User reviews

First off, this is coming from someone who isn't familiar with Hollywood Squares and was only fully exposed to it by watching the Match Game-Hollywood Squares Hour (I'm not kidding about that BTW, more on that on a later date).

So, most of you remember the original HS hosted by the late Peter Marshall, known for featuring some familiar celebrities like Rose Marie, Buddy Hackett, Karen Valentine, Cliff Arquette as Charley Weaver and of course, the center square of that era, Paul Lynde, who is quick witted and delivers one-liners with ease.

Throughout the years, it has been revived a few times, with the aforementioned Match Game-Hollywood Squares Hour with Jon "Bowzer" Bauman as the host of the HS portion (a full review of that show soon), The New Hollywood Squares in the 80s with John Davidson and the Tom Bergeron era in the late 90s and early 2000s, with Whoopi Goldberg as center square in the first 4 years of that era.

Now, in 2025, we get reintroduced to the tic-tac-toe game with celebrities in a whole new way.

Watching the first 2 episodes (as it is a half-hour show), I concluded that it's OK and nothing too special.

Nate Burleson, currently known for hosting CBS Mornings, is a decent host who has a decent amount of energy, and he does keep the game moving when necessary.

Drew Barrymore as the center square is fine as well, never really taking the spotlight from the other celebrities while still being... well, Drew Barrymore.

As I said before, it's nothing too decent and I do dislike that it is way overhated because it's not that bad and we've gotten much worse than this.

That's my 2 cents on it and I'll leave it there.

However, it's probably best if you don't watch it every week because as I said before, it's nothing too special as its Hollywood Squares.

To conclude, it's a time-passer and nothing more than that, but I hope that it'll get better as it goes along and won't be as hated as it initially was.

Listen, it's not great, but most of these reviews are too harsh. The feel of this show reminds me of Alec Baldwin's Match Game. If you were a fan of that, or you're just a game-show trash goblin like me, this show is for you.

Some people seem outraged by the lack of consistency with the amount of game play had, yet money is still awarded to the players for the number of Xs or Os currently on the board and that goes towards their bank totals.

Others were complaining about the scripted jokes... duh, it's a bunch of B and C listers who've probably rarely, if ever, interacted. Those who end up frequently cycling in and out of the show will probably develop a more naturally rapport, but again, that'll take time.

"The questions are dumb". Yeah, it's a bunch of out-of-touch celebrities and the goal is for normal people to win money. This ain't jeopardy...

"I don't know these celebrities". Y'all, c'mon. Turn on a TV once in a while.

"Drew Barrymore ruins it". I'm no fan, but let's chill out. She isn't trying to steal the show in the way I thought she would so I was pleasantly surprised.

Anyway, I just felt obligated to submit a review in support for the show because of how brutal some of the reactions were... this isn't a masterpiece of cinema to be critiqued, it's a goofy little game show that fulfills what it promises.

The jokes/innuendos have always been part of the squares' schtick, even though they're usually just corny, pre-written jokes. But the way the contestants give an editorial comment when they are picking a square, then again when they finally answer the question--is beyond lame. And both are done for EVERY CELEB-and it drags the show. It's fine if there's nothing else on that interests me. But it's not a must-see either, by any stretch... As for the celebrities themselves, many of them ive never even heard of. Some are funny, some try too hard to be funny--it will never come close to any of the incarnations before it.

Wow this show stinks! What can I say the show feels totally scripted. The contestants don't know basic tic-tac-toe and I can't believe the amount of answers they get wrong. The ones that are tough are seemingly guessed correctly by the celebrity. Nobody would know and should know some of this useless drivel. The banter is very lackluster and it's sad because they actually casted some talented comedians. Great comics such as Chelsea Peratti are on a leash having to have their jokes beeped out by the network. I'd suggest avoiding this show at all cost and I hope it gets cancellled after one season.

I have to agree with the previous review. Not only is is a waste of tv time, but the format is totally unfair to the contestants. There is never enough time for the second round, leaving the first round winner to most likely win for that show. I have always liked Tiffany Haddish, but she needs to keep her tongue in her mouth. It's gross. The questions are odd and the answers totally not funny. Producer Drew's writers should find new jobs. Even the contestants have no personality. The host is just 'okay.' So, fake celebrity laughter, boring contestants, 'C" host, canned audience.... Just not worth anyone's time.

