History Series / WhoWantsToBeAMillionaire

** The ''Canadian Edition'' (shot in the same NYC studio as the American version) only had two episodes before being cancelled.
** The New Zealander edition lasted a single season in 2008.
** Similarly, the South Korean version also lasted only one season in 2013.

*** The filming of episodes can't be properly structured. They have to wait for the current question to finish up before they're allowed to go to a commercial break (though there are a few very extreme exceptions.) Every now and then, this results in a commercial break right after a contestant finished their run, but there wouldn't be enough time left in the episode to bring out the next contestant. Meredith (as well as her successors) usually takes the last few minutes to call a selected member of the audience and give them a chance to answer the next question that would have been asked to the former contestant. Whether they guessed correctly or not, they walked away with a copy of the ''Who Wants To Be A Millionaire'' video game for the UsefulNotes/NintendoWii, but would also earn $1,000 if they got it right.

TV GameShow, originating in the UsefulNotes/UnitedKingdom in 1998. [[Creator/JasperCarrott Celador]], its former production company, now incorporated into [[{{Creator/Sony}} Sony]], has produced over 130 versions of the show for different nations worldwide, with India alone having 7 versions for different languages.

** "'''50:50'''": Two wrong answers are eliminated; originally, [[TheComputerIsACheatingBastard this removed the two most obviously-wrong answers as predetermined by the question writers]], but later changed to removing two wrong answers through [[UsefulNotes/RandomNumberGenerator a Random Number Generator]]. Replaced by Double Dip in 2008 with the introduction of the Clock format but later reintroduced in 2015, replacing the remaining Jump the Question from the now-retired Shuffle format.

** "'''Double Dip'''": Used only on ''Super Millionaire'' at first, but later replaced 50:50 in the American version in 2008. Contestants are allowed to make two guesses at the same question, but once this lifeline is used, they are locked into answering the question and cannot walk away, nor can they use any further lifelines on that question. It was removed when the show moved on to the Shuffle format.

** In a 2001 episode of the same version, a contestant won £32,000, the highest "safe" amount on that version. Chris Tarrant handed him a cheque for that amount, as he often does in that situation--which the contestant immediately crumpled up and tossed away, saying he intended to win a lot more. Said contestant promptly blew the next question, and Tarrant refused to write him another cheque, forcing the contestant to go looking on the studio floor for the original one. (Contrary to common belief, the cheques were not props. He actually had to lodge the scrunched up cheque at the bank, as with all other cheques on the show.)
** Don't say what options you're torn between when using the 50:50. [[LampshadeHanging I wonder what ones will stay...]]

* {{Cap}}: Present in the Russian version since December 2018. Thanks to the addition of "Switch the Question" lifeline - and thus bringing the total amount of lifelines to ''5'', the contestants are allowed to use ''only 4 of them'' throughout the game.

* AbandonedCatchphrase: The first season had the host recite the catchphrase "Is that your final answer?" after every single question. This was later shortened to "Final answer?", then to just "Final?". Two possible reasons for doing away with the original catchphrase: (1) Viewers got a little fatigued hearing the same phrase over and over again, (2) Regis Philbin, the original host, was getting more than a little sick of having people say the phrase to him everywhere -- see also ''Never Heard That One Before''.
* AbsurdlyHighStakesGame: In 2004, after the end of the U.S. primetime version, ABC aired a brief, ramped-up revival as ''Who Wants to Be a '''Super''' Millionaire'' for February and May sweeps. The format stayed similar, except that the prize money was ramped up considerably (with the final five questions being $500,000, $1,000,000, $2,500,000, $5,000,000, and ''$10,000,000''). In addition, once the contestant reached the second safe haven (now $100,000), two new lifelines were unlocked -- Double Dip (which allows contestants to make a second guess on a question, except they forfeit their right to walk away, or use any further lifelines on that question), and Three Wise Men (which allows the contestant to converse with a panel of three experts (including a past contestant) for 30 seconds.

* ADayInTheLimelight: Regis actually played a charity question to wrap up the 10th-Anniversary specials. Meredith took the hosting duties for this occasion -- the chairs were reversed, Meredith hosting in the usual contestant position. Inverted in the syndicated version, when Regis came back to host the week after Thanksgiving 2009. Regis won the money by answering which of four answers was NOT a million-dollar winning answer on the US primetime version of Millionaire. This episode was also famous for being the first time on the American show when a contestant attempted the million-dollar answer and missed it.

