The question soon entered the list of classic TV catchphrases. His oft-repeated question "Is that your final answer?" (later shortened to an abrupt "Final?") quickly began appearing on T-shirts (see entry under 1910s-Fashion in volume 1) and other merchandise. A natural showman, Philbin soon developed his own signature lines when interacting with contestants. The friendly Philbin brought a mischievous flavor to the program with his New York accent and strange vocal rhythms, most notably his curious decision to emphasize the wrong word when saying the title question (he pronounced it "Who wants to be a millionaire"). Selected as host, after an intensive search, was morning talk-show host Regis Philbin. When Millionaire earned big ratings in Britain, Davies decided to try adapting it for American audiences. Its eerie space-age set and dramatic music distinguished the show from other game shows.
To help contestants along, a variety of "lifelines" were provided, including the ability to phone a friend or to poll the live audience for answer suggestions. The basis of the show was simple: contestants, who were selected by a telephone screening process, had to answer a series of increasingly difficult multiple-choice trivia questions, with an ever-increasing cash prize attached. The light-hearted multiple-choice quiz program is widely credited with reviving the game-show genre (category). Now, with a new American host, Regis Philbin (1933–), it became a blockbuster on the American side of the Atlantic as well. The show was already a hit in Great Britain. On August 16, 1999, America was introduced to the latest game-show (see entry under 1950s-TV and Radio in volume 3) sensation when Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? made its debut on the ABC network.
0 kommentar(er)
