CBS is dusting off a classic, resurrecting “Hollywood Squares” with a contemporary twist. This time, Drew Barrymore occupies the coveted center square, flanked by a rotating cast of A-listers including Jay Leno, RuPaul, Tyra Banks, Kevon Nealon, Julie Bowen, and Tiffany Haddish. The game show, hosted by Nate Burleson, premieres Thursday, January 9, 2025, before settling into its regular Wednesday 10 p.m. ET/PT slot on January 29, 2025, as part of CBS Game Night.
The premise remains blessedly unchanged: two contestants engage in a game of tic-tac-toe, questioning the assembled celebrities to determine the veracity of their responses. Correct guesses earn squares; incorrect ones gift them to the opponent. First to achieve three squares in a row—horizontally, vertically, or diagonally—claims victory and any accompanying prizes.
Barrymore steps into a role made famous by the acerbic wit of Paul Lynde and later held by Whoopi Goldberg, each adding their distinctive flavor to the center square. While emulating Lynde’s particular brand of sardonic humor might prove a challenge for anyone, Barrymore’s affable charm and quick wit are well-suited to the game show format. Whether she can effectively manage the egos and potential chaos of a square filled with Leno, RuPaul, and Banks is another matter
This revival marks CBS’s continued investment in game show programming, joining “The Price is Right at Night” and “Raid the Cage” on Wednesday nights. While the network clearly hopes to capitalize on nostalgic appeal, the success of “Hollywood Squares” hinges on more than just name recognition.
The chemistry between Barrymore and the rotating celebrity panel, combined with the inherent entertainment value of witnessing celebrities forced to answer inane questions, will ultimately determine whether this reboot has staying power. Let’s just hope they’ve updated the questions since the last go-round.
“Hollywood Squares” premieres Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS, then moves to Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT beginning January 29, 2025.
