Remember The Cocky Guy Who Was The First 'Millionaire' Winner? Bring This Show Back To Primetime!

This guy was an absolute legend. John Carpenter became the first person to win the million dollars on November 19th, 1999. It remains one of the most electric, cocky and best moments in television history to this day. The primetime show lasted until 2002 and lives on with a bit of a dull afternoon version currently hosted by Bachelor host Chris Harrison. There are simply too many lifelines and gimmicks to give the show the same charm as its original version.

With the return of ‘Deal or No Deal’ recently, it’s time we revive a show that was far more entertaining in my eyes. Whether it was someone getting the first question wrong, missing the $32,000 question and falling down to $1,000, or, obviously winning the million, the show offered high-drama every single night.

The theme song alone was worth the price of admission.

The drama really peaked when the questions got harder and the “intense music” kicked in (which is what we do for overtime questions on ‘Big If True’ on Barstool Radio, by the way)\

Imagine trying to get help with the Phone A Friend lifeline as this horrifying ticking sound plays?

Again, the newer version just doesn’t quite pack the same heat. They don’t even do the fastest finger challenge anymore to determine who gets to sit in the chair!

That? Awesome. This?

Lame as hell!

For the love of all things Regis Philbin, bring this back to primetime. Raise the dollar amounts and make the questions more difficult. I promise you, people will tune in.