Before I give my thoughts, I'm just gonna say this, I'm never grew up with watching Hollywood Squares cuz it was before my time, but I have seem some episodes with Tom Bergeron on YouTube, so I know pretty much what the object of the game show.

Now, I had very low exceptions (most likely like everyone else) and especially when it comes down to game show revivals (or revivals in general) and I will say this... it's not that bad, but not really touching the good section either.

I do think Nate Burleson does a fine job hosting (or at least the best he can) with what he has, but honestly, but that's probably the only objectively positive thing the show has going for it.

As others have making, some the celebrities are obnoxious and the constant unfunny and corny jokes (especially with the innuendos, man), but one thing that surprisingly hasn't been mentioned yet, is that the game is WAY too easy.

What I mean by that is while the object of the game itself is simple and easy, the bonus round has to be one the easy rounds I think I have ever seen in a game show in a while.

For the bonus round summary, the contestant must agree or disagree if they think the celebrities did what the question says, and one celebrity holds $25,000 (while is kinda low even for primetime), that's it. So it's pretty much the more celebrity you get, the most likely you'll win, so EASY!

And the last thing I wanna say is I have mixed feelings about it being a half-hour show, I say it's fine cuz it doesn't overstay (though 2 episodes air back-to-back), but other side is saying it's bad cuz it feels rushed and just trying to fill a time slot.

So bottom line, at worst, it's mediocre, and at best, it's passable. While the criticisms I've heard are valid, there's definitely WAY worse game shows than this, but there's also WAY better.

Everyone is always laughing on this show, even if it's not funny. The contestants do not feel like real people...they are performing an act of being what they think a contestant is..no average person would act like they do. I have a feeling they hire out-of-work actors to be contestants. The host is too energetic...he's way over the top and far too cheerful for the dreary going-ons.. Some of the "celebrities" are not celebrities...I didn't recognize or could identify several of them. The questions are quite uninteresting and the joke answers given to the celebrities fall flat. Overall, the whole show is an annoying hour of fake laughter and fake excitement.

I watched the Whoopi Goldberg version a lot in the 2000's and this is at least as good as that. Other reviewers seem pretty mean spirited. From the first two episodes I've known all but one of the celebs & the host. They are all well known stars, the exact level of previous versions. From tv star Drew Carrey to film character actress of 30+ years Debi Mazar, the genius political commentator Triumph the dog, film star Tiffany Haddish... all well known and all known for being smart and some are known for being great jokesters. The questions were always crazy easy.

I admit I have not seen a lot of the original game, so I can't directly compare it to that. I do think the game resembles that as well, but maybe not quite as fresh... which would make sense. Still, not a bad remake.

Wow. If you thought network TV had already reached rock bottom like I did, let me tell you we weren't even close. Hollywood Squares is so unwatchably bad that it makes every other one star show noticeably better. The host is just terrible, the pseudo-celebrities in the squares are painfully unfunny and the writing (there are writers, right?) wouldn't even be worthy of a passing grade in middle school. When I die and end up in the great abyss down under I fully anticipate that my punishment will be to watch the new Hollywood Squares on a loop with my eyes and ears forced open while glued to a chair so I can't get away. In fact starting today I will work hard to be a better person just in case.

Best Hollywood Squares yet!!! I even like it better than the original.

I LOVE how happy and animated the celebrities are -- they make it a show that you can watch and forget about your troubles for awhile. The late 1980s Hollywood Squares didn't have this great energy.

Drew is such a terrific center square -- who doesn't love her? -- and Nate does a great job as host.

I don't know what people are complaining about with the contestants. They are not supposed to be rocket scientists. It's fun to see what they get right/wrong and who they trust and don't trust.

I will be really sad if all these negative comments mean it will be canceled.

GREAT SHOW!!!!

OK, full disclosure -- I only watched through the first two questions (which were pretty lame in the first place.)

The introductions of the stars (half of whom I had no idea they were stars in the first place) were painfully immature and the mugging and posturing were painful to watch. More than the equally but similarly antics of Celebrity Jeopardy and Celebrity Family Feud; can't so-called-celebrities act like grown-ups on these outings?)

The original had a lot of sexual innuendo thrown about, but not as cringey as this one probably will have (I won't know since I won't be watching it.)

Luckily a lot of the old episodes are available online so if you want to compare how bad this is, you can.

