Joe Buck was a contestant on the August 27, 2025, primetime U.S. episode of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. Joe teamed up with his best pal and podcast co-host Oliver Hudson, who is famous for his role as a high-flying sportscaster. It lent a starrier appeal to the show’s lineup of familiar faces.
Born in 1969 in St. Petersburg, Florida, he has extended a tradition of broadcasting that his father, the iconic commentator Jack Buck, began. Joe was a play-by-play man for the NFL and MLB for Fox Sports, and after a lengthy run that culminated with his being the face of Monday Night Football on ESPN, he ended up winning eight Sports Emmy Awards.
His appearance showed another side of him; that of a contender rather than an announcer. Out of the sporting domain, fans will now get to see his personality in full flow. Things get quirkier, funnier, and more competitive as the duo hits the hot seat to try and win through this season of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.
Joe Buck’s celebrity turn on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire
Sports legend Joe Buck's appearance on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire signaled a change from touchdowns and slam dunks to suspense and quizzes. Buck joined forces with his longtime friend Oliver Hudson, bringing his charm and fast thinking to a new setting. There will be pleasant conversation, lighthearted competitiveness, and a novel glimpse of Buck outside of the sports booth in this episode.
From the sports booth to the hot seat
Not only did Joe Buck's debut on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire generate excitement due to his notoriety, but viewers were also interested in seeing how a sportscaster responds to trivia under duress. On August 27, 2025, Buck and Oliver Hudson faced up against the most important questions in the game, drawing spectators from the pop culture and sports worlds.
Buck demonstrated his accuracy and calmness, which are well known for their usefulness in live broadcasts, on the show as well, answering difficult trivia questions with composure and humor. His departure from the well-known commentary chair delighted fans. His familiarity with high-stakes pressure earned him a lot of empathy points, and his jokes with Hudson made Who Wants to Be a Millionaire more funny and pleasant.
Celebrity contestants’ appeal and viewer engagement
Joe Buck's appearance on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire increased the show's popularity. His name has significance outside of sports, attracting baseball and NFL fans who are curious about his knowledge of trivia. With videos and social media buzz, promotions hinted at his involvement, building excitement and viewership.
This crossover event provided a novel watching experience for a lot of people. It served as a reminder to viewers that even the most polished experts have human frailties and can make amusing mistakes or have moments of uncertainty. The success of the program depended not only on Buck's fame but also on his capacity to engage viewers and provide entertainment in a novel way.
Watch more episodes of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire on ABC and Hulu.