Ryan Seacrest named host and exec producer of NBC's 'Million Second Quiz'

Groundbreaking new live, interactive game show set to premiere Sept. 9

Emmy Award-winning producer and host Ryan Seacrest has been tapped as host of NBC's unique, fast-paced live interactive game show "The Million Second Quiz." The announcement was made by Paul Telegdy, NBC's president of alternative and late night programming.

"When people see Ryan Seacrest, whether at the Emmys, the Oscars or New Year's Eve, he is at the epicenter of national events" Telegdy said. "He is a broadcaster, in all the traditional sense, but also in the most contemporary - he is an accomplished host of live TV and a master of social media and pop culture. This makes him perfect for 'The Million Second Quiz.' "

"I'm so excited to be hosting this new live game show on NBC, as it's really a fun and different format that I believe will generate lots of fans across different platforms," Seacrest said. "I'm looking forward to working with the other producers and everyone at NBC to make the show a success."

"The Million Second Quiz" premieres Monday, Sept. 9 (8 p.m.), and continues through Saturday, Sept. 14, in that same 8 p.m. hour. It will then resume on Monday, Sept. 16, and will air each night (8 p.m.) until the finale on Thursday, Sept. 19 (8 p.m.), when the winner will claim the largest guaranteed prize in game show history.

"The Million Second Quiz" is produced by All3 Media America, Studio Lambert and Universal Television. Stephen Lambert, Eli Holzman, David A. Hurwitz and Seacrest serve as executive producers.

The concept for the show involves contestants playing head-to-head trivia bouts inside a massive outdoor hourglass-shaped structure in midtown Manhattan and competing non-stop for a million seconds (11 days, 13 hours, 46 minutes and 40 seconds). Each bout consists of one player sitting in the "money chair," accumulating as much time on the chair as possible by answering trivia questions against a rival sitting in an opposite chair. Each second a player holds the money chair is worth $10, potentially earning that contestant millions. Those who want to face off against the person sitting in the money chair can do so by physically coming down to the hourglass or by successfully answering questions online using a mobile devices or home computer.

Seacrest holds pre-eminent positions in broadcast and cable television, nationally syndicated radio and local radio. He has a groundbreaking agreement with NBCUniversal that includes on-air broadcasting and producing duties across the NBC and E! networks. He is also celebrated internationally as host of the top-rated primetime talent showcase "American Idol" on FOX and also serves as an executive producer and host of "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest" on ABC. On radio, Seacrest is host of "On Air with Ryan Seacrest," his market-topping No. 1 nationally syndicated L.A. morning drive-time show for Clear Channel's 102.7 KIIS-FM, as well as a nationally syndicated Top 40 radio show.

Seacrest launched Ryan Seacrest Productions in 2006, which has since become an Emmy-winning television production powerhouse creating unscripted, scripted and digital programming.

Seacrest is also an entrepreneur, investing in media and entertainment companies. He recently made an investment in Civic Entertainment Group, a marketing services company, as well as in the new cable channel, AXS TV. He also has made investments in startups including Pinterest and FlightCar. His philanthropic efforts are focused on youth-oriented initiatives, including serving as chairman of The Ryan Seacrest Foundation and honorary chair of the Grammy Foundation.

Seacrest began in his career in his hometown of Atlanta and currently resides in Los Angeles.