Lifeline for major Australian TV show as network denies being axed after historic 14-year run and declining ratings
Channel Nine has poured cold water on rumors that Millionaire Hot Seat is being axed after a historic 14-year run.
Reports surfaced last week that the game show, which airs weekdays at 5pm and is hosted by longtime networker and ex-CEO Eddie McGuire, was canceled and replaced by a local version of the British series Tipping Point following a ratings drop. .
However, a network spokesman has denied this Courier Mail on Monday: ‘Millionaire Hot Seat will not be abolished.’
But Nine declined to comment on rumors that an Australian version of Tipping Point was being developed, or where it would fit into the network’s schedule.
Industry website TV black box was the first to report Nine executives had set their sights on filming Tipping Point Australia at the show’s studios in England, but with “Aussie expats and tourists” as participants.
Channel Nine has poured cold water on rumors that Millionaire Hot Seat is being axed after a historic 14-year run. (Pictured: Millionaire Hot Seat host Eddie McGuire)
This would save the cost of setting up an entirely new production in Sydney or Melbourne.
The UK version of Tipping Point, a quiz show that combines elements of luck and general knowledge, is hosted by English presenter Ben Shephard and airs weekdays at 3pm on Nine, having replaced the 9News Now bulletin in December 2019.
It is possible that the UK and Australian versions of Tipping Point will be broadcast on the same channel one hour apart.
Reports surfaced last week that the game show, which airs weekdays at 5pm and is hosted by long-time networker Eddie McGuire, was canceled and replaced with a local version of the British series Tipping Point following a drop in ratings. (Pictured: Tipping Point UK presenter Ben Shephard)
This is already happening on Channel Seven which broadcasts The Chase UK at 3pm followed by The Chase Australia at 5pm on weekdays.
It comes as Millionaire Hot Seat’s ratings continue to fall.
Despite the long-running program that recently celebrated a 2,500-episode milestone, it’s clear the series isn’t delivering the audience it used to.
It comes as Millionaire Hot Seat’s ratings continue to fall. Despite the long-running program that recently celebrated a 2,500-episode milestone, it’s clear the series isn’t delivering the audience it used to.
Applications to participate in Millionaire Hot Seat recently closed, reinforcing rumors that the show is on the verge of cancellation.
Millionaire Hot Seat, also known as Hot Seat, premiered on April 20, 2009 and is a spin-off of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, which first premiered in 1999.
It is Australia’s longest running quiz show and remains the only program on Australian television where it is possible to win $1 million.
Millionaire Hot Seat, initially called Hot Seat when it premiered on April 20, 2009, is a spin-off of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, which first premiered in 1999. It is Australia’s longest-running quiz show and remains the only program on Australian TV where it is possible to win $1 million