| WHAT TO WATCH

Philbin Returns for ABC's 'Super Millionaire'

Monday, January 26, 2004

09:17 AM PT

"Who Wants to be a Millionaire" is taking over ABC's schedule at the end of February sweeps. But don't go comparing this game show infestation to the "Millionaire" blight that took ABC to the top of the ratings charts and just as quickly sent the network crashing down. No, get ready for "Super Millionaire."

Produced, once again, by UK-based Celador, "Super Millionaire" follows the established format fairly strictly. Contestants must answer 15 questions in order to win a big cash prize. Once again, they will have their basic three lifelines in their quest for untold riches.

As De La Soul might say, though, the stakes is high. The first question on "Super Millionaire" will be worth $1,000 and if contestants answer all 15 questions, they'll win $10,000,000. Naturally, there will be harder questions, more annoying music and brand new lifelines.

"For months, we have been carefully monitoring the environment to determine if the time is right for a new, totally amped up version of 'Millionaire' -- broadcast in its original, event-like form," says ABC Chairman Lloyd Braun. "We think this is the time."

The first installment of "Super Millionaire" will air on Sunday, Feb. 22 at 9 p.m. ET. Subsequent episodes will air that Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 10 p.m.

Oh yes, and the show will mark the return of Regis Philbin to the "Millionaire" franchise, a fact that really excites the show's executive producer, Michael Davies.

"Regis is back," Davies declares. "Let's call this installment, the Return Of The King."