Regis Returns To Prime-Time

Former "Millionaire"-man Regis Philbin is headed back to prime-time TV as host of a new NBC summertime talent competition.

"America's Got Talent" will air twice a week this summer — a competition and a result show. The show echoes "American Idol" for a good reason, since it is produced by Simon Cowell and FremantleMedia, the company that also produces the Fox hit.

The NBC show will include dancers, comedians and other talents instead of just singers.

It has a two-hour debut June 21, and will air on Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout the summer.

"For years I've thought about hosting a variety show on television but I could never put it together in my mind," Philbin said on Wednesday. "Finally, here it is and I'm thrilled to be a part of it."

NBC can only hope Philbin is as successful as in his last prime-time foray, as host of ABC's "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire," which a few years back dominated the TV landscape before burning out.

NBC is owned by General Electric Co.; ABC is owned by Walt Disney Co.