London, UK — Jeremy Clarkson, the beloved presenter known for his pivotal role in the iconic Top Gear trio alongside James May and Richard Hammond, is facing a wave of criticism from fans over his latest television venture. After years of success with Clarkson’s Farm on Prime Video, Clarkson’s new show, Millionaire Hot Seat, has failed to impress audiences, drawing backlash for its format and lack of excitement.
Clarkson, who purchased the picturesque Curdle Hill Farm in Oxfordshire back in 2008—now famously known as Diddly Squat Farm—has built a successful second career documenting his farming adventures. Clarkson’s Farm has resonated with viewers for its unique blend of humor, chaos, and Clarkson’s personal journey into farming, earning widespread acclaim and a loyal fanbase. However, his newest project, a spin-off from the popular quiz show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, has not garnered the same positive reception.
Millionaire Hot Seat, which made its UK debut on ITV1 on Tuesday, January 6, was marketed as a fresh take on the classic quiz show format. However, the first episode failed to live up to its expectations, with many viewers voicing their disappointment over the show’s new format. Fans took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express their frustration, with some noting that the changes to the game show were unnecessary and detracted from the usual tense atmosphere that made the original show so popular.
One viewer commented: “These people all like the sound of their own voices… or think they’re on regular WWTBAM (Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?).” Another added, “Can’t they just answer the bldy question and stop talking she all the b****rd time!” It was clear that the lack of the original Millionaire tension was a point of contention. Others were even more critical, with one viewer saying, “How many nights is this on? Awful rehash of the show. I give it one series.” Similarly, another viewer remarked: “There’s no need to rehash it. Please don’t give this another series after the first.”
The criticism was not just focused on the contestants, as many felt the show’s pacing was rushed and the atmosphere too relaxed. “Millionaire Hot Seat [has] zero tension, just a rushed, boring quiz,” said another disgruntled viewer. While the spin-off has already started airing, it appears Clarkson has a lot of work ahead to win over fans who are clearly underwhelmed by the format changes.
Despite the mixed reception of Millionaire Hot Seat, Clarkson has a lot to look forward to in 2026. His Clarkson’s Farm series, which has been a massive success since its debut, is set to return for its sixth season. Filming for the new season wrapped up in September 2025, and eight new episodes are expected to land on Prime Video in the coming months. Fans are excited to see how Clarkson continues his farming journey, and given the success of previous seasons, Clarkson’s Farm remains a major draw for the streaming service.
As Millionaire Hot Seat struggles to find its footing, Clarkson can take solace in the continued success of Clarkson’s Farm, which has proven to be a much-needed hit amid the fan discontent surrounding his new quiz show. However, if Millionaire Hot Seat is to succeed, it will need to recapture the excitement and drama that made Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? a household name. Whether Clarkson’s new venture can adapt to the criticism and rise to the occasion remains to be seen, but for now, it’s clear that viewers are eager for more of the Clarkson they know and love—farming, chaos, and all.
