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Hollywood Squares: All you need to know About the Revived game show
The highly anticipated Hollywood Squares revival is coming to CBS, bringing a fresh take on the classic game show. With star-studded celebrity appearances and a new dynamic, this reboot aims to entertain both long-time fans and new viewers. The iconic tic-tac-toe format remains, but there’s a fun modern twist.
Originally set to air on January 9, the premiere has been delayed due to the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles. Drew Barrymore will take center square, while Nate Burleson joins as co-host. Fans can expect a mix of humor, celebrity banter, and thrilling trivia.
Want to know more about the revamped format and who's joining the celebrity lineup? Keep reading to uncover all the exciting details! We’ll be updating this as new information emerges, so stay tuned for more surprises!
Release date & Where to Watch
The premiere of Hollywood Squares was originally scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, with two episodes on CBS. However, CBS has postponed the debut to Jan. 16, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET, due to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles and nearby areas. In its place, reruns of Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage and Ghosts will air.
Hollywood Squares episodes will also be available for streaming on Paramount+ the following day.
The game show will continue to air on Thursdays for several weeks before transitioning to its regular slot on Wednesday nights at 10 p.m. ET, starting Jan. 29, 2025.Â
Format & plot
Hollywood Squares is a beloved game show that combines trivia and tic-tac-toe, where two contestants compete to win cash and prizes. The board is a nine-square grid, each square occupied by a celebrity who answers questions posed by the host. Contestants must determine whether the celebrity’s answer is correct to claim their square, aiming to get three in a row to win.
This updated version, hosted by Nate Burleson, brings fresh energy to the classic format. Drew Barrymore, taking the center square, adds her signature charisma and humor to the proceedings. The show blends lighthearted banter and playful antics with the game’s strategic elements, creating a mix of trivia and entertainment.
The show’s format stays true to its roots, first established in 1966. What sets Hollywood Squares apart from other game shows is its comedic edge, as celebrities often deliver amusing or unexpected answers, keeping contestants and the audience guessing. This fusion of wit, strategy, and star power ensures the revival retains its charm while appealing to a new generation of fans.
Who’s Hosting Hollywood Squares?
Nate Burleson has been named the host of Hollywood Squares on CBS, making him the fourth-ever host of the iconic game show.Â
A former NFL player with stints on the Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, and Detroit Lions, Burleson has seamlessly transitioned into television, earning an Emmy for his work as a CBS Sports studio analyst since 2017. Beyond sports, he co-hosts CBS Mornings and has hosted Nickelodeon’s NFL Slimetime, including its kid-friendly broadcast of Super Bowl LVIII.
Adding star power to the show, Drew Barrymore will occupy the center square, bringing her wit and charm as a seasoned actress and talk show host. Together, Burleson and Barrymore create an engaging dynamic, guiding contestants and delivering entertainment for fans.
Who are the Celebrity Guests Participating in Hollywood Squares?
Hollywood Squares will feature a dynamic rotation of celebrity guests filling the nine spots on its iconic game board. Actress and daytime talk show host Drew Barrymore takes the central square as a consistent presence throughout the series.
The January 16 episode kicks off with stars like Tyra Banks, Julie Bowen, Whitney Cummings, Tiffany Haddish, Thomas Lennon, Ms. Pat, Jeff Ross, and Triumph the Insult Comic Dog in game one. Game two will spotlight Tichina Arnold, Nicole Byer, Drew Carey, Pete Holmes, Debi Mazar, Bobby Moynihan, JB Smoove, and Chelsea Peretti.
Additional confirmed guests include Akbar Gbajabiamila, Oliver Hudson, Gabriel Iglesias, Jo Koy, Jay Leno, Yvette Nicole Brown, Justin Long, Kevin Nealon, RuPaul, Andrew Rannells, Kristen Schaal, Sheryl Underwood, and Jimmy O. Yang. Even more celebrities are expected to be announced as the series unfolds.
Is There a Trailer for Hollywood Squares?
Take a look at what the reboot has in store in the video below.
Episode Schedule
- Season 1 Episode 1: It's a Dysfunctional Family Show (Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025)
- Season 1 Episode 2: The Mayor of the Sun (Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025)
- Season 1 Episode 3: It's a Kiss Party (Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025)
- Season 1 Episode 4: Sixty for Swifty (Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025)
- Season 1 Episode 5 (Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025)
Set Design & Aesthetic
The revival stays true to the iconic set design that fans know and love. Early glimpses reveal the familiar nine-squared grid as the primary playing space, now enhanced with a touch of vintage charm. This blend of nostalgia and modernity aims to delight long-time devotees while offering a fresh experience for newcomers curious about this beloved classic.
Behind the Scenes
Drew Barrymore, along with her production company Flower Films Inc., is not only the center square and de facto co-host but also a producer of the new Hollywood Squares. She collaborates with Jesse Collins, whose Jesse Collins Entertainment is also behind the production of the show. Together, Barrymore and Collins bring their creative expertise to reimagine this iconic game show.
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