Not the final answer: critical approaches to the quiz show and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire

Abstract

The article aims to address and explore the apparent neglect of the quiz show in television and cultural studies by focusing on the programme Who Wants To Be A Millionaire (1998–, UK). Existing work in the field emerged in the late 1970s/early 1980s, and this article argues that a key reason for critical neglect of the quiz show is the centrality of 'class' in the genre – a focus which has increasingly receded from view in television and cultural studies. The article operates under the assumption that as television studies develops a longer history of critical and theoretical approaches to the medium, it becomes crucial to respond to innovations by developing 'new' methodological approaches and to reconsider the relevance and dynamics of existing models. In this respect, an analysis of Millionairesuggests that the emphasis on 'class', work and production remains central to the quiz show, and its political and ideological significance.