What’s next for Jimmy Kimmel on Who Wants to be a Millionaire? Find out what’s really happening after 5 years as host!
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If you’ve tuned in to Who Wants To Be a Millionaire in recent years, you’ve likely noticed a familiar face at the helm: Jimmy Kimmel, the late-night king with a knack for quick wit and a twinkle in his eye.
Now, five years after he first took over the iconic game show, fans have been buzzing—will Jimmy stick around, or is it time for a new host to ask, “Is that your final answer?”
The GrayVine has the scoop, and the answer is a resounding YES: Jimmy Kimmel isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
A Host with Staying Power
According to insiders close to the production, Jimmy’s future as host is as secure as a million-dollar check.
“The network, producers—everyone is really happy with how he’s doing, and his job is safe for as long as he wants it and as long as the show goes on,” one source shared.
In an industry where hosts can come and go faster than you can phone a friend, that’s high praise.
It wasn’t always a sure thing. When Jimmy first stepped into the role, he was best known for his late-night antics and sharp comedic timing, not for guiding nervous contestants through life-changing questions.
“Being a game show host is a completely different beast than being a talk show host or comedian, so he was green to it,” the insider admitted. “He had an adjustment period, but now he’s settled in and has made it his own.”
From Greenhorn to Game Show Pro
It’s no small feat to follow in the footsteps of Regis Philbin, the original Millionaire host whose catchphrases and charisma set the gold standard.
Regis was, as one production source put it, “a king.” But Jimmy has carved out his own niche, bringing a friendly, approachable vibe to the set.
“Jimmy feels like a friend on set. He really fits in,” the source said. “He’s the most easygoing host the show has ever had—the least diva of the hosts, gets along the best with the crew.”
In earlier news: Ken Jennings' shocking off-camera reaction to Ryan Seacrest replacing Pat Sajak!
And it shows. Jimmy’s rapport with contestants, audience members, and the behind-the-scenes team has only grown over the years.
He mingles with the audience more than ever, and his comfort in the role is evident. The result? A show that feels both exciting and welcoming, with a host who genuinely seems to be rooting for the players.
A Look Back at Millionaire Hosts
For those who’ve followed the show since its US debut in 1999, the host’s chair has seen its share of occupants. Here’s a quick stroll down memory lane:
Also read: A familiar face is joining Jenna Bush Hager for a bit—but the hosting story isn’t over yet
The Modern Millionaire: Celebrity Edition
The current format of Who Wants To Be a Millionaire is a little different from the days when everyday folks sweated it out in the hot seat.
Now, pairs of celebrity contestants team up to win up to $1 million for their favorite charities. The stakes are still high, but the mood is lighter, and the banter—thanks to Jimmy—is top-notch.
Source: Jimmy Kimmel Live / Youtube.
The show was renewed for its 26th season earlier this year, with new episodes set to air in July.
And if you’re wondering whether the celebrity format can deliver real drama, look no further than the father-son duo Alan and Ike Barinholtz, who became the first celebrity pair to win the top prize, donating their winnings to the ASL Program at Los Encinos School. Heartwarming, high-stakes, and a little bit Hollywood—just the way we like it.
Related stories:
Are you a fan of Jimmy Kimmel’s hosting style? Do you miss the days of Regis, or do you think Jimmy has brought something new and special to the show? Have you ever dreamed of sitting in the hot seat yourself? Drop a comment below and join the conversation!
Now, five years after he first took over the iconic game show, fans have been buzzing—will Jimmy stick around, or is it time for a new host to ask, “Is that your final answer?”
The GrayVine has the scoop, and the answer is a resounding YES: Jimmy Kimmel isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
A Host with Staying Power
According to insiders close to the production, Jimmy’s future as host is as secure as a million-dollar check.
“The network, producers—everyone is really happy with how he’s doing, and his job is safe for as long as he wants it and as long as the show goes on,” one source shared.
In an industry where hosts can come and go faster than you can phone a friend, that’s high praise.
It wasn’t always a sure thing. When Jimmy first stepped into the role, he was best known for his late-night antics and sharp comedic timing, not for guiding nervous contestants through life-changing questions.
Jimmy Kimmel will continue as host of Who Wants To Be a Millionaire for as long as he wants, with strong support from the network and producers. Image source: todd sams / Youtube.
“Being a game show host is a completely different beast than being a talk show host or comedian, so he was green to it,” the insider admitted. “He had an adjustment period, but now he’s settled in and has made it his own.”
From Greenhorn to Game Show Pro
It’s no small feat to follow in the footsteps of Regis Philbin, the original Millionaire host whose catchphrases and charisma set the gold standard.
Regis was, as one production source put it, “a king.” But Jimmy has carved out his own niche, bringing a friendly, approachable vibe to the set.
“Jimmy feels like a friend on set. He really fits in,” the source said. “He’s the most easygoing host the show has ever had—the least diva of the hosts, gets along the best with the crew.”
In earlier news: Ken Jennings' shocking off-camera reaction to Ryan Seacrest replacing Pat Sajak!
And it shows. Jimmy’s rapport with contestants, audience members, and the behind-the-scenes team has only grown over the years.
He mingles with the audience more than ever, and his comfort in the role is evident. The result? A show that feels both exciting and welcoming, with a host who genuinely seems to be rooting for the players.
A Look Back at Millionaire Hosts
For those who’ve followed the show since its US debut in 1999, the host’s chair has seen its share of occupants. Here’s a quick stroll down memory lane:
- Regis Philbin: The original, and for many, the best. Regis hosted from 1999 to 2002, returned for a 2004 primetime special, and again for the 10th anniversary in 2009.
- Meredith Vieira: Took over the syndicated version in 2002, hosting for 11 seasons until 2013.
- Cedric the Entertainer, Terry Crews, Chris Harrison: Each brought their own flair during the show’s carousel of hosts in the 2010s.
- Jimmy Kimmel: Stepped in for the 2020 celebrity reboot and has been the face of the show ever since.
Also read: A familiar face is joining Jenna Bush Hager for a bit—but the hosting story isn’t over yet
The Modern Millionaire: Celebrity Edition
The current format of Who Wants To Be a Millionaire is a little different from the days when everyday folks sweated it out in the hot seat.
Now, pairs of celebrity contestants team up to win up to $1 million for their favorite charities. The stakes are still high, but the mood is lighter, and the banter—thanks to Jimmy—is top-notch.
Source: Jimmy Kimmel Live / Youtube.
The show was renewed for its 26th season earlier this year, with new episodes set to air in July.
And if you’re wondering whether the celebrity format can deliver real drama, look no further than the father-son duo Alan and Ike Barinholtz, who became the first celebrity pair to win the top prize, donating their winnings to the ASL Program at Los Encinos School. Heartwarming, high-stakes, and a little bit Hollywood—just the way we like it.
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Are you a fan of Jimmy Kimmel’s hosting style? Do you miss the days of Regis, or do you think Jimmy has brought something new and special to the show? Have you ever dreamed of sitting in the hot seat yourself? Drop a comment below and join the conversation!
