Published: May 28, 2008 04:39 pm      

TELEVISION: 'Password' returns to the tube

If it’s a summer game show that teases a $1 million grand prize, Regis Philbin must be at the helm.

The game show guru who captained “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” to superstar status in summer 1999 returns this weekend on “Million Dollar Password.” The show updates the 1960s staple and begins a six-week run Sunday night on CBS.

Philbin, who’s continued his hosting duties on the “Live with Regis and Kelly” talk show, is glad to be back at the helm of a game ; since the prime time version of “Millionaire” was canceled in 2002, his only game show work has been one season of “America’s Got Talent” in 2006.

“Prime time itself is the biggest arena we have in our business,” he said during a recent conference call.

The original “Password” was hosted by Allen Ludden and debuted in 1961. The show saw two contestants, each paired with a celebrity, try to guess a hidden password based on one-word clues from their partner; points were awarded based on how many clues were needed to guess the word. The game show was revived in 1979 with “Password Plus” and again in 1984 with ‘Super Password.”

Philbin, who was a “Password” contestant during the show’s initial run, said the show has been update to accommodate modern audiences — first and foremost in its maximum pay-off.

“These days, a million dollars is expected in a game show,” said Philbin, who noted that the show’s central theme remains the same. “It’s a wonderful. You just get caught up in the exchange between the celebrity and the contestant. You find yourself yelling out the answer.”

The series inspired by a board game of which Milton Bradley released more than two dozen versions, as well as numerous video games and a slot machine. That appeal is largely what attracted executive producer Vincent Rubino, who worked on “Millionaire” with Philbin, to the project.

“It was a safe bet in some ways, but it was also a challenge not to mess it up,” said Rubino, who recruited Philbin for the show and is glad to have him aboard. “The minute we play the format with Regis, the game just changes. He brings humor, energy, excitement.”

The addictively simple game follows a similar format to its predecessors, with civilians and their celebrity partners trying to get the most correct passwords in a 30-second span. The winner goes on to the bonus round, which sees contestants trying to guess five correct password in 90 seconds. The level of difficulty increases over six levels in the final round, with the last level being worth $1 million if completed.

Rachael Ray and Neil Patrick Harris are the celebrities appearing on Sunday’s debut, with Rosie O’Donnell and Betty White among the future guest players.

Philbin, who loved the latest “Password” incarnation from the start, thinks America will share his enjoyment.

“Here’s a simple game that’s just true to itself,” he said.



IF YOU WATCH

* WHAT: “Million Dollar Password” game show

* WHEN: 8 p.m. Sunday

* CHANNEL: CBS (Channel 4)