The only reason I rated this show a "1" is because it's the lowest rating I can give. I actually thought that the new version of the old classic game show Password with Jimmy Fallon was as bad as it could get, but this show proved me wrong. I searched and searched to find something redeeming coming from this show, but I was unable to find anything. This whole catastrophe appears to be totally scripted, completely unfunny, and about as enjoyable as a root canal. I honestly don't see how anybody with a functioning brain could find anything worthwhile from this feeble attempt to re-create a game show from the past that at one time was pretty good. In full disclosure, I only watched about 15 minutes of the initial show, because that's all I could stomach. If this is what the future holds for television, I fear the medium is doomed.

I left my burrow after the football game for about an hour and when I came back in, Hollywood Squares was on. Being a fan of the original, I thought I would sit and give it a watch.

Cancel it right now. Just pull the plug. Put everyone out of their misery.

The contrived jokes, the fake laughs, the celebrities trying too hard to be funny and edgy. The gay celebs try to shock everyone with their "Hey, everybody! Look at me! I'M GAY" answers that you feel pummeled after 10 minutes. They need to take a lesson by watching videos of Paul Lynde. He made the show hugely popular and all the celebrities laughed with genuine humor. The version I saw tonight was trying so hard to be edgy that it accomplished the opposite. Play the game and let the humor come naturally, or at least deliver your jokes without over the top BS.

We definitely don't need this garbage.

What a waste of time! I am embarrassed to admit that we watched 2 episodes. No más! Totally scripted, no spontaneity, clearly not even in the same universe as the original. The developers should be ashamed. Are you being paid for this? Except for Drew Barrymore who must be one hundred percent desperate for work, we did not regonize even one "star." Oh yeah. Drew Carrey was there. Shocking that he would accept such a gig. Not funny. Not fun. Plenty dub. And the sponsors...Choose a better show to represent you. Good thing I don't remember who you were. I'll now go back to Pee Wee Herman reruns for an upgrade.

The reviews on this site maybe not be giving the show a chance to get a foot hold. Regarding the celebrities, most are are very popular, and funny. Nate, belongs here, it fits him to a tee. The middle square should be rotated, I wasn't surprise when Drew showed up in the middle square. She probably needs it like one review sees it. Drew is so needy for love, so she can have the middle square, however, to make it a hit rotate the middle square. Real life contestants is a plus. I can tell to the contestants are scripted, you need natural real people unscripted that will be a plus too. A+

Get the Kings and Queens of comedy in the squares, It will blow the ratings off the roof. Cedric the entertainer, Steve Harvey, MO, Somore, Kevin Hart, as for Movie stars we have some really funny Movies stars too, Steve Martin, Sherry Shepard, Jimmy Walker, Tyler James, Chris Rock, Chris Tucker, Jackie Chan. Just to name a few that will make this grown folk game show a hit. You can do this Drew, Let's make HOLLYWOOD GREAT AGAIN!!!! LOL :-)

Hollywood Squares is one of the most iconic, enjoyable and most watched shows of all time.

Throughout the years we have had to the pleasure to have such icons in the squares, Paul Lynde, Phyllis Diller, etc. Over the years the stars, and hosts have come and gone, from the master, Peter Marshall, and even Tom Bergeron.

Enter the 2025 Version, what a disgrace to to the show! It has about entertainment as a wake. Poor Drew Barrymore ( whom I love as a actor) is like a fish out of water, the other Celebs are mainly little known. A football commentator for a host. And the " jokes"are corney, and seems to be scripted. Even the contestants are so dense they dont even know how to play tic tac toe. This is nothing more then a attempt to make some money on the shows name and past.

For this reboot/reimagining/whatever. I was a huge fan of the original, and was hoping for good things from this reboot. So disappointed, tho I have found some laughs. Where are the risque questions, that would lead to the double entendre responses? Where are they? Those were the hallmarks of the original! As for the celebrities, well they need to get some that are quicker off the mark and wittier. Some that have been on, I have no idea who they are and I don't care. I think the writers need to go back and rewatch the original, and they need to find celebrities that are much wittier and way funnier.

