I'm watching this on the Buzzr Network now and I think its pretty good I dont really find Bauman as bad as everyone says my only criticism is the classic 1970s Match Game and Hollywood Squares sets were better (I like the 1970s game show sets a lot more than any of the sets they have had since then) and the Celebrities on the 1970s shows were better, I do miss the regulars on the 1970s Match Game (Brett, Charles and Richard, and others like Fannie Flagg, Betty White,Patti, Deutsch, Jo ann Pflug, etc, etc) and Hollywood Squares (Paul Lynde, and the others), and the Sets were better in the 70s too, but I dont really find Bauman to be that bad (Peter Marshall was better but Bauman isnt that bad) and of course Gene Rayburn is the best.
15 Reviews
A Very Funny Game Show That Didn't Click
hfan777 July 2013
i remember The Match Game/Hollywood Squares Hour and to me it was a very funny game show that combined to classic comedy games into one format.
Fortunately, Gene Rayburn was brought back to host the Match Game segment. Even though he didn't have the trio of regulars in Brett Somers, Richard Dawson and Charles Nelson Reilly, he still handled the show he hosted in two previous incarnations very adeptly.
But wait, There's more. After Match Game ended, three more celebrities came on for Hollywood Squares, hosted by Jon Bauman. Even though I really enjoyed the original Peter Marshall version, this version was weaker than Rayburn's Match Game because Bauman, aka "Bowzer" in Sha Na Na, was not much of a straight man than Marshall and lacked experience hosting a game show. Also, Mark Goodson, who was never a fan of the show, didn't allow the stars to bluff, so all the questions were multiple choice.
After time expired in Hollywood Squares, the winning contestant played the Super Match for a chance to win up to $30,000. The Head to Head Match to me, was done the right way, minus the Star Wheel and each panelist had a card ranging from 10 times their winnings to 30.
Unfortunately, the show suffered from low affiliate clearances due to local or syndicated programming and competition from long-running soaps General Hospital and Guiding Light. After nine months the show was canceled. It just didn't click with viewers.
Fortunately, Gene Rayburn was brought back to host the Match Game segment. Even though he didn't have the trio of regulars in Brett Somers, Richard Dawson and Charles Nelson Reilly, he still handled the show he hosted in two previous incarnations very adeptly.
But wait, There's more. After Match Game ended, three more celebrities came on for Hollywood Squares, hosted by Jon Bauman. Even though I really enjoyed the original Peter Marshall version, this version was weaker than Rayburn's Match Game because Bauman, aka "Bowzer" in Sha Na Na, was not much of a straight man than Marshall and lacked experience hosting a game show. Also, Mark Goodson, who was never a fan of the show, didn't allow the stars to bluff, so all the questions were multiple choice.
After time expired in Hollywood Squares, the winning contestant played the Super Match for a chance to win up to $30,000. The Head to Head Match to me, was done the right way, minus the Star Wheel and each panelist had a card ranging from 10 times their winnings to 30.
Unfortunately, the show suffered from low affiliate clearances due to local or syndicated programming and competition from long-running soaps General Hospital and Guiding Light. After nine months the show was canceled. It just didn't click with viewers.
Weak reboots
VetteRanger12 January 2020
I was a big fan of both of these shows in their original incarnations. And in the 80s, I didn't even know this show existed. I just saw an episode on Buzzr. It was interesting only out of curiosity for seeing what became of the games in the reboot.
Match Game suffered from not having the half stable of regulars from the 70s, and the Hollywood Squares segment was a pale shadow of the original. The lack of Peter Marshall was a heavy hit, but really, there is no true Hollywood Squares without Paul Lynde.
Set design was poor. The celebrity area was small and cramped, even though it was swallowed by the surrounding studio.
Even had I known of this show in the 80s, and been able to watch, I would have abandoned it after a couple of weeks, max.
Match Game suffered from not having the half stable of regulars from the 70s, and the Hollywood Squares segment was a pale shadow of the original. The lack of Peter Marshall was a heavy hit, but really, there is no true Hollywood Squares without Paul Lynde.
