Hollywood Squares Celebrates 50 Years of Emmy Wins and Enduring Appeal
A half-century ago, the iconic game show Hollywood Squares, a life-size celebrity tic-tac-toe competition, secured its first Emmy Award for outstanding game show, marking the beginning of a remarkable run for the program.
The show initially premiered as a pilot on NBC in 1965,introducing a novel concept: famous panelists positioned on a giant game board would assist – or playfully obstruct – contestants by responding too questions posed by the host.Contestants would then wager on whether the celebrity’s answer was correct,earning a square for themselves with a correct guess or conceding it to their opponent with an incorrect one. The first player to achieve three squares in a row would claim cash and prizes.
Did you know?-The original 1965 pilot of *Hollywood Squares* was hosted by Bert Parks, best known for hosting the Miss America pageant for 25 years.
When Hollywood Squares transitioned into a full series in 1966, Peter Marshall stepped in as host after the original pilot host, Bert Parks, became unavailable. Marshall’s tenure proved exceptionally long-lasting, spanning 15 years and earning him four outstanding game show host Emmy Awards, including one in 1975. That particular season boasted a star-studded panel including Sandy Duncan, Vincent Price, Charo, Redd Foxx, and Paul Lynde, the latter of whom became a beloved “center square” fixture through 1981.
The show continued to garner critical acclaim,winning Emmy Awards again in 1978 and 1979. in 1980, it shared the honor with The $20,000 Pyramid before being canceled later that year to accommodate the launch of David Letterman’s daytime talk show, a precursor to his late-night success. Despite this cancellation, Hollywood Squares has experienced multiple revivals and spin-offs over seven different decades, demonstrating its enduring popularity.
Reader question:-Which celebrity guest on *Hollywood Squares* was your favorite, and why did their personality or humor stand out to you?
Today, the legacy continues with Drew Barrymore, Nate Burleson (who also hosts), and Jesse Collins serving as executive producers of the current iteration, which airs on CBS.
This story originally appeared in a June issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To subscribe, click here.
Teh Celebrities Behind the Squares: Roles and Enduring Appeal
The heart of Hollywood Squares wasn’t just the trivia; it was the personalities. The celebrity panelists, who occupied the nine squares, played crucial roles in the show’s success. Their witty banter, sometimes nonsensical answers, and varied backgrounds contributed significantly to the program’s enduring charm [[1]] [[3]].
Panelists like Paul lynde became synonymous with Hollywood Squares as of their consistent presence and comedic timing. Lynde,known for his dry wit,often delivered hilarious,albeit incorrect,responses.His “zinger” responses became a signature of the show, adding levity.
Beyond Lynde, the show benefitted from a diverse range of celebrity guests. The roster included actors, musicians, comedians, and personalities from various fields. Each brought a unique perspective and sense of humor. This variety expanded the show’s appeal to a wide audience.
key Roles Played by Celebrities
- The Comedian: Providing the laughs, frequently enough with self-deprecating humor and speedy-witted answers.Celebrities like Paul Lynde and Rose Marie excelled in this role.
- The Straight Man/Woman: Someone there to provide balance to the show. They will often play off the comedic relief.
- The Wild Card: The unpredictable panelists, whose answers were frequently enough delightfully offbeat, such as Charo, contributed to the show’s unpredictable nature and high entertainment value.
- The “Expert”: Celebrities with specific knowledge, like those from the world of entertainment, helped to add intellectual weight that wasn’t overly serious.
The celebrity panelists on Hollywood Squares were essential. These stars allowed that the game show to stand out as more than just a trivia contest.
The humor stemmed from their responses, their interactions, and their unique roles. All of this made the show a cultural touchstone.
Impact on Panelists’ Careers
Appearing on Hollywood Squares provided exposure for many celebrities. the consistent visibility helped enhance careers and solidify their positions within the entertainment industry. Being a panelist was a recurring role that often spanned years.
Many panelists became more recognizable, enhancing their personal brands and boosting their other professional endeavors. The show also allowed them to display talents beyond their usual work.For some, Hollywood Squares became a career highlight.
The Evolution of the Panel
Throughout its various iterations, Hollywood Squares adapted to changing tastes while maintaining its core appeal. The show saw a shift in its roster of celebrities over the decades, incorporating new faces and emerging talents [[2]]. Each version, from the original run to modern revivals, has reflected the cultural zeitgeist of its time. However, the format for the most part has remained the same.
The choice of panelists was critical to the show’s lasting appeal. Producers carefully selected a blend of well-known personalities, ensuring a mix of humor, intelligence, and star power. The goal was to create an entertaining and engaging experience for viewers.
The Future of the Squares
The continued success of the current version, with executive producers like Drew Barrymore, Nate Burleson, and Jesse Collins, suggests that the concept remains popular [[1]]. The new version incorporates fresh talent while retaining the core elements that made the show a hit
FAQs
What was the original format of the show?
The show featured nine celebrities in a tic-tac-toe grid. Contestants answered questions and guessed if the celebrity’s response was correct, aiming to get three squares in a row.
Why was Paul Lynde such a popular panelist?
Paul lynde’s comedic timing and witty, frequently enough incorrect, answers made him a beloved and memorable “center square” fixture, contributing significantly to the show’s humor and enduring appeal.
How did the celebrity panelists impact the show’s success?
The celebrities added humor, personality, and variety. Their interactions and answers made it more than just a trivia game.
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