** The first seasons of the syndicated version had some elements from the ABC era -- Phone-a-Friend was still sponsored by AT&T, while the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth questions were still worth the traditional $32K, $64K, and $125K respectively. In 2004, these questions were downgraded to $25K, $50K, and $100K.

** In a 2001 episode of the same version, a contestant won £32,000, the highest "safe" amount on that version. Chris Tarrant handed him a cheque for that amount, as he often does in that situation -- which the contestant immediately crumpled up and tossed away, saying he intended to win a lot more. Said contestant promptly blew the next question, and Tarrant refused to write him another cheque, forcing the contestant to go looking on the studio floor for the original one. (Contrary to common belief, the cheques were not props. He actually had to lodge the scrunched up cheque at the bank, as with all other cheques on the show.)

** The UK version also tends to hype up top prize winners in advance. Notably, the broadcast of the episode with the first millionaire was heavily publicised as such, so it could act as a spoiler for another big TV event on the opposite channel -- namely, the final ever episode of the enormously popular ''Series/OneFootInTheGrave''. Later millionaires had various tactics, such as trailers ''strongly implying'' the million was about to be given away again, whilst the first win of the revived series announced that it would happen without specifying which episode in the forthcoming run would feature it. Sure enough, it was on Night 5 of 5.

*** The filming of episodes can't be properly structured. They have to wait for the current question to finish up before they're allowed to go to a commercial break (though there are a few very extreme exceptions.) Every now and then, this results in a commercial break right after a contestant finished their run, but there wouldn't be enough time left in the episode to bring out the next contestant. Meredith (as well her successors) usually takes the last few minutes to call a selected member of the audience and give them a chance to answer the next question that would have been asked to the former contestant. Whether they guessed correctly or not, they walked away with a copy of the ''Who Wants To Be A Millionaire'' video game for the UsefulNotes/NintendoWii, but would also earn $1,000 if they got it right.

* StudioAudience: Actively used when a contestant uses Ask The Audience.

* TheAnnouncer: Some versions, namely Japanese and Austrian, would have an announcer introducing the contestants and/or the host.

** The ''Canadiam Edition'' (shot in the same NYC studio as the American version) only had two episodes before being cancelled.

The game generally starts with a "Fastest Finger First" (or just "Fastest Finger" in the United States) round, wherein up to ten contestants have to place four answers in order; (e.g., "List these U.S. Presidents in chronological order, starting with the earliest"). The contestant who gives the correct order in the fastest time starts the main game, followed by those who did so in the next fastest times, and ending with he/she who had the slowest time.

In the main game, the contestant must answer 15 (14 in later seasons of the U.S. syndicated version, and later series of the UK version changed it to 12 although the original 15-question money tree was reinstated in the {{revival}}) multiple-choice questions correctly, worth increasing amounts of money to win up to £1 million (or local currency equivalent). He/she starts with three "Lifelines", which are one-time-only helps he/she can use if he/she's unsure about a question.

Under the classic rules, the contestant can stop at any time and keep whatever money he/she's earned up to that point (a move known as "walking away"). If he/she passes the 5- or 10-question mark (2- and 7- mark in the UK version from 2007-14), he/she is guaranteed to get that amount of money, even if they answer wrong on a later question. If he/she gets an answer wrong, he/she loses his/her money, except for whatever was guaranteed. The 2018 British revival added a twist to the second safety net by letting the contestant choose from the sixth question onwards whether he/she wants to set the safety net at the next question or proceed (the first still remains at the 5-question mark). See below for the changes in the US Shuffle format.

The American version[[note]]which officially lacks a question mark in its title[[/note]] was a massive hit in the beginning, spawning a huge revival in {{game show}}s in general and [[WhoWantsToBeWhoWantsToBeAMillionaire big money, prime time quiz shows]] in particular (including many other imported shows). Ratings eventually tanked, however, with most people [[ScrewedByTheNetwork pointing their fastest fingers at]] [[Creator/AmericanBroadcastingCompany ABC]] for [[WolverinePublicity milking the show to the point of overexposure]] (at one point, it was aired ''four nights a week''). It still lived, however, in a more normal (for a game show) weekday afternoon syndication format, but the show's popularity and viewership has dipped quite a bit since then. The U.S. syndicated version was cancelled on May 31, 2019 after 17 seasons. On April 8, 2020, ABC premiered a primetime version of the series hosted by Creator/JimmyKimmel, which ran for two more seasons. Only celebrities played in the first season, and the second season added first responders and frontline workers. This version quietly came to an end on March 21, 2021.

