ABC's revival of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" enters its fifth season with a celebrity-focused lineup that abandons the traditional contestant pool for A-list entertainment. Jimmy Kimmel continues as host, steering a season that features Ben Affleck, Michael Keaton, Billy Porter, Awkwafina, and podcaster Cazzie David alongside her father Larry David.
The shift toward household names marks a departure from the show's original format, which built its reputation on ordinary Americans answering trivia questions for escalating cash prizes. This pivot reflects broader trends in reality television, where networks increasingly mine celebrity rosters to boost ratings and social media engagement. The format transforms the game show into something closer to a celebrity charity event or vanity project, trading suspense for recognizable faces.
Kimmel's tenure as host has proven stable since the show's 2020 return, lending late-night comedy sensibilities to the straightforward question-and-answer structure. His comedic rapport with guests creates banter that extends beyond the mechanics of lifelines and multiple-choice answers.
The inclusion of Larry and Cazzie David represents a particularly intriguing pairing. Larry David, the "Seinfeld" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm" creator, brings cultural cachet and comedic timing honed over decades. Cazzie David built her own audience through podcasting and writing, creating a generational bridge within the episode.
Casting actors of Affleck and Keaton's caliber suggests ABC invested significantly in talent coordination. Both men command substantial fee negotiations, indicating the network's commitment to prestige celebrity appearances rather than aspiring millionaires.
The celebrity approach strips away one element that made the original "Millionaire" compelling: genuine financial stakes for ordinary people. The drama shifts from "will this teacher win tuition money?" to "will this Hollywood actor get the trivia question?" The emotional investment changes accordingly.