ABC’s decision to use a retooled British quiz show as a limited-run series for sweeps has brought results that are far beyond what the network ever imagined. The low-budget Who Wants To Be a Millionaire, hosted by Regis Philbin, seems to have struck a nerve with the American public, propelling ABC to first-place in the November TV network sweeps.

ABC’s decision to use a retooled British quiz show as a limited-run

series for sweeps has brought results that are far beyond what the

network ever imagined. The low-budget ...