* Each contestant could "pass" only once; a move which rotated the next contestant into the same question, and that contestant couldn't pass that one even if he/she hadn't passed yet.

The American version[[note]]which officially lacks a question mark in its title[[/note]] was a massive hit in the beginning, spawning a huge revival in {{game show}}s in general and [[WhoWantsToBeWhoWantsToBeAMillionaire big money, prime time quiz shows]] in particular (including many other imported shows). Ratings eventually tanked, however, with most people [[ScrewedByTheNetwork pointing]] their fastest fingers [[ScrewedByTheNetwork at]] Creator/{{ABC}} for [[WolverinePublicity milking the show to the point of overexposure]] (at one point, it was aired ''four nights a week''). It still lived, however, in a more normal (for a game show) weekday afternoon syndication format, but the show's popularity and viewership has dipped quite a bit since then. The U.S. syndicated version was cancelled on May 31, 2019 after 17 seasons. On April 8, 2020, ABC premiered a new primetime version of the series hosted by Creator/JimmyKimmel.

The Brazilian version was originally called "Jogo do Milhão" (Million Game), hosted by the legendary Silvio Santos. However, the Brazilian network broadcasting it (SBT) had to rename it because the word 'Jogo' suggested gambling. (Many assume it was an exaggeration from MoralWatchdogs.) The Brazilian version became known as "Show do Milhão" (Million Show) ever since. This version was not licensed by Celador, so there were some changes to the show's format and presentation. Each contestant who got the chance to answer the million real (Brazilian currency) question was traditionally given twenty seconds before deciding between risking all the money they've got so far (R$ 500,000) or playing it safe by keeping the money and not answering the final question. The player could stop at any time they desire and those who do so keep all the money they earned to that point. Missing a question sends the player home with half of their current winnings. The prize was usually (if not always) delivered as gold bars. Nowadays Creator/TVGlobo broadcasts an officially-licensed version named "Quem Quer Ser Um Milionário" and hosted by Luciano Huck. In September 2021, Show Do Milhão returned to SBT as "Show Do Milhão [=PicPay=]", sponsored by [=PicPay=] and hosted by Celso Portiolli.

* BribingYourWayToVictory: Attempted in the Russian version at the end of 2018.
** To elaborate: Famous quiz show player and resident Magister of the ''Chto? Gde? Kogda?'' ("What? Where? When?") intellectual club, 63-year-old Aleksandr Abramovich Drouz conspired with [=KHSM's=] chief editor Ilya Ber to pay him some money from the top prize in exchange for the correct answers. Ber decided to give him answers anyway, but he secretly changed several questions to compromise Drouz. On the actual run, which occured on December [=22nd=], 2018, Drouz - along with fellow Magister Viktor Sidnev - got all the way up to the final question despite the noticeable change in the questions themselves. Still, the contestants gave the wrong answer and lost a whopping '''₽1,300,000''' as a result.
** As the recordings of conversation between Ber and Drouz were leaked online on February 12th, 2019, Drouz answered Ber's accusations by saying that the chief editor himself decided to strike this deal with him in the first place, and Drouz just decided to "stick around" and see "how far Ber will go along with it". Also, he decided to deliberately give the wrong answer to spite Ber - even though he himself knew what the correct answer was.
** This act got Ber banned from his position on the show, and Drouz's membership in the ''Chto? Gde? Kogda?'' club being revoked for an indefinite amount of time. Needless to say, the amount of money Drouz and Sidnev won on that day - ₽200,000 - was stripped from them.
*** A similar situation also once happened on the Croatian version of the show.

