The nostalgic charm of the 1980s returned to television with the premiere of the beloved game show “The Squares of the Stars” on ERT1, aired on January 6th, coinciding with the Epiphany celebrations. Hosted by Smaragda Karydi, the show opened with a montage featuring iconic moments from its original run, hosted by Maria Aliferi, showcasing renowned personalities from the arts, including Mimis Plessas, Thanasis Veggos, Anna Vissi, Sotiris Moustakas, Anna Kalouta, freddy Germanos, and Nikos Rizos. Aliferi greeted the audience with a warm “good evening,” creating a seamless connection to the past as she welcomed viewers back to a cherished piece of Greek television history.
The popular Greek television show “The Squares of the Stars” kicked off its new season with a heartwarming charity episode, hosted by Maria Aliferi. In her opening remarks, Aliferi wished viewers a happy new year filled with joy, faith, peace, health, and happiness, humorously noting, “Sorry, I jumped through time.” The episode aims to raise funds for a 20-member team participating in the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, scheduled for March 8-16, 2025. The show promises to deliver engaging content while supporting a noble cause, with Aliferi taking center stage alongside co-host Smaragda Karydi, who paid tribute to AliferiS iconic catchphrases.The beloved game show,hosted by Smaragda Karydi,is set to return to screens every Saturday at 20:45,starting January 11,2025. viewers can expect an exciting format featuring celebrity guests from various artistic backgrounds who will take turns in the nine squares, aiming to mislead contestants with their answers. Each week, two new players will compete for a chance to win up to €10,000 across five challenging rounds of questions, all while being entertained by a live band under the direction of Thodoris Darmos. don’t miss the fun and surprises that await!
Q&A: Revisiting the Charm of “The Squares of the Stars” with Industry Expert
Editor: Welcome, and thank you for joining us today to discuss the revival of one of Greece’s most beloved game shows, “The Squares of the Stars.” It premiered recently on ERT1, coinciding with the Epiphany celebrations. What can you tell us about the meaning of this return?
Expert: Thank you for having me! The return of “The Squares of the Stars” is significant not just for its nostalgic appeal, but also for its cultural impact. The original show, hosted by maria Aliferi, was a staple of Greek television during the 1980s, bringing together notable figures from the arts. The recent premiere on January 6th utilized a nostalgic montage that instantly connected viewers,providing a warm invitation back to a cherished piece of their history.
Editor: That’s interesting. The show kicked off with a charity episode aimed at supporting a team for the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin. How does the incorporation of charity influence shows like this in today’s television landscape?
expert: Integrating charity efforts into popular television formats is becoming increasingly common. It not only raises funds for important causes but also builds a positive association with the program, engaging viewers on a deeper level. This move can rejuvenate interest in classic shows while promoting social responsibility—something audiences today value highly. The excitement surrounding the show also serves as a platform for awareness, which is crucial for events like the Special Olympics.
Editor: The show is set to air weekly,featuring a mix of iconic formats and new elements. What can viewers expect from the upcoming episodes in terms of content and engagement?
Expert: Viewers can look forward to a revamped format that stays true to its roots while incorporating modern twists. The exciting element of celebrity guests from various artistic backgrounds adds freshness to the classic game format. Contestants have a chance to win significant prizes, which amplifies engagement. The presence of a live band under Thodoris Darmos adds an entertainment factor, ensuring that audiences remain captivated and entertained throughout the episodes.
editor: With Smaragda Karydi as the host, how important is the choice of host for a program like this?
Expert: The host plays a vital role in any game show, particularly one with such a rich history. Smaragda Karydi inherits a legacy and must balance that with her unique style to resonate with both nostalgic and new audiences. A skilled host not only guides contestants but also enhances viewer engagement through charisma and relatability. Citing Maria Aliferi’s classic charm was a strategic move to reinforce continuity, while Karydi brings her flair to the table.
Editor: Looking at the broader television industry, what lessons can be learned from the revival of shows like “The Squares of the Stars”?
Expert: Reviving classic shows highlights the importance of nostalgia in today’s media landscape. It underscores the idea that audiences crave familiarity, especially in uncertain times. Another critical lesson is the value of integrating charitable causes within entertainment, appealing to the viewers’ sense of community. As networks attempt to resonate with both older and younger demographics,the blending of tradition with innovation can lead to new successes.
Editor: Thank you for sharing these insights! As “The Squares of the Stars” continues its run, it looks poised to entertain and engage a wide audience while supporting a noble cause.
Expert: absolutely! It will be exciting to see how audiences respond in the weeks to come,especially as they continue to embrace both the nostalgia and the fresh format.It’s a promising start for 2025 on Greek television.