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In India the local version of Who Wants to Be A Millionaire;
Kaun Banega Crorepati changed the face of Indian television
in 2000. It catapulted the Murdoch broadcaster Star Plus to the
number one slot.
As with the original, ten finalists will compete against each other
in the fastest finger round to answer one question. The winner then
attempts to navigate 15 multiple-choice questions of increasing
difficulty on a broad range of topics. The difference is that one
can win a maximum of $10 million instead of just $1 million. 10
million is equal to one crore and so it could be the case that ABC
is taking a leaf out of Star's book.
Explaining the rationale behind the show ABC Entertainment Television
Group chairman Lloyd Braun said, "For months, we have been
carefully monitoring the environment to determine if the time is
right for a new, totally amped up version of Millionaire
broadcast in its original, event-like form. We think this is the
time."
"Celador's Millionaire is perhaps the greatest game
show format ever devised. In the US, Regis Philbin made this the
most successful prime time game show of all time, and now, Meredith
Vieira hosts a fantastically successful, five day a week version
of the game. With its new lifelines, music, graphics and zeros,
Super Millionaire will take the format to a whole new level.
We are currently gearing up for the tremendous demand we expect
from regular Americans wanting their chance at the $10 million top
prize," he added.
A company release adds that Who Wants To Be A Millionaire,
hosted by Meredith Vieira, currently airs in syndication across
the US. A Reuters report adds that in 2000 Millionaire averaged
28 million viewers a show. As was the case with Star Plus the show
catapulted ABC from third to a decisive first-place finish in one
season. The crucial difference though is that while Star Plus' other
shows like Kyunkii Saas Bhi Kabhie Bahu Thi helped the broadcaster
strengthen its number one slot ABC's shows have not fared well in
the ratings.
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