The beloved game show Hollywood Squares is making its grand return, bringing the perfect mix of comedy, trivia, and celebrity flair to CBS. Originally set to debut on January 9, 2025, the premiere has been rescheduled to January 16 at 8 pm ET/PT due to the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles.
CBS decided to delay the lighthearted show out of respect for those affected by the disaster, with insiders stating that airing the show amid the crisis felt inappropriate. Following the premiere, Hollywood Squares will settle into its regular slot on Wednesdays at 10 pm ET, starting January 29, as part of the network’s Game Night lineup.
This fresh take on the classic series will feature Drew Barrymore as the center square and Nate Burleson as the host. Produced by Jesse Collins Entertainment and Drew Barrymore’s Flower Films, Hollywood Squares combines the nostalgic tic-tac-toe gameplay with a vibrant roster of celebrities.
Fans can look forward to appearances by Tyra Banks, Tiffany Haddish, and Jeff Ross, among many others. Episodes will also be available for streaming on Paramount+, ensuring viewers across the globe can join in the fun.
Release schedule of Hollywood Squares
The Hollywood Squares revival provides flexible viewing options for a wide audience. In the U.S., the show airs live on CBS during its scheduled times and is available for streaming on Paramount+. Additionally, platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV may offer episodes for purchase or rental, though pricing depends on the region and episode availability.
The show is scheduled to premiere on January 16 at 8 pm ET/PT on CBS.
What is Hollywood Squares about? Everything to know
The official logline for the show on Paramount+ reads:
"The classic game show features two contestants playing tic-tac-toe with hilarious celebrity guests to win money and prizes."
The revival of the show brings back the classic game show’s charm, now with Drew Barrymore as the iconic center square and Nate Burleson as the host. The show blends trivia, humor, and celebrity wit in a dynamic tic-tac-toe competition.
Contestants face off for cash and prizes, relying on celebrity participants who answer trivia questions. The challenge lies in deciding whether the celebrity’s response is accurate or a bluff to claim the square.
Hollywood Squares originally premiered on NBC in 1965 and ran for 14 seasons. Its appeal went beyond being a game show, as the celebrity guests brought humor and spontaneity to every episode.
Over the years, it has seen numerous revivals, including The New Hollywood Squares in the 1980s and VH1’s Celebrity Stars, which emphasized Black culture. CBS became the franchise owner in 2000, further cementing its legacy.
The upcoming revival, led by Jesse Collins Entertainment and Barrymore’s Flower Films, offers a star-studded lineup featuring Tyra Banks, Julie Bowen, Tiffany Haddish, and Gabriel Iglesias. Initially set to premiere on January 9, 2025, the release was postponed to January 16, 2025, due to the Los Angeles wildfires, respecting the ongoing crisis.
Cast list of Hollywood Squares premiere
The episode will feature the following celebrities:
Top Row (8:00–8:30 PM ET):
- Triumph the Insult Comic Dog
- Julie Bowen
- Whitney Cummings
Middle Row (8:00–8:30 PM ET):
- Thomas Lennon
- Drew Barrymore (Center Square)
- Ms. Pat
Bottom Row (8:00–8:30 PM ET):
- Tiffany Haddish
- Tyra Banks
- Jeff Ross
Top Row (8:30–9:00 PM ET):
- Drew Carey
- Bobby Moynihan
- J.B. Smoove
Middle Row (8:30–9:00 PM ET):
- Chelsea Peretti
- Drew Barrymore (Center Square)
- Tichina Arnold
Bottom Row (8:30–9:00 PM ET):
- Nicole Byer
- Debi Mazar
- Pete Holmes
Drew Barrymore serves as the center square, with Nate Burleson hosting the show.
Stay tuned for more updates.