Sun, Aug 9, 2009
The series returns to prime time, marking the 10th anniversary of its debut, with changes to the show including time limits on the questions; replacing the 50/50 lifeline with a "double dip" where the contestant can offer two different answers; and an additional "ask the expert" lifeline with a guest celebrity expert. Also, a celebrity appears on each episode to answer a single question to win $50,000 for charity. Among the regular contestants, Brad Abbey wins $1,000, and Rob Placek wins $25,000. Gary Cousins answers the $2,000 question and will continue in the hot seat on the next episode. Celebrity contestant Katy Perry gets her question right and wins $50,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. However, none of the contestants use the "ask the expert" lifeline to call tonight's expert, Sam Donaldson.
Mon, Aug 10, 2009
Gary Cousins chooses to stop and leave with $4,000, and Michelle Ribeiro chooses to stop and leave with $16,000. Another contestant, John Zimcosky, will continue on the next episode after answering the $25,000 question. Guest expert George Stephanopoulos is unable to answer a question about "Seinfeld," but has no trouble with a question about the subject of the McCain-Feingold Act (campaign finance reform). Celebrity contestant Vanessa Williams wins $50,000 for the The Young Performing Arts Project.
Tue, Aug 11, 2009
Returning contestant John Zimcosky ends his run in the Hot Seat with $25,000. The other regular contestants are Brian Slope, who walks away with $50,000, and Anthony Sloan, who answers the $16,000 question and will return on the next episode. Celebrity contestant Sherri Shepherd wins $50,000 for the March of Dimes. Expert Wolf Blitzer is called on for questions about which R&B group recorded the Obama tribute "Solid (as Barack)" and the animal pictured on the cover of a book about foie gras.
Thu, Aug 13, 2009
Angela Watt returns from the previous episode and finishes with $1,000. Jacob Shaha finishes with $25,000, and Eddie Lawhorn answers the $50,000 question and will return on the next episode. Celebrity contestant Shawn Johnson wins $50,000 for charity. Guest expert Candy Crowley is called on for a question about which famous author is buried in Tarzana, California.