The Hollywood Squares

1966 Ended NBC

The Holllywood Squares was a game show that has nine stars seated in a tic-tic-toe game board. The stars were asked questions, and they either gave the correct answer or a bluff. Contestants either agreed or disagreed with the star's answer. A right judgment placed his/her symbol in the star's square but an incorrect answer placed the opponent's symbol unless it was a win situation. The first player to get tic-tac-toe (three stars in row) was the winner. If the entire game board filled up, the person that got 5 squares became the winner. Secret Squares are also added where a correct response awards the contestant numerous prizes regardless if they are the winner of the game. It was afforded a 1968 Prime Time version, with a First Run syndicated version added in 1971. The following year, it was expanded from one episode per week to two. After NBC canceled its daytime version, they moved to Las Vegas and made a 5 day per week First Run Syndication series. All the syndicated episodes were played in the same recording which required an alarm to sound so they know when to wrap things up. This was officially called The Tacky Buzzer because the sound effect is comical. Peter Marshall hosted while most Center Square positions were given to Paul Lynde.