Set design was poor. The celebrity area was small and cramped, even though it was swallowed by the surrounding studio.
Even had I known of this show in the 80s, and been able to watch, I would have abandoned it after a couple of weeks, max.
"Must See TV" for me
briguy_5273215 November 2001
I don't understand all the criticism about "The Match Game/Hollywood Squares Hour." The critics believed this show was an uneven marriage of two game shows that had been popular, that Bowzer wasn't good hosting his "Hollywood Squares" segment, etc.
I beg to differ. Sure, I was in sixth grade the year this program aired, and it's been 18 years since I've seen an episode, but I liked "The Match Game/Hollywood Squares Hour." It was a "must see" program for me, every afternoon after school.
I had enjoyed both "Match Game" and "Hollywood Squares" as a younger child, and thought the two segments together made for the perfect marriage. I don't remember too much about how good the celebrities actually were playing the game, but the gameplay to me seemed to go off without a hitch.
What I enjoyed most was the "Super Match" segment, played at the end, for a possible $30,000 jackpot. All the contestant needed to do was choose the celebrity they believed had the elusive "30" multiplier (the others had either 10s or 20s, making for lower jackpots). That made for a lot more excitement than simply choosing a celebrity to play for a flat 10 times whatever they had won in the "Audience Match" half of the game, though it compares very favorably with the "Star Wheel" used on latter-day "Match Game" (where 20 times the stakes were possible).
The critics often cite the concept as to what led to the demise of "The Match Game/Hollywood Squares Hour" after just nine months. Others seem to think that viewers were still tuning into "General Hospital" in droves.
Say what you will about why this show didn't last, but I sure hope to be able to see it again sometime. I sure hope Game Show Network will acquire the rights to show this unique program, which died before its time.
I beg to differ. Sure, I was in sixth grade the year this program aired, and it's been 18 years since I've seen an episode, but I liked "The Match Game/Hollywood Squares Hour." It was a "must see" program for me, every afternoon after school.
I had enjoyed both "Match Game" and "Hollywood Squares" as a younger child, and thought the two segments together made for the perfect marriage. I don't remember too much about how good the celebrities actually were playing the game, but the gameplay to me seemed to go off without a hitch.
What I enjoyed most was the "Super Match" segment, played at the end, for a possible $30,000 jackpot. All the contestant needed to do was choose the celebrity they believed had the elusive "30" multiplier (the others had either 10s or 20s, making for lower jackpots). That made for a lot more excitement than simply choosing a celebrity to play for a flat 10 times whatever they had won in the "Audience Match" half of the game, though it compares very favorably with the "Star Wheel" used on latter-day "Match Game" (where 20 times the stakes were possible).
The critics often cite the concept as to what led to the demise of "The Match Game/Hollywood Squares Hour" after just nine months. Others seem to think that viewers were still tuning into "General Hospital" in droves.
Say what you will about why this show didn't last, but I sure hope to be able to see it again sometime. I sure hope Game Show Network will acquire the rights to show this unique program, which died before its time.
It lacked spark and enthusiasm
mmaziarz16 August 2020
In theory, this should have been a powerhouse game show that lasted more than one year. Two of the most popular game shows on television combine in an hour-long format with a big, $30,000 end game. Unfortunately, it lacked in many areas. Jon Bauman was a lackluster host, Gene Rayburn didn't really seem as enthused about hosting anymore (auto-pilot) but was even less enthusiastic when he served as one of the panelists on Squares. The Hollywood Squares questions (all multiple choice) did not allow for much comedy from the celebrities. Many of the celebrities were from ABC soaps and lesser-known shows.
Almost a good show.....
pvandaele22 May 2020
Only two things I hated about this show. I hated when I would see someone who played Match Game all the time not come out until it was time to play Hollywood Squares. I am currently watching an episode where Gary Burghoff missed playing Match Game and did not come out until it was time for Hollywood Squares. I feel people want to see the former stars of Match Game play that again and also gives the contestants a better chance.
