I think that what makes Millionaire work here is not the Q&A or the money alone but the fact that it is a deceptively simple format that everyone can follow and that the format doesn’t get in the way of the mini-relationships that build between the contestants and the tv and studio audiences. We feel that we know these people a little bit and want to see their dreams realized. Some of these contestants sing for us or tell us a story. They talk about their kids, parents, old teachers, some of whom come along to the studio. We see people as real people – someone gets the $100 question wrong. Some school teacher misses a question that his 8th grade class should know and you know he will be egged by his students the next day. There is a lack of pretense – last year a contestant was asked how he felt at the moment. He said, “I feel like I”m on a toilet and the whole world is watching me.” I won’t forget that comment made almost a year ago.

Millionaire makes people feel good about America. The studio audience is a lifeline and is almost always right. Ma Bell, good ole AT&T, is all-powerful and can get anyone’s phone-a-friend on the line after just one ring. Anyone can be a millionaire just by phoning in a toll free number but even a millionaire can be brought down to size. These contestants and Regis Philbin are all nice guys (the intimidating Mike Wallace would have been the equivalent of the British host on whose model the US import version was based, but I don’t think it would have worked the same charm had they staged it that way).  We want everyone to succeed and there is a fair chance that they can even if you are some guy from the country who has never heard of a Napolean or Ravioli. There is a second and third chance, and as much time as you need before you say Final Answer. Millionaire is actually better than real life America.  And yes, Regis Philbin definitely looks a lot more “hip” on the prime time version than he does on his morning show. No wonder Macy’s brought out a line of Regis brand clothing.