The pressure cooker atmosphere of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" can get to anyone, even seasoned celebrities. Recently, an episode featuring Helen Hunt and Dan Bucatinsky experienced a brief but memorable disruption that had host Jimmy Kimmel playing the role of calming presence.
This season of the beloved ABC game show has a special twist: celebrity pairings vying for a substantial $1 million prize for their chosen charities. The stakes are high, the questions are challenging, and the spotlight is intense.
Hunt, known for her roles in films like "As Good as It Gets," and Bucatinsky, celebrated for his work on "Hacks" (where he co-stars with Hunt), teamed up to test their knowledge and raise money for a good cause. However, their journey wasn't entirely smooth sailing.
Unlike some celebrity duos who breeze through the questions, Hunt and Bucatinsky found themselves entangled in a particularly tricky puzzle. This specific question centered around a tradition within the U.S. Supreme Court, sparking a moment of on-screen tension.
The question posed to them was: "The 'Judicial handshake' is a U.S. Supreme Court tradition in which all nine justices shake hands with each other, for a total of how many handshakes?" The multiple-choice options were: A) 18, B) 25, C) 36, and D) 57.
It sounds straightforward, but the mathematical calculation required to arrive at the correct answer proved to be a stumbling block for the pair. The seemingly simple query led to an extended period of deliberation.
Reportedly, Hunt and Bucatinsky grappled with the question for "well over 10 minutes," resulting in awkward silences and a palpable sense of unease on set. The audience's patience began to wear thin as the clock ticked.
As the silence stretched on, the tension in the studio became almost unbearable. An eyewitness described a moment where "you could hear a pin drop," emphasizing the intensity of the situation. Then, a sudden, unexpected event shattered the quiet.
During this moment of intense focus, a loud bang echoed through the studio, startling Bucatinsky so much that he jumped out of his seat. The sudden noise startled everyone, momentarily throwing the game into chaos.
Quickly stepping into his role as both host and mediator, Jimmy Kimmel immediately reassured Bucatinsky, explaining that the noise was simply the air conditioning unit malfunctioning. Kimmel’s quick thinking diffused the situation.
After a brief pause to regain their composure, the game resumed. However, the unsettling interruption seemed to have rattled Hunt and Bucatinsky, who were still uncertain about their answer to the handshake question.
Ultimately, they decided to utilize the "Ask the Audience" lifeline, a testament to the difficulty of the question. The audience responded overwhelmingly, with 74% selecting option C) 36 as the correct answer.
Their faith in the audience paid off, as 36 was indeed the correct number of handshakes. This victory allowed them to continue their quest for the million-dollar prize.
Despite overcoming the handshake hurdle, their winning streak eventually came to an end. Nevertheless, Hunt and Bucatinsky walked away with a respectable $125,000 for their chosen charity, a significant contribution born from their participation.
"Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" has a rich history, captivating audiences on and off since its American debut in 1999. The show has been guided by several hosts throughout its run, each bringing their unique style to the iconic game show.
The show was originally hosted by Regis Philbin, then later by Meredith Vieira, Cedric the Entertainer, Terry Crews, and now Jimmy Kimmel. "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" continues to be a pop culture phenomenon.
The current celebrity season marks a shift in format, further injecting star power into the already exciting game show. The appearance of Hunt and Bucatinsky was particularly noteworthy, given their professional connection on "Hacks," adding a layer of camaraderie and entertainment.
Adding to the layered connection, Jimmy Kimmel himself has even made a cameo appearance on an episode of "Hacks," solidifying the trio's rapport and making their "Millionaire" appearance a mini-reunion for the talented group.
Kimmel first took the reins of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" in 2020. After a hiatus in 2022 and 2023, the show returned for its 25th anniversary, reinforcing the show’s enduring appeal.
The current format, featuring celebrity contestants, highlights the show's adaptability and willingness to evolve with the times. This shift towards celebrity pairings has garnered attention and breathed new life into the classic game show format.
Even if they don’t win the top prize, the show's true heart lies in the charitable contributions it facilitates, making it a win-win situation for everyone involved. Each episode shines a light on important causes and helps raise significant funds for organizations in need.
The combination of challenging questions, celebrity camaraderie, and the prospect of winning big for charity makes this season of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" a must-watch for game show enthusiasts and fans of the featured celebrities alike.