The second episode of Hollywood Squares’ revival season brings together an eclectic mix of comedy talent and star power, creating an hour of television that perfectly balances gameplay excitement with genuine laughs. From the moment announcer Debi Mazar introduces the star-studded panel, it’s clear this isn’t your grandmother’s Hollywood Squares – though it maintains the beloved format’s spirit while adding contemporary flair.

The celebrity lineup reads like a comedy dream team: Drew Carey, known for hosting The Price is Right, brings his trademark Cleveland charm; SNL alum Bobby Moynihan adds his quick wit; the irrepressible J.B. Smoove delivers his unique brand of energy; Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s Chelsea Peretti offers her deadpan humor; veteran actress Tichina Arnold brings sass and class; the vivacious Nicole Byer keeps everyone laughing; comedian Pete Holmes provides his characteristic wholesome humor; Drew Barrymore holds court as the center square; and Debi Mazar rounds out the group while pulling double duty as announcer.

Host Nate Burleson makes quite an entrance in what becomes the episode’s running gag – a yellow outfit so bright it practically deserves its own billing. Throughout the show, the celebrities take turns roasting his fashion choice, with J.B. Smoove dubbing him “spicy mustard” and Pete Holmes crowning him “the mayor of the sun.” Rather than getting defensive, Burleson leans into the jokes, showing the kind of good-natured hosting style that makes game shows work.

The contestants provide an interesting contrast in backgrounds and personalities. Rachelle, originally from Calgary, Alberta, represents the classic American dream story – she moved to the States to pursue gymnastics and now channels that athletic background into teaching fitness classes for moms. Her competitor, Omar from Chicago, brings his own charm with stories about his enormous Syrian family, including the relatable admission of having had full conversations with relatives before realizing they were actually related.

The game’s first round, with its $1,000 prize potential, sets the tone for the show’s blend of trivia and comedy. Drew Carey provides an early highlight when he momentarily thinks he’s on “Family Court Brady Bunch” before correctly answering a question about Meow Mix cat food. This kind of playful confusion and recovery becomes a recurring element throughout the show, with the celebrities often using wrong answers as setups for jokes before providing the correct information.

The interaction between the two Drews – Carey and Barrymore – emerges as one of the episode’s delightful running subplots. When both respond to “Drew,” it creates moments of genuine confusion that the show wisely lets play out for laughs. Barrymore particularly shines in her center square role, bringing both star power and an engaging presence that makes every interaction feel special.

As the second round begins, with its increased stakes of $2,500, the strategic elements of the game come into sharper focus. The contestants must balance their desire for correct answers with the need to block their opponent from completing a tic-tac-toe line. This creates interesting moments of tension, particularly when contestants must choose between a reliable square and one that might prevent their opponent from winning.

Pete Holmes provides one of the round’s standout moments with his answer about Nicolas Cage’s real name. His delivery, complete with what he calls his “resting Latter-day Saint face” to convince Omar of his sincerity about the answer (Nicolas Coppola), showcases how the celebrities can add layers of entertainment to simple trivia responses. This kind of performance within the game format elevates the show above standard quiz show fare.

Nicole Byer’s segment about bioluminescent insects exemplifies the show’s ability to blend education with entertainment. While correctly identifying fireflies as the answer, she first suggests “Nick Cannon” because “he has a lot of babies” – a topical joke that lands perfectly with both the audience and her fellow squares. This approach of using humor to cushion the trivia keeps the show from feeling too academic while still delivering interesting facts.

The chemistry between the squares proves to be one of the episode’s greatest assets. Tichina Arnold’s impromptu flexibility demonstration during a chat with Nate shows how comfortable the celebrities feel in the format. These unscripted moments of interaction between squares create a party-like atmosphere that makes viewers feel like they’re watching friends hang out rather than celebrities earning a paycheck.

As the second round concludes, Rachelle emerges victorious with total earnings of $2,500 ($1,000 from the first round and $1,500 from the second), while Omar takes home a respectable $1,500. But the real excitement comes with the bonus round, where Rachelle faces the challenge of winning an additional $25,000 through a rapid-fire series of true/false questions about the celebrities.

The bonus round proves to be a masterclass in tension-building. With just 60 seconds on the clock, Rachelle must navigate nine statements about the squares, ranging from Drew Carey’s social media presence to Pete Holmes’ literary career. Her performance – correctly identifying five out of nine statements – keeps the audience engaged until the very end. The correct answers demonstrate an impressive range of celebrity knowledge: Drew Carey’s Instagram bio details, Bobby Moynihan’s non-relationship with the Rockettes, JB Smoove’s Emmy victory, Nicole Byer’s crossword puzzle appearance, and Pete Holmes’ spiritual-comedy book “Comedy Sex God.”

The incorrect guesses about Chelsea Peretti’s text group, Drew Barrymore’s beekeeping activities, Tichina Arnold’s middle name, and Debi Mazar’s cooking credentials add an element of humanity to the proceedings. These misses remind viewers that even when money is on the line, the show remains a game of chance and educated guessing.

The episode reaches its emotional peak when Drew Carey’s square reveals the $25,000 prize, bringing Rachelle’s total winnings to $27,500. Her earlier mention of wanting to use any winnings to support her family while balancing work responsibilities makes this victory particularly satisfying. The genuine joy on her face as she realizes the significance of her win provides one of those unscripted moments that make game shows special.

The episode concludes with one final jab at Nate’s yellow outfit, with Nicole Byer comparing him to “mac and cheese.” This callback to the episode’s running joke provides a perfect bookend to an hour of entertainment that never takes itself too seriously while still delivering compelling gameplay.

What makes this episode particularly successful is its ability to balance multiple elements: the strategic gameplay of tic-tac-toe, the quick wit of the celebrities, the personal stories of the contestants, and the overall production value that keeps everything moving smoothly. The chemistry between the squares creates an atmosphere where even wrong answers become opportunities for entertainment, while the actual game maintains enough tension to keep viewers invested in the outcome.

This revival of Hollywood Squares demonstrates how a classic format can be updated for contemporary audiences without losing its essential appeal. By assembling a diverse panel of comedians and personalities who can think on their feet, the show creates an environment where every segment has the potential for both humor and excitement. The result is an hour of television that serves its primary purpose as a game show while providing enough additional entertainment value to keep viewers engaged throughout.

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