Host Rumor: Cedric the Entertainer

[RegisFan]

Check out this story at BuzzerBlog.  There are apparently rumors at NATPE that Cedric the Entertainer will be named the new host of Millionaire.

I certainly hope this doesn't turn out to be true.  I have nothing against Cedric the Entertainer, but signing him on as host is such a desperate attempt to emulate Steve Harvey's involvement with Family Feud that it seems like kind of a shallow move on Disney's part.  There are so many wonderful and classy hosts that could bring a new spin to Millionaire, and I just don't think Cedric is the right fit for the format.  Feud is, by nature, a silly show.  That's why Harvey slipped effortlessly into the hosting gig there.  Millionaire is a dramatic show, and I think putting a comedian in the hosting position brings the wrong vibe to a show that built up its legacy with great dramatic moments.  Look at how Steve Harvey did as guest host of Millionaire a few years ago.  That ended up being such a misfire that even SNL caught wind of it.

I'm willing to give anything a try, but I can't help but find myself thinking that this is a bad move.

[!Tommy]

I agree with you Regisfan, I don't think Cedric would be a very good host for Millionaire either. As you said, this isn't a silly show but rather a dramatic show with big money at stake. Regis and Meredith both added fun to the show, but they didn't make it into a comedy. I will admit that Steve Harvey really is a great host for Family Feud but for Disney to copy something like that...I just see trouble ahead.

But as you said, who knows what'll happen until it happens. Maybe he'll turn out to be a good host, but I really don't see him being something permanent on Millionaire.

[Deleted]

I would love to see Millionaire do the same thing Wheel of fortune did when Charlie died: a month of guest hosts. From there, have a poll online and make viewers vote for the host they want to have.

[RegisFan]

Cedric the Entertainer will only get $1.5 million a year for the "Millionaire" hosting gig. I guess this validates the rumor. Furthermore, the article confirms that producers were looking for a Steve Harvey clone.

I think another thing we can take away from this is the knowledge that Regis never would have taken the job for only $1.5 million. That amount of money is insulting to any television personality, Cedric included. It's amazing how much the daytime TV landscape is changing. On the upside, perhaps we'll see more big winners if the host budget is reduced by so wide a margin.

[!Tommy]

Unless something changes, I sadly feel this is the beginning of the end of Millionaire.

Nothing against Cedric, but I just feel Disney is killing the show. Then again, they were killing Power Rangers until Saban bought it back. So unless something buys out Millionaire, I don't see this looking too good.

[FinalAnswer19]

This is a disgrace to the entire show.

[boyardman]

1,5 million a year for this man?! I saw some extracts of his work and I believe it's doesn't worth that (to refer to one of his show). A good host doesn't need to prove that he's a good entertainer, but he must add "the Entertainer" in this name. I think there are many hosts who are willing to do it for less money.

[Gagamillionaire]

So not only do they want a Steve Harvey for Millionaire, they want a cheap one as well? Yeah, that'll go well for sure.

[GSK]

Well, that's the end of my interest in US Millionaire.

[doctorwho]

I can see it now. "Are you sure? Are you sure sure?" and "It's worth WHAAAT???"

(crickets, and yeah, other people have said that elsewhere)

But considering this is much higher stakes than the show they're trying to copy, yeah, that's definitely going to end well. [/sarcasm]

[LQT Mario F / Baka Shounen]

Syndicated version is not my favorite, but I think Meredith did a very good job. She (and Regis too) is the proper spice for this version of the gameshow.
A comedian-like host definitely ruins the atmosphere, and he/she could make the contestant cannot focus on the question!

[GSK]

Deal has closed. Cedric is the new host.

www.deadline.com/2013/02/cedric-the-entertainer-to-succeed-meredith-vieira-as-host-of-syndicated-%E2%80%98who-wants-to-be-a-millionaire%E2%80%99-series/

[Gagamillionaire]

And it's a three-year deal. Whoever made the decision to hire him is on my list. Well, maybe he'll be a good host, who knows? I have nothing against him per se, I don't even know him, but the reasons on which this dicision was been made stink to high heaven.

[doctorwho]

Well, it could be worse. Picture Millionaire with Pat Bullard or Patrick Wayne.

I think I'll wait and see how he does before I make a final judgement.  I'm not too enthusiastic about the change, but I'm not calling the shark jump yet.

[FinalAnswer19]

I'm out.