows returning to Australian TV. Last year, 10 brought back Deal or No Deal, now airing at 6pm weeknights with Grant Denyer. Ironically, Nine originally launched the Millionaire Hot Seat format as a direct competitor to Seven’s Deal or No Deal—and now both shows will sit in 10’s lineup.
The network also commissioned an Aussie version of Wheel of Fortune, filmed in the UK with Graham Norton as host. While the local series performed solidly in its Monday night slot last year, 10’s recent attempt to air the UK version on Friday nights fell flat, with episodes pulled after 3 episodes likely due to low ratings. The US Wheel, hosted by Ryan Seacrest, continues to air as part of 10’s daytime schedule.
With nostalgia-fuelled game show revivals gaining traction, Millionaire is the latest classic to return. But will it strike ratings gold once again?
Stay tuned to TV Blackbox for more details—including who’ll be sitting in the host’s chair.
*Network 10 were approached for comment, however did not respond by time of publication.
Yes!
Thank god no more Eddie.
Ray Hastie Not so quick there, Eddie could still very well pop up on this revived version on 10! He appeared during their last years of the Melb Cup broadcast, and his production company are producers of the show.
TV Blackbox hope not. I also hope Grant Denyer doesn’t host. He’s a bit overexposed at 10.
TV Blackbox God I hope not… Enough to make me want to switch off
AOK comeback ?
Gavin Wright Think it’s fair to say this absolutely won’t be happening.
TV Blackbox how about Lisa to work off those legal fees 😉😬
What about Andy Lee hosts it
It won’t last look at any game show that Channel 10 has done they don’t last in this age
Give it 6 months to a year before it gets axed and that’s being nice
<3 🙂
Susan Smith what about deal or no deal that’s going good
Pj Dorsett It’s only been going since January 29, 2024 give it another 3 years (at most) then it will be gone as well from my understanding they are losing viewers
Take a look at Family Feud (2014 to 2018) it ran for 4 years on Channel 10 then was axed
Here are 2 more game shows that were axed plus there are heaps more
Game of Games
Are you smarter then a 5th grader
<3 🙂
Susan Smith if you have nothing nice to say don’t say it all yes I am smarter then a 5th grader and not every show lasts forever
Pj Dorsett I’m smarter then a 5th grader was a game show that Rove Mcmanus hosted
I wasn’t saying you weren’t
<3 🙂
Susan Smith Oka sorry about that miss read
Pj Dorsett That’s alright
<3 🙂
Susan Smith Deal or no deal is popular, the 6PM time slot doesn’t suit
So is channel 10 getting it…and where will they put it…idea…Millionaire at 5pm…News at 5.30pm
IO the Rehash channel that’s how desperate they are ,Owners Paramount are starving it FUNDS .
Apparently channel 7 now are having intentions on running the UK version – wouldn’t it be fun if both 7 and 10 decide to run them at the same time….
Where can I apply to be on the show . 😀
Hi Di, the network has yet to officially announce the show, so contestant casting details aren’t available at this time. Stay tuned – we’ll share any updates as soon as we have them. Thanks!