As devastating wildfires wreak havoc in Los Angeles, CBS has made a significant change to its schedule tonight. The network has decided to push back the premiere of “Hollywood Squares” by a week, marking a shift in focus from entertainment to urgent news coverage.
This strategic postponement, now set for January 16 at 8 p.m. ET, comes as a response to the ongoing crisis. Insiders reveal that showcasing a lighthearted celebrity game show during such a catastrophic event felt inappropriate, especially with many notable figures impacted by the fires.
In the meantime, CBS’s local station KCBS-TV is delivering extensive news coverage on the raging wildfires. For viewers across the nation, CBS will fill the 8 p.m. slot with reruns of “George and Mandy’s First Marriage” and “Ghosts” instead.
Drew Barrymore headlines the updated “Hollywood Squares,” with Nate Burleson taking on hosting duties. This reboot has been highly anticipated since its announcement last January. The game retains the beloved format where celebrities face contestants, answering questions that participants must evaluate for their authenticity.
Barrymore also continues her role in “The Drew Barrymore Show,” emphasizing her strong presence on CBS. This new iteration of “Hollywood Squares” is notable as it is the first regular version since a Tom Bergeron-hosted series that aired from 1998 to 2004.
Hollywood Squares Postponed Due to Wildfires: CBS Makes Strategic Move
CBS Adjusts Schedule Due to Devastating Los Angeles Wildfires
In light of the current wildfires devastating Los Angeles, CBS has announced a significant alteration to its broadcasting schedule. The highly anticipated premiere of the revamped game show “Hollywood Squares” has been rescheduled to January 16 at 8 p.m. ET, allowing the network to prioritize urgent news coverage over entertainment during this critical time.
# The Importance of Timely News Coverage
The decision to delay the show underscores CBS’s commitment to providing comprehensive news reporting amidst the crisis. Insiders noted that airing a light-hearted game show featuring celebrity contestants could be deemed insensitive given the widespread impact of the wildfires. Local station KCBS-TV is fully engaged, offering in-depth coverage of the ongoing emergency, including updates on evacuation zones and safety measures for residents.
For its primetime slot, CBS will instead broadcast reruns of popular series such as “George and Mandy’s First Marriage” and “Ghosts,” ensuring viewers remain informed while maintaining viewer engagement with familiar programming.
# What to Expect From the New “Hollywood Squares”
“Hollywood Squares” will feature Drew Barrymore at the helm, with Nate Burleson stepping in as the host. Fans are eagerly awaiting this reboot since its announcement in January. The show retains its classic format where celebrities interact with contestants, answering trivia questions that require participants to discern truth from deception.
This new edition marks the first regular version of “Hollywood Squares” since the original series hosted by Tom Bergeron, which aired from 1998 to 2004. Barrymore’s involvement continues to strengthen her profile on CBS, where she also anchors “The Drew Barrymore Show.”
# Pros and Cons of Delaying Entertainment Programming
Pros:
– Maintains sensitivity to current events.
– Provides crucial information to affected viewers.
– Reinforces CBS’s commitment to community wellbeing.
Cons:
– Anticipated viewers may feel disappointed by the delay.
– Potential loss in ratings for the premiere.
# Looking Ahead: Trends in Broadcast Programming
This strategic scheduling change reflects a broader trend in the television industry, where networks are increasingly prioritizing timely news coverage over regularly scheduled programming during crises. With social media’s rise, audiences expect immediate and relevant information, pushing networks to adapt swiftly.
# Conclusion
CBS’s decision to delay the premiere of “Hollywood Squares” in response to the Los Angeles wildfires highlights a significant shift in programming priorities. As the network navigates these challenges, viewers await the upcoming game show while relying on extensive news coverage to stay informed about the ongoing situation.
For more information on CBS programming and updates, visit CBS.
