Jimmy Kimmel’s Future on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Revealed After 5 Years as Host

Jimmy Kimmel’s tenure as the host of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire has been nothing short of successful, and it seems his position is secure for the foreseeable future. The 57-year-old talk show host took over the role during the show’s 20th anniversary special in March 2020, stepping into the shoes of the legendary Regis Philbin. Since then, Kimmel has become the face of the iconic game show, hosting the celebrity edition and bringing his unique brand of humor and relatability to the format.

A Secure Position and Continued Success

After five years of hosting Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, it’s clear that Kimmel’s relationship with the show and its network is stronger than ever. Sources close to the production have revealed that Kimmel’s role is secure “as long as he wants it.” The network, along with the producers, is extremely pleased with his performance, and the show’s success continues to drive the decision to keep him at the helm.

“He’s got people fighting for him at the network that really love him,” an insider shared, emphasizing Kimmel’s strong rapport with the team and his ability to adapt to the demands of being a game show host. While Kimmel was relatively new to the format when he first began, sources note that he has “really settled into the role” and is now fully comfortable in the position.

From Talk Show Host to Game Show Pro

Making the transition from late-night talk show host to game show host was not an easy feat for Kimmel. As a comedian and late-night host, Kimmel was accustomed to engaging with an audience and offering humor, but hosting Who Wants to Be a Millionaire required a different approach. Initially, Kimmel experienced a period of adjustment, with the game show format demanding a different level of composure and interaction with contestants.

However, over time, Kimmel found his footing. “He mingles with the audience more than he ever has and same goes for the crew. It’s going really well,” another source added, noting his growth in the role. Kimmel’s connection to the crew and his easygoing nature have made him one of the most beloved hosts of the show, with many praising him for being “the least diva” of all the hosts.

A Legacy of Millionaire Hosts

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire has had a storied history with its hosts, beginning with Regis Philbin, who hosted the show from its debut in 1999 until 2002. After Philbin’s departure, Meredith Vieira took over the daily syndicated version of the show for 11 seasons, followed by a string of temporary hosts, including Cedric the Entertainer, Terry Crews, and Chris Harrison.

The show was officially canceled in 2019 but was revived a year later with a new format—celebrity contestants vying for a $1 million prize for charity. Kimmel was announced as the permanent host and also serves as an executive producer. His impact on the show has been undeniable, helping to bring Millionaire back into the public spotlight and adding to its legacy.

The Future of the Show

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire has been renewed for its 26th season, set to air in July. The celebrity edition format continues to captivate audiences, with the most recent celebrity duo—Alan and Ike Barinholtz—becoming the first pair to win the game and donate their $1 million prize to a charity. The format has proven to be successful, keeping the show fresh while maintaining the core appeal that made it a television staple.

Kimmel’s continued presence on the show serves as a solid foundation as it moves forward, and fans can look forward to more thrilling celebrity duos, charitable donations, and Kimmel’s witty hosting style. Whether he continues for a few more seasons or decides to explore new ventures, it seems Kimmel has found a perfect fit as the host of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.

For now, his future with the show is bright, and with his relaxed approach, genuine connection with the contestants, and steady leadership, it seems likely that Kimmel will remain the face of Millionaire for years to come.