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CBS is a major American broadcasting network that has a wide array of content from news to entertainment and a new found commitment to game shows and classic TV format reboots.
CBS was forced to shift a debut date of the rebooted classic game show "Hollywood Squares." Due to the ongoing California Wildfires they rescheduled its premier to Thursday, January 16th at 8 p.m. ET/PT. This move was necessary due to the impact and devastation the fires caused on a large portion of the Los Angeles area.
This decision was due to the sensitivity of the content being primarily a lighthearted form of entertainment when many people were in times of tragedy. Originally scheduled to be the leading primetime content it was replaced with repeats of “George and Mandy’s First Marriage” and “Ghosts” due to these sensitive events. CBS network did not see it fit to present a comical performance during a time of crisis. They were willing to take action as a major media outlet to acknowledge what was going on.
Nate Burleson hosts the reboot while also featuring Drew Barrymore in the notable center square position. These two talents came together to continue on a legacy. "Hollywood Squares" will eventually be scheduled to its usual time at 10pm ET beginning on Jan 29 after “Raid the Cage.”
The basic formula remains familiar using two contestants trying to gain ownership of boxes from the celebrity responses using the concept of tic tac toe. The game also has incorporated humor and witty one liners which make a fun environment of entertainment. The show allows those that are not always seen in public light to have a new platform to present more of their personality which is a treat for the viewing public.
Many famous stars are seen on the 2025 version. This series brought in an incredible line up of personalities who are featured each week to test contestant knowledge. Among these guest are celebrities such as Tyra Banks and RuPaul. Their large social presence with also provide unique draw for audiences to connect and see if the responses to these types of situations are what they would have previously thought.
The "center square" is historically a role filled by famous personalities who had their own unique character and charm with such noted faces like Paul Lynde or Joan Rivers . Now Drew Barrymore will bring her own take on the character as she also acts as the producer bringing a sense of modern feel to an age old design.
Drew Barrymore is a main player in making the 2025 reboot and mentioned that she saw a need for something fun to connect across generations as that made the original show so notable to the audiences at that time.
While she wanted the new generation to see what made the show popular it also resonated to her own personal view to revisit classics that made her childhood great as she often states this has become a "feel good" type of show for herself along with those that tune in every day to hear the latest. Drew's focus on ensuring everyone's safety, security and comfort during the new filming and show experience shows her caring approach towards production. Her ability to both execute and manage creative control while showing true enthusiasm and heart has won the hearts of many.
“Hollywood Squares” has a very notable classic and vintage look that remains even with this reboot. From the gameplay to its style the focus has been to continue to make the format still feel important to a generation that does not always focus on formats from years past. The goal was for each facet of the design to feel both updated while honoring original intent.
Many parts of the show remain consistent to include some notable celebrities that would also use comedic effect while playing their designated parts as panelist. It creates a mix of old format with modern humor and pop culture references which gives a fresh approach to previous years. Many of these actors who held their post before will be paid homage to through the tone and setting that the new series continues to provide and hold as a foundation for the current direction.