Jimmy Kimmel Hosts Star-Studded Return of ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?’ on ABC

LOS ANGELES — Jimmy Kimmel returns to the spotlight for yet another thrilling season of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”, where a fresh lineup of celebrities aim to secure a million-dollar jackpot for causes close to their hearts.

ABC is gearing up to broadcast the fifth season of this popular show. In previous runs, notable figures like Ike Barinholtz, Alan Barinholtz, Matt Damon, Ken Jennings, Oscar Nuñez, and Kate Flannery have emerged victorious in the celebrity edition.

Kimmel, who relishes his role as the show’s host, expressed his enjoyment, saying, “I love doing the show. It’s so much easier than doing my show,” highlighting the fun he has on set.

He added that the charitable angle of the game elevates the stakes for contestants. “What really hits home is listening to participants discuss their chosen charities. Often, these are deeply personal stories,” Kimmel remarked. “You gain insight into what these well-known personalities genuinely value.”

Kimmel himself knows the stress of the game firsthand. He participated alongside Regis Philbin back in 2001, where he successfully pocketed $125,000, drawing from his own experience in the contestant’s chair.

“I have been on the show by myself with no partner and a lifeline who didn’t really understand what he was supposed to do. And I won $125,000 back in the Regis days,” Kimmel said.

This season includes a number of comedians, which Kimmel said brings a natural energy to the game. “Yeah, you know what, when you have two comedians sitting next to each other, especially when they’ve known each other for a long time,” he said. “It’s, you there’s just a chemistry there and a rhythm and sometimes they jab each other, and it’s a lot of fun to watch.”

The season also includes Clayton Kershaw, who is playing with Brad Paisley. “He, well, I’m not gonna say how it went, but I will say that he represented his team well,” Kimmel said.

Kimmel is currently on summer vacation from “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” with guest hosts sitting in.

Watch the season premiere of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” Wednesday, July 22 on ABC and stream the next day on Hulu.

The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of this ABC station.