ABC’s game show Million Dollar Mind Game (formerly The Six) is finally getting its day in the sun after almost a year on the shelf. But there is a twist — ABC is scheduling the series, originally developed and ordered for primetime, on Sunday afternoon. Million Dollar Mind Game, which is based on the hugely popular Russian game show What? Where? When?, will premiere October 23 and air in the 4-5 PM Sunday slot. The highly unusual move was made in light of NBA’s recent decision to cancel the first two weeks of the basketball season, leaving ABC with a hole to fill. Million Dollar Mind Game features teams comprised of six people who all know each other — co-workers, friends, teammates, etc. The teams take turns tackling a series of logic-based questions, which they have 60 seconds to discuss and decide upon an answer, for a chance at winning a $1 million grand prize. The show is hosted by UK presenter Vernon Kay and produced by Merv Griffin Entertainment. ABC’s scheduling needs are understandable. Still, it’s sad to see a show that is far more intellectual than the average reality fare on American television (I grew up with the original and am a huge fan of it) being relegated to afternoons.

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It's not replacing NBA games because ABC starts NBA games on Christmas Day (and this is airing Oct. 23-Nov. 27). And we already broke this story last week: http://blog.sitcomsonline.com/2011/10/90s-are-all-that-moves-to-10pm-network.html