** See BribingYourWayToVictory above.

* MonochromeCasting: During the American version's heyday, it received [[https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-feb-03-ca-60448-story.html criticism]] for having a disproportionate amount of white men as contestants.[[note]]The first Black contestant to sit in the Hot Seat appeared on the April 23, 2000 episode, eight months after the show debuted.[[/note]] It was an unintentional example of this trope; unlike other game shows, ''Millionaire'' found contestants through a phone game. It got to the point where Regis pleaded for women and minorities to call the contestant hotline. When the syndicated version rolled around, the show switched from the phone game to a more traditional casting process, and the amount of nonwhite contestants increased.

* ScareChord: The "out of time" chord (called the "klaxon" in the UK and US, or the "siren" in Australia) that chimes if a contestant is still playing when the episode is finished is pretty unsettling-sounding and seems to come out of nowhere. In later American seasons, it more closely resembles a buzzer from a sporting arena.
** And then there was the losing bell reserved for when a contestant [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fl9p6wfrql4 blew the $1,000,000 question]]. It was only ever heard during the 10th Anniversary special, when American contestant Ken Basin [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHl-sN2Npvw blew the final question of the game]]. Being a distorted minor-key version of the usual victory bell, it's quite unsettling to those who have heard it. This was not played in the UK for when the infamously flawed £1,000,000 question about the US motto was missed; the £500,000 miss cue played in its stead.

* ColdOpen: Chris Harrison would give one EveryEpisodeOpening, giving out the synopsis for the episode.

* One often-unmentioned consolation prize of getting on the show under Regis Philbin, but not winning Fastest Finger to get in the Hot Seat, was that the show covered return flights to New York and three-night hotel stays for 20 people every episode (10 contestants + 1 guest each). This was exceptionally generous at the time, and still is to this day amongst game shows, but was dropped for the syndicated series with Meredith.

* MultiNationalShows: Over 100 versions of the show have been made and broadcast across over 160 countries. The show was a huge hit in the UK, but also noted for being easy to replicate, and owned all assets such as the award-winning Strachans music score, leading to dozens of versions in just 2 to 3 years. This influenced the rapid licensing out of new game shows to other countries before they premiered domestically; see the numerous adaptations released in a short time frame of one-season cancelled game shows such as ''Power Of Ten'' and ''{{Series/Greed}}''.

** Most notably in the first episodes, the Fastest Finger First round consisted of answering a normal question rather than a 'put these in order' question. (This was changed when a contestant discovered a flaw with the machines used for the round: simultaneously pressing all four buttons at once would be accepted as a correct answer. The contestant in question later confessed what he'd done to a member of the production team and the round was changed to the 'put these in order' version as an ObviousRulePatch. The contestant wasn't penalised after confessing.)

* TruckDriversGearChange: From Q6-Q9 and again from Q11-Q14 the music gets taken up a pitch each time.

** On ''Super Millionaire'', the Double Dip lifeline was given to contestants for answering the tenth question correctly. This brought up the possibility of a contestant using 50:50 and then that to guarantee moving one step upward on the prize ladder. To correct that, the syndicated version simply replaced 50:50 with Double Dip when the clock format was introduced.

* OverlyGenerousTimeLimit: Beloved if you're a contestant, a point of contention for viewers who may be used to the pacing of ''Jeopardy!'' or ''Mastermind''. Contestants are given essentially unlimited time under classic rules to answer questions, with the answer literally staring them in the face as it's multiple choice; while ultimately limited by filming schedules, some contestants were known to take ''over 50 minutes'' filming time on one question. The series would eventually adopt a timer system with as little as 15 seconds to answer some questions, though this was divisive as many fans of the show who still watched past its peak were watching ''because'' the show ran at a slow pace. The revivals with Jimmy Kimmel and Jeremy Clarkson in the US and UK revert to a cosmetically "unlimited" amount of time to answer questions.

** "'''Ask the Host'''": Introduced in the 2018 revival of the British version,[[note]]It was originally intended to be one of the lifelines when the show first started and was mentioned in promotional material, but was replaced with 50:50 before the show began[[/note]] the contestant is given the chance to ask the host what they think the answer is (the answers to all of the questions are not revealed in advance to the host). The host cannot give any more assistance once they have given their own "final answer" and is forced to let the computer reveal the answer once it is locked in by the contestant. Also used on the U.S. 2020 revival, in lieu of Ask the Audience due to the COVID-19 pandemic necessitating the show be filmed behind closed doors.