Hollywood Squares

A closer look at the story

Hollywood Squares here is the revived version of a classic American game show known for its celebrity panellists. This new era began on 14 September 1998 with Tom Bergeron as host. One of the programme's most prominent faces was Whoopi Goldberg, who besides her producing duties sat as the show's permanent "centre square". The programme's head writer Bruce Vilanch, along with Caroline Rhea, Martin Mull and Gilbert Gottfried, were among the regular panellists. Kathy Griffin, George Wallace, Jeffrey Tambor, Bobcat Goldthwait and Brad Garrett, among others, appeared on a semi-regular basis. Announcer Shadoe Stevens also returned for this run, although, unlike in the days when John Davidson was host, no square on the panel was set aside for him. Credited to creator Merrill Heatter, this version lasted six seasons and 1,050 episodes.