The Nine Network‘s long-running afternoon quiz show Millionaire Hot Seat is to soon go “on hiatus” while a new show is prepared to take its place.
Host Eddie McGuire announced Nine’s decision on radio on Friday morning.
The show is expected to continue through to January 2024, effectively extending the Millionaire brand to its 25th year at Nine.
Millionaire Hot Seat was launched in 2009 as a stripped weekday afternoon adaptation of the prime-time show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? that debuted in 1999 — both shows hosted by McGuire.
At one point the popularity of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? triggered a duel with Seven, which responded with its own rival quiz show, Million Dollar Chance Of A Lifetime in 1999 and 2000.
In its weekday format Millionaire Hot Seat provided a strong lead-in to Nine News. However in recent years it has been challenged in the timeslot by a strong showing from Seven’s The Chase, which in turn has seen Seven News consistently ahead of Nine News in the all-important 6.00pm battle — particularly in Melbourne.
Earlier this year, Millionaire Hot Seat passed its 2500th episode. Over the course of the series, two contestants have taken out the $1 million prize.
In 2020, pandemic restrictions in Victoria saw production move temporarily to the Gold Coast.
Source: Nine.com.au, IF.
