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Flip through network TV these days, and you might be reminded of the adage, “Everything old is new again.” That's because classic game shows — from To Tell the Truth to Match Game — are getting big-budget revivals that pair kitschy retro touches with modern sensibilities and celebrity hosts, from Alec Baldwin (63) to Saturday Night Live's Leslie Jones (53). Ratings-wise, the strategy has been a smash for ABC, which airs the majority of these revived hits, but other networks are getting in on the action; Jimmy Fallon, for instance, is working on a Password reboot for NBC. Here, a watch list of these old-school-with-a-twist game shows, many of which are airing this summer. Trust us: They're the pop cultural equivalent of comfort food.
College Bowl
Hosts then: Allen Ludden (1959–62); Robert Earle (1962–70); Art Fleming (1979–82); Pat Sajak, 74 (1984); Dick Cavett, 84 (1987)
Host now: Peyton Manning (2021–)
What's new: Premiering this June, the newest revived game show to hit the airwaves has an especially long history. This quiz show started way back in World War II as a USO activity for soldiers before transitioning to radio and later television. A bit like college sports for brainiacs, the show — now called Capital One College Bowl — tapped a host who knows a thing or two about school spirit, University of Tennessee quarterback and later Super Bowl champion Peyton Manning. His older brother Cooper, who had to quit playing football after he was diagnosed with spinal stenosis, serves as an endlessly charming sideline reporter.
Watch it: College Bowl, on NBC Tuesdays at 10 p.m., online at nbc.com or Peacock
The Celebrity Dating Game
Hosts then: Jim Lange (1973–78); Elaine Joyce, 75 (1986); Jeff MacGregor, 64 (1987–88); Brad Sherwood, 56 (1996–97); Chuck Woolery, 80 (1998–99)
Hosts now: Zooey Deschanel and Michael Bolton, 68 (2021–)
What's new: In this twist on the proven formula, suitors vie for the affections of a mystery celebrity, such as Queer Eye for the Straight Guy cohost Carson Kressley (51), ‘90s heartthrob Joey Lawrence, and comedian Margaret Cho (52). With her quirky vintage style and big Twiggy eyes, host Zooey Deschanel fits in perfectly on the groovy, flower-power-themed set, while her Grammy-winning cohost, Michael Bolton, provides parody songs with clues about the star's identity.
Watch it: The Celebrity Dating Game, on ABC Mondays at 10 p.m., or online at abc.com or Hulu
Name That Tune
Hosts then: Red Benson (1953–54), Bill Cullen (1954–55), George DeWitt (1955–59), Richard Hayes (1970–71), Dennis James (1974–75), Tom Kennedy (1974–81), Jim Lange (1984–85)
Hosts now: Jane Krakowski, 52, and Randy Jackson, 65 (2021–)
What's new: This musical guessing game has come a long way since 1952, when it debuted on the radio. Broadway and 30 Rock star Jane Krakowski hosts the new version, which takes an if-it-ain't-broke-don't-fix-it approach to the general game play. You'll still, of course, hear people saying the famous line, “I can name that tune in [fill in the blank number] notes,” but there are fun new twists: Remix'd, for instance, recasts popular songs in different genres. As Krakowski describes it, “If you ever wondered what it would sound like if Beyoncé went bluegrass, this is the game for you.” Randy Jackson of American Idol fame makes for a game bandleader — though, if the players are skillful enough, you won't hear many notes out of him.
Watch it: Name That Tune, on fox.com or Hulu
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