The New Hollywood Squares (1986–1989)

An updated version of the classic game show, hosted by John Davidson. Celebrities, seated in squares in a tic-tac-toe arrangement, would give their answers to questions on various subjects.... See full summary »

Stars:

John Davidson, Shadoe Stevens, Jim J. Bullock

Cast

Series cast summary:
John Davidson	...	Himself - Host (126 episodes, 1986-1989)
Shadoe Stevens	...	Announcer (125 episodes, 1986-1989)
Jim J. Bullock	...	Himself (87 episodes, 1986-1989)
Joan Rivers	...	Herself - Center Square (61 episodes, 1987-1989)

Storyline

An updated version of the classic game show, hosted by John Davidson. Celebrities, seated in squares in a tic-tac-toe arrangement, would give their answers to questions on various subjects. The contestants would then have to guess whether or not a celebrity's answer was right. Contestants guessing correctly would gain control of the square. Gaining control of three squares in a row would win the game.

---

Plot Keywords:

non fiction

---

Taglines:

"It's Hip to Be (The New) Hollywood Squares."

---

Genres:

Game-Show

---

Certificate:

TV-PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 September 1986 (USA)

Filming Locations:

ABC Television Center - 4151 Prospect Avenue, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Century Towers Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Connections

Version of The Hollywood Squares (1965)

---

Soundtracks

"It's Hip to Be Hollywood Squares"
(Theme No. 1)
(1986-1988)
Written and Performed by Stormy Sacks

User Reviews

More Free Wheeling Than the Original

I remember the first revival of Hollywood Squares which debuted five years after the first syndicated run ended and I thought it was a more free wheeling incarnation than the original Peter Marshall version. Instead of just questions followed by comedic bluff answers, there were also musical clues as well as some celebrities cooking dinner in their square. It was also the first version of the show to go out of the studio and on the road. I remember some episodes that were taped in Hollywood, Florida and at Radio City Music Hall in New York.

John Davidson, who was a guest on the Marshall version many times did an outstanding job as host. Shadoe Stevens, taking over for the late Kenny Williams as the show's announcer also appeared on camera. His brother Richard and radio personality Howard Stern also handled the announcing duties.

I also remember seeing many celebrities on the show, including regular center square Joan Rivers and JM J. Bullock. Both were outstanding and really funny. The one difference I remember was the bonus round, where the winning contestant tried to win a car by picking the right key. It reminded me of Split Second and a short-lived game that was hosted by Betty White, Just Men! But this version had a much shorter run than the original, lasting three seasons. I will always remember Shadoe's host introduction "And here's your host, Johhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhn Davidson!"