Philbin set to come back, with millions
From a Times staff writer
Regis Philbin has agreed to return as host when ABC unveils what it calls “a new, totally amped-up version” of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” next month, featuring a top prize of $10 million.
The quiz show was a hit when ABC introduced it in 1999, but its popularity waned as the network spread installments over four nights a week, and it was canceled in 2002.
The game has survived in syndication, however, with Meredith Vieira as host.
The new network version, called “Super Millionaire,” will air for five nights during the February ratings sweeps, beginning Feb. 22.