GENIUSES FACE OFF IN AN INTENSE TEST OF KNOWLEDGE AND STAMINA, WHERE THE TOUGHEST QUESTION OF ALL IS WHETHER EITHER OF THEM CAN ANSWER 500 QUESTIONS, ON THE PREMIERE OF ABC'S "500 QUESTIONS"

Richard Quest (CNN's "Quest Means Business") Hosts

From Emmy(R) winner Mark Burnett, CEO, United Artists Media Group ("Shark Tank," "Survivor," "The Voice"), and Mike Darnell, President, Warner Bros. Unscripted & Alternative Television, and Warner Horizon Television ("The Voice," "The Bachelor," "The Bachelorette," "Bachelor in Paradise") comes "500 Questions," an all-new game show event where the smartest people in the country try to achieve the seemingly impossible task of answering 500 of the most difficult general knowledge questions ever devised. There's only one simple rule: never get three wrong in a row - or you're gone.

It is the ultimate test, where intellect, strategy and stamina are all equally essential in order to win. The innovative "genius game show," hosted by CNN's Richard Quest ("Quest Means Business"), premieres WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 (8:00-9:00 p.m.), on the ABC Television Network and will air nine hours over seven nights, with its season finale set for Thursday, May 28.

"500 Questions" requires the contestant to successfully navigate through multiple rounds of 50 questions spanning a wide range of categories (science, politics, literature, pop culture, etc.). As the contestant plays the game, they continue to build their overall bank as questions are answered correctly. Contestants can make multiple educated guesses within the allotted time, however, they will only get to keep the money when they successfully finish each round of 50 questions. Three wrong answers in a row and the contestant is eliminated.

Further raising the stakes will be a challenger, watching the contestant's every move, with the ability and opportunity to knock out the reigning genius contestant at various moments during each round of questions.

No saves, no helps, no multiple choice, "500 Questions" will keep you on the edge of your seat to see how far these geniuses will be able to go.

On the premiere episode, "101," an attorney and a neuroscientist face off in this intense test of knowledge, where the toughest question of all is, can either of them answer 500 questions.

Mark Burnett and Phil Parsons are the executive producers. The show was created by Mike Darnell and Mark Burnett. "500 Questions" is produced by United Artists Media Group in association with Warner Horizon Television.

"500 Questions" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format with a 5.1 channel surround sound. This program carries a TV-PG parental guideline.

For more information on "500 Questions," visit ABC.com