My 2nd issue is the way they played Hollywood Squares. They allow a player to win if the other player incorrectly agrees or disagrees. I highly prefer the way the regular shows rules where that was not allowed and the player had to get the game winning square on their own.
I will say I like how they added a 3rd round to the main part of the Match Game. I also prefer the 10, 20, 30 bonus cards compared to the wheel they went on the regular Match Game show but it does drive me crazy they still mostly pick Jon all the time instead of trying to find the 30. All in all a good show.
My 2nd issue is the way they played Hollywood Squares. They allow a player to win if the other player incorrectly agrees or disagrees. I highly prefer the way the regular shows rules where that was not allowed and the player had to get the game winning square on their own.
I will say I like how they added a 3rd round to the main part of the Match Game. I also prefer the 10, 20, 30 bonus cards compared to the wheel they went on the regular Match Game show but it does drive me crazy they still mostly pick Jon all the time instead of trying to find the 30. All in all a good show.
Weekend Special
shg102020039 February 2019
OK But Lacks Peter Marshall
shelbythuylinh28 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Really it was OK but it was not Gene Rayburn's favorite moment and was the last time he would host his beloved MG. As Sha Na Na singer Jon Bowser Bauman would host Hollywood Squares.
Peter Marhsall is Mr. Hollywood Squares and lack of comedy writers as love the late Mark Goodson but not this show. Really heard Marshall was glad it was a flop there.
Peter Marhsall is Mr. Hollywood Squares and lack of comedy writers as love the late Mark Goodson but not this show. Really heard Marshall was glad it was a flop there.
Never heard of it
alandmarcus7 March 2021
Half of something.
nospamaccepted3 December 2022
As a Match Game fan, this version of the show is pretty sad to see. Too few "originals" as celebrity panelists, and having one of your "celebs" being the host of the other half of the show doesn't help the feeling that this is Match Game in name only.
I think that if you'd kept the hosts separate and had a "classic" panel for Match Game (including at least Fanny and another, like Brett and/or Charles) and added celebs promoting current shows during the Hollywood Squares segment.
Currently Buzzr airs three hours of Match Game (between '74-'79) near noon and primetime, yet only one hour of this at 3am. I think that tells you something about how this show fares against the rest of Match Game's various incarnations.
I think that if you'd kept the hosts separate and had a "classic" panel for Match Game (including at least Fanny and another, like Brett and/or Charles) and added celebs promoting current shows during the Hollywood Squares segment.
Currently Buzzr airs three hours of Match Game (between '74-'79) near noon and primetime, yet only one hour of this at 3am. I think that tells you something about how this show fares against the rest of Match Game's various incarnations.
Good,better than most
Paul-3086 May 2003
I was always a fan of Match Game,and Gene Rayburn and his laughing/interactions with his regulars (Particularly Charles Nelson Reilly and Bret Somers).This show furthered that along.However,John Bauman was not my cup of tea.I never liked his large mouthed Sha Na Na bit,and his addition to this show didnt change my mind.Shame they couldnt get Peter Marshall for the job).Otherwise it was a worthy show that would be fun to watch.I even remember Gene and John commenting on the new year (1984) and they wished "many more" for the show.Alas,it wasnt to be.
Two great games played back to back!
mattk126 December 1999
It was an interesting idea to pair up Match Game with Hollywood Squares. While most of the ideas worked, some didn't. Match Game was played first. There were no regulars in this version, except Jon Bauman. Many Match Game regulars from the 70s occasionally played the game, but most of the stars were from current NBC shows. Gene was still in good form and in terms of the format, very little changed. However, without a regular panel, the show was very uneven in terms of gameplay. After Match Game, Hollywood Squares was played, with a clever transition from one show to another. 3 additional celebs were brought onstage, and the Match Game panel remained. Jon Bauman, of Sha Na Na, was an odd choice for host. Jon struggled to keep the game moving, as the stars sometimes got out of control, and he was like a substitute teacher desperately trying to get attention. Unlike Match Game, there were no regulars from the original Hollywood Squares. Overall, a good effort, but it could've been better.
