The series returns to prime time, marking the 10th anniversary of its debut, with changes to the show including time limits on the questions; replacing the 50/50 lifeline with a "double dip" where the contestant can offer two different answers; and an additional "ask the expert" lifeline with a guest celebrity expert. Also, a celebrity appears on each episode to answer a single question to win $50,000 for charity.

Gary Cousins chooses to stop and leave with $4,000, and Michelle Ribeiro chooses to stop and leave with $16,000. Another contestant, John Zimcosky, will continue on the next episode after answering the $25,000 question. Guest expert George Stephanopoulos is unable to answer a question about "Seinfeld," but has no trouble with a question about the subject of the McCain-Feingold Act (campaign finance reform). Celebrity contestant Vanessa Williams wins $50,000 for the The Young Performing Arts Project.

Returning contestant John Zimcosky ends his run in the Hot Seat with $25,000. The other regular contestants are Brian Slope, who walks away with $50,000, and Anthony Sloan, who answers the $16,000 question and will return on the next episode. Celebrity contestant Sherri Shepherd wins $50,000 for the March of Dimes. Expert Wolf Blitzer is called on for questions about which R&B group recorded the Obama tribute "Solid (as Barack)" and the animal pictured on the cover of a book about foie gras.

Contestants, selected by calling a phone number, are chosen based on their ability to arrange 4 answers to a question in the correct order the fastest.

Angela Watt returns from the previous episode and finishes with $1,000. Jacob Shaha finishes with $25,000, and Eddie Lawhorn answers the $50,000 question and will return on the next episode. Celebrity contestant Shawn Johnson wins $50,000 for charity. Guest expert Candy Crowley is called on for a question about which famous author is buried in Tarzana, California.

The sixth night of the tenth anniversary celebration features expert Connie Chung and celebrity contestant Rachael Ray.

The seventh night of the tenth anniversary celebration features expert Jodi Picoult and celebrity contestant Patricia Heaton.

The eighth night of the tenth anniversary features expert Gwen Ifill and celebrity contestant Wynonna Judd.

The ninth night of the tenth anniversary celebration features celebrity contestant Snoop Dogg and expert Ken Jennings.

The tenth anniversary celebration continues on night 10 with expert Mo Rocca and celebrity contestant Steve Nash.

On the last night of the tenth anniversary celebration, Meredith Vieira steps in as host for the final question so that Regis can play for charity as the celebrity contestant.