So the show has succumbed to 'over-exposure' in the U.S ... ?
Is it the same here?
The luck is gone, the brain is shot; but the LIQUOR - we still got!
Yes, the over-exposure (US) was due to the show (Primetine) taking up too many slots. (GSN has been affected by that, too, Another story.) Not only that, the over-abundance of 'Celeb Shows' and other 'specials' *Family, College Editions, etc.) So, it was axed by ABC in 2002 (The reruns are on GSN)
In 2002, ABC decided to 'revive' the show and despite only have two Millionaire winners in 4+ seasons, it's still doing pretty well.
To answer your question, it was over-exposed and quite possibility 'exploited' by execs, which caused it to be axed. (That was the Regis Philbin Era)
Guring the current Meredith Vieira Era though that remains to be seen as Meredith has a lot on her plate with two years left on her contract
Re. "...So, it was axed by ABC in 2002. (The reruns are on Game Show Network) In 2002, ABC decided to 'revive' the show..."
If anyone's confused, the one-hour US primetime version ended in 2002, and Buena Vista Television, who are co-owners of ABC Television, developed a sydnicated 30-minute daytime version (also US) with Meredith Viera as host.
None of this will make any sense to UK "Millionaire" fans, of course.
Original UK Millionaire (Chris Tarrant) - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0166064/
Original US Primetime Millionaire (Regis Philbin) - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0211178/
US Sydnicated Daytime Millionaire (Meredith Viera) - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0321019/
US Primetime "Super Millionaire" (Regis Philbin, $10M Jackpot) - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0412256/