Hollywood Squares
“Hollywood Squares” is an iconic American television game show that combines elements of trivia and tic-tac-toe. The show originally premiered…
“Hollywood Squares” is an iconic American television game show that combines elements of trivia and tic-tac-toe. The show originally premiered in 1966 and became one of the most popular and enduring game shows in television history, known for its celebrity guests, humor, and memorable moments.
Creation and Early Development
Concept and Format:
“Hollywood Squares” was created by Merrill Heatter and Bob Quigley. The concept involved a giant tic-tac-toe board, with each square occupied by a celebrity. Contestants took turns choosing a square, and the celebrity in that square would be asked a question. The contestant then had to agree or disagree with the celebrity’s answer to earn their mark (X or O) on the board. The goal was to complete a row of three marks, either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
The show’s format allowed for a mix of quiz-style gameplay and comedy, as celebrities often delivered humorous or witty responses before giving the actual answer. This blend of entertainment and trivia became a defining feature of the show.
Pilot and Early Success:
The pilot for “Hollywood Squares” was filmed in 1965, and the show officially premiered on October 17, 1966, on NBC. The original host was Peter Marshall, who became closely associated with the show and was known for his quick wit and ability to keep the game moving smoothly.
The show was an immediate success, appealing to viewers with its combination of celebrity appearances, comedy, and game strategy. The celebrities often included well-known comedians, actors, and entertainers, adding to the show’s broad appeal.
The Classic Era (1966–1981)
Celebrity Guests:
Over the years, “Hollywood Squares” featured a wide array of celebrity guests, many of whom became regulars on the show. Some of the most famous recurring celebrities included Paul Lynde, who occupied the center square and was known for his sharp humor and innuendos, and Charley Weaver, who was also a beloved fixture on the show.
Other notable guests included Joan Rivers, George Gobel, Rose Marie, and Vincent Price. The center square became particularly coveted, as it was seen as the focal point of the game.
Cultural Impact:
“Hollywood Squares” became a significant part of American pop culture during its original run. It was not just a game show but also a platform for celebrities to showcase their personalities and engage with the public in a lighthearted and often humorous way.
The show’s format and the interaction between the host, contestants, and celebrities created many memorable moments that resonated with audiences. The show’s popularity also led to various parodies and references in other media.
End of the Original Run:
The original version of “Hollywood Squares” ran for 15 years on NBC, from 1966 until 1981. By the late 1970s, the show’s ratings began to decline, and it was eventually canceled in June 1980. However, it continued to air in syndication for an additional year, ending its initial run in 1981.
Revivals and Later Versions
1980s and 1990s Revivals:
After the original series ended, “Hollywood Squares” was revived several times. The first revival aired from 1983 to 1984, with Jon Bauman (also known as “Bowzer” from the musical group Sha Na Na) as the host. This version featured many of the same elements as the original but struggled to recapture the same level of popularity.
A more successful revival came in 1986, hosted by John Davidson. This version ran until 1989 and featured new celebrities alongside returning favorites from the original show. While it did well initially, the show eventually ended as ratings declined.
1998–2004 Revival:
The most successful revival of “Hollywood Squares” aired from 1998 to 2004, with Tom Bergeron as the host. Bergeron’s version was well-received for its modern take on the classic format, blending contemporary humor with the familiar gameplay. The show also featured a rotating “center square,” with Whoopi Goldberg serving as a regular in that position and as the show’s executive producer.
This revival was notable for attracting a younger audience and incorporating a more diverse range of celebrity guests. It maintained the spirit of the original show while adapting to the changing television landscape.
Legacy and Influence
Cultural Significance:
“Hollywood Squares” is widely regarded as one of the classic American game shows, known for its unique format and the way it brought together trivia and comedy. The show’s influence can be seen in many other game shows and entertainment formats that followed, particularly those that rely on celebrity participation.
The show also helped solidify the careers of several celebrities, particularly Paul Lynde, whose persona as the center square became iconic. His quips and comedic timing are still remembered as some of the best moments in the show’s history.
Syndication and Legacy:
Reruns of “Hollywood Squares” have been aired on various television networks over the years, keeping the show’s legacy alive. The format has been adapted in other countries, further extending its influence globally.
The show is often cited as an example of how television can blend entertainment and celebrity culture in a way that appeals to a broad audience. Its legacy is preserved in the memories of viewers and in the many game shows that have drawn inspiration from its format.
- Home
- /
- Entertainment
- /
- TV Series
- /
- Hollywood Squares
Advertisement:
- Marshall, Peter (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 238 Pages - 06/21/2021 (Publication Date) - BearManor Media (Publisher)
- English (Publication Language)
- 224 Pages - 03/20/1978 (Publication Date) - Popular Library (Publisher)
- Anger, Kenneth (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 288 Pages - 11/15/1975 (Publication Date) - Straight Arrow Books (Publisher)
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Gene Rayburn, Johnny Olson, Brett Somers (Actors)
- Marc Breslow (Director) - Dick DeBartolo (Writer) - Ira Skutch (Producer)
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Elizabeth Wautlet, Rhonda Richford, Johnny Depp (Actors)
- Laurent Cotillon (Director) - Laurent Cotillon (Writer) - Laurent Cotillon (Producer)
We get commissions for purchases made through links on this website. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- Home
- /
- Entertainment
- /
- TV Series
- /
- Hollywood Squares
Comments