Rayburn = Good, Bauman = Bad.
lildrchris2514 October 2004
I admit, I've seen Rayburn doing the Match Game a number of times on GSN. That was a really good show, pretty funny. He continues this on the Match Game-Hollywood Squares hour.
Bauman on the other hand. Why did NBC get this guy to do Hollywood Squares? Granted I never saw the Marshall version of Hollywood Squares (I wasn't even born before he aired) but with Marshall just coming off a huge run on it, it would seem that he would get the nod for this. The questions were more funny then the celebrities, which is one bad thing, but Bauman ran the Hollywood Squares part at a slow pace, much slower than what I would have expected.
Super Match, no real comment on it, not a bad bonus game.
Overall, not a bad show, but Bauman was awful.
Bauman on the other hand. Why did NBC get this guy to do Hollywood Squares? Granted I never saw the Marshall version of Hollywood Squares (I wasn't even born before he aired) but with Marshall just coming off a huge run on it, it would seem that he would get the nod for this. The questions were more funny then the celebrities, which is one bad thing, but Bauman ran the Hollywood Squares part at a slow pace, much slower than what I would have expected.
Super Match, no real comment on it, not a bad bonus game.
Overall, not a bad show, but Bauman was awful.
Kind of an experiment,really
KUAlum2611 July 2009
I watched this show as often as I could when it first ran on NBC,from September 1983 to July,1984(particularly after I became aware of this about halfway through the run),which wasn't too,TOO often as I was in sixth grade at the time and had few days off to catch this show at its usual two in the afternoon(CST)slotting here in the Midwest. But when I caught it,I was quite pleased with it,the mixed formats of two legendary shows and the bright,energetic theme(which has long since been co-opted by established Goodson/Todman show The Price Is Right to introduce some of their bigger games or showcases). While I will concede that bringing Peter Marshall back to cover the Hollywood Squares end of the show--to me,Jon Bauman,formerly Bowzer,wasn't bad but was perhaps a better fit as a regular panelist than host--it still seemed to have the right energy and flow(bringing back Gene Rayburn in what would be,sadly,his last affiliation with the Match Game,was among the explanations for that)to fill up an hour of time. For those not familiar,the show was broken down into two segments,where a preliminary segment of the Match game would play two rounds of celebrity matches to pick a winner to play in the second half of the show,which was the Hollywood Squares. The six-person tier set-up from the Match Game was able to meld quite nicely with the nine-person tic-tac-toe grid that was the Hollywood Squares and the winner of the Squares end of the show would play a Supermatch endgame with a chance at up to $30,000(still not a bad payoff for a single answer on any show!).
Sadly,as this show was quietly ushered off the air(if I recall correctly,it was replaced by the soap opera "Santa Barbara",which would enjoy a near-ten year run),the demand for it on re-runs would be minimal,so I doubt its re-run(assuming it had one)on Game Show Network was probably a lasting one. About the only way to catch any of these old shows(and that probably means,at best,three or four shows)is to see them in fragments on YouTube. But who knows,there may be tapes floating out there that are yet un-seen(or,I suppose un-RE-seen)that might pop up. And maybe a re-(re?)-airing on GSN? One could hope or ask,I suppose.
Sadly,as this show was quietly ushered off the air(if I recall correctly,it was replaced by the soap opera "Santa Barbara",which would enjoy a near-ten year run),the demand for it on re-runs would be minimal,so I doubt its re-run(assuming it had one)on Game Show Network was probably a lasting one. About the only way to catch any of these old shows(and that probably means,at best,three or four shows)is to see them in fragments on YouTube. But who knows,there may be tapes floating out there that are yet un-seen(or,I suppose un-RE-seen)that might pop up. And maybe a re-(re?)-airing on GSN? One could hope or ask,I suppose.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