I remember the original game show. The celebrities were well respected, humorous and entertaining. They each deserved to be there based upon their own merit. The host, Peter Marshal, was a presence all his own and everyone knew he was in charge. The 2025 version is another one of these new DEI love festivals. While I'm not convinced that the show is scripted, I do suspect the questions are provided to the celebrities in advance so they can prepare (or have a writer do it for them) a response they think may be funny or outrageous. They fail on each account. Drew Barrymore, although she has previously turned out entertaining performances, is not entertaining in this game show. Instead, she's borderline cringe worthy. The rest of the cast is no one I'd ever want to meet in person. They just aren't interesting. The contestants on the other hand seem disingenuous in their enthusiasm. During their little get to know you spiel, the camera close ups for the celebrities' reactions show they really are disinterested in what the contestants have to say about themselves. Plus, the contestants are rarely successful in agreeing or disagreeing with the answer to the questions offered by the celebrities. I gave this game show a shot, but only out of nostalgia for the enjoyment provided by the original series and cast. My best suggestion is to not waste your time because life is too short to waste on this nonsense.

Whomever is behind this train wreck needs to be fired from Hollywood all together and not allowed to produce or be part of anything moving forward.

Drew Barrymore as the center squares the worst decision ever made for a game show, hands down. Leave her on her talk show where she can fade away quietly into the night for good.

There is one positive though, the host is not awful, and actually has potential so I hope for his own good he distances himself from this asap so it doesn't black list him from future work before he has a chance from doing this.

They had the opportunity to ride the coat tails of a good game show from the past and they completely blew it, I can't see this even getting to the end of the first season...

I have a lot to say about this but most of it has been said already and I agree with it wholeheartedly, so I'll not say anymore other than the host is okay. I will also and finally say about that female contestant, a Kardashian lookalike, who told Drew Barrymore that "We're done," it was not Drew's fault that you failed with her. It was up to you to decide whether you thought she was right or wrong and you made the wrong decision both times. You disagreed when you should've agreed. Quite frankly, it should be Drew saying, "We're done" and it is you who should be apologizing. Thank you so much.

Yet another thrown together fly-by-night reboot of a classic TV game show that won't last thanks to an untalented, unfunny, and annoying host and contestants and "stars" (I use that word loosely) who try sooo hard to be funny and fail miserably. It's all so painfully forced. Drew Barrymore should stick to her talk show. I've never heard of most of the "stars" (just what is Ross Matthews talent, anyway; having a voice that grates?) and only watched to see Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, but not even he can save and sustain this embarrassment. The overly enthusiastic, overly bubbly contestants are especially annoying, so much so that I wish both could lose. Won't be watching again, not even for Triumph.

Seriously, watching this version makes me want to go looking for the other, funny, ones. Did Drew Barrymore write it into her contract that they have to address her personally a least four times per episode? Sorry, but she's not that interesting, especially with her over-the-top reactions. She's fine as an actor, I guess, but not here. The host seems decent enough, if they gave him something to actually work with, he might be all right, and some of the contestants are idiots, but, yeah, that happens with every game show. Can't really hold that against them.

Maybe it doesn't help that I don't know most of the celebrities they have on the show, but I don't think so. I like Jeff Dunham, and despite my disinterest, kept watching until the episode he was in, but then was disappointed yet again, as he never did get called on, and was really barely there. Maybe they should see if he wants to be center square. He, at least, would be able to carry it better.

All-in-all, it's not going to be added to my watchlist any time soon.

And not like John Waters filth, just nasty. No way is this a family show. WAAAAAAYYYYYY too much innuendo. I would be embarrassed to watch with someone under 18. Scratch that... I would be embarrassed to watch with anyone. Filthy. This new attitude about media is getting out of hand. Do we really need "1 of everything" on each episode saying the first thing (which is mostly filthy) that comes to their mind? I really Love Drew and if there is one good thing about the show it's her, and Nate, and the contestants so, that's 3 things. Did they try to pick people that would be nasty? Is it Madonna on Letterman again? She was told to be filthy (or so she says)

Too many scripted bits with no payoffs. This franchise has quite a legacy of sharp wits. I have seen so many concoctions of this show and they one common denominator, it always looked like everyone was having fun. Sure, in the 70s they were drinking. The 90s version was a well oiled machine. That is not the case here. Drew Barrymore is an executive producer, she should sacrifice her need to be the star and put quick witted comedic anchor in that spot. They book a lot of good comics, they should give them the keys. Hopefully they can make adjustments, but that isn't how the business works these days. In my Rick Pitino "Unfortunately, Gilbert Gottfried is not walking through that door. "