Classic gameshow will get a midseason reboot

CBS has ordered up six episodes of "Million Dollar Password," an update on the game show classic.

Set for midseason, the new "Password" will be hosted by Regis Philbin and produced by FremantleMedia North America.

"'Password' is one of the all time classic game shows and we're thrilled to bring it back to television," says Ghen Maynard, CBS' alternative programming guru. "And what better person to host it than one of today's preeminent personalities, the ever enthusiastic and beloved Regis Philbin."

The original "Password" was hosted by Allen Ludden and aired on CBS in both daytime and primetime from 1961 to 1967. "Password" evolved into "Password Plus" and "Super Password" and aired from 1971-1989.

"Million Dollar Password" will film in New York and will keep the basic formula from the original show. Two teams, each composed of a semi-celebrity and a contestant, will attempt to guess a secret password. The team with the high score can opt to roll over their money for the chance at a final round prize worth potentially a million bucks.

"We're very excited to re-introduce one of the greatest game shows in the history of American television to a whole new audience," says FremantleMedia North America CEO Cecile Frot-Coutaz ("American Idol"). "With new twists, higher stakes, a one million dollar grand prize and the one and only Regis Philbin at the helm, we're confident viewers will tune in to re-discover the format that helped to define the game show genre as we know it."

Philbin's hosting credits include "Who Wants to be a Millionaire," "America's Got Talent," all manner of special events and, of course, the daytime show currently known as "Live with Regis & Kelly."