After years languishing in the game show graveyard, “Hollywood Squares” is getting another shot at primetime relevance. CBS is dusting off the tic-tac-toe board and stuffing those open-faced cubes with a new batch of celebrities, hoping to recapture the magic of the original. Will it work? Who can say? But the lineup for the premiere, airing Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 8:00 PM, is certainly attention-grabbing.
Tyra Banks will be holding court in one of the squares, alongside the always amusing Julie Bowen. Whitney Cummings and Tiffany Haddish represent a formidable comedic duo, while Thomas Lennon, Ms. Pat, and Jeff Ross round out the initial roster. The format remains blessedly unchanged: two contestants battle it out in a game of tic-tac-toe, trying to determine whether the celebrities are telling the truth or spinning elaborate fibs.
This revival attempts to tap into that potent cocktail of nostalgia and star power, hoping to lure viewers who fondly remember the original alongside those simply curious to see what this iteration will offer. The success of this reboot hinges on the chemistry of the celebrities, their willingness to embrace the inherent silliness of the format, and the ability of the producers to find a balance between honoring the past and appealing to a modern audience. It’s a tricky tightrope to walk, but with this lineup, “Hollywood Squares” at least has a fighting chance. Is it appointment television? Probably not. But it could be a diverting way to kill an hour, particularly if the celebrities bring their A-game. Tune in to CBS on Thursday January 9 to find out if this reboot has the staying power of a Paul Lynde zinger or if it will fade away like so many other game show revivals.
“Hollywood Squares” airs Thursdays at 8:00 PM on CBS.
