Good evening, game show fanatics! Tonight's headline story (or should I stay stories) revolves around major changes on Millionaire beginning next season including Cedric The Entertainer's early retirement from the series, the show moving its production from New York City to Connecticut and the possibility of an ex-NFL player/actor hosting the show in the 2014-2015 season. Also, a casting call is currently being held for one of the network's upcoming competition reality series. (Hint: If you're smartphone savvy, you'll might want to "app"ly.)
Cedric Steps Down, "Millionaire" Moves To Connecticut & Terry Crews To Take Over?
This one definitely surprised me for many reasons. But, I’ll save my commentary for later. For now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. After hosting the show for only a year, Cedric The Entertainer will be leaving Disney-ABC’s long-running syndicated game show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire shortly after taking Meredith Vieira’s place in 2013. Since he’s been hosting, the show’s overall ratings in syndicated has held steady. He has attributed his decision to his busy schedule filled with “many television and film projects”, along with the show moving to Connecticut — which is a perfect segue into the next big Millionaire news.
Beginning next season, Millionaire will be moving its production to Standford, CT for budget reasons to bring savings and tax breaks.
And last, but definitely not least, the production company is expected to name a new host. That new host could be Terry Crews as he has been in talks with Disney-ABC about becoming Cedric’s successor. Like Cedric, Crews also has a busy schedule with his involvement in the recently renewed FOX sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine and The Expendables 3.
I’m still floored by this news and by the fact that it’s all happening so quickly. It wasn’t too long ago when the show moved its studio location within New York City last year and completely revamped its format to the Shuffle format in 2010. At any rate, as I have previously stated in a few of my past articles, I liked Cedric as the host and how he focused more on the actual gameplay and the contestants’ performance rather than turning the show into another one of his stand-up routines. If he were to remain on the show, the show’s ratings would have steadily improved, but not as quickly as Feud’s ratings did when Steve Harvey began hosting the show. In regards to Terry Crews possibly hosting Millionaire, I’m still trying to figure that one out. I’m not saying that he would be a bad host, but this one kind of came out of nowhere.
Additionally, I believe Millionaire’s moving to Connecticut is a sign that the show could be on its way out in a matter of four years or less. The same thing happened after the syndicated version of Deal or No Deal packed its suitcases and moved its production to Connecticut in its second season. It’s no secret that the show has lost some of its luster and appeal as each year passes by, especially since it has been nearly 11 years since we have yet to see a natural million-dollar winner. Nevertheless, it’s going to be interesting to see what the producers’ “final answer” will be in finding the next host of Millionaire.
GSN’s App Wars Reality Show Now Casting
The network’s newest upcoming reality show, App Wars, is now on the hunt searching for contestants to compete on the show. The producers of the Shark Tank-type competition series are looking for Southern California residents who are prepared to pitch their best idea for a new mobile app before a panel of qualified judges. The eventual winner will win $10,000 in cash and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to develop the app of their dreams. If you are interested in applying, email your age, phone number, current residing city and hometown, a recent photo and a brief bio about yourself to APPwarsCasting@gmail.com.
As many of you Game Show Network fans may already know, GSN has yet to air an original reality show that has aired for more than one season. As far as I’m concerned, their most successful reality show was Chuck Woolery’s Naturally Stoned. Judging by this show’s premise, I think App Wars has the chance of breaking that glass ceiling by becoming the first GSN reality show to be renewed for a second season.
Sources: Deadline Hollywood, GSN
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