During each game, he sings a song that includes clues about who the celebrity might be to the secluded suitors. Michael Bolton is also present, albeit mostly as a quiet, mannequin-like human. She is given the space to give her two cents on the game, allowing the whole thing to feel like friends hanging out and talking about relationships. Zooey Deschanel is the master of ceremonies and while the scripted moments for her to follow aren't great, she gets to shine throughout as a confidant to the celebrity contestants. Her ability to make a joke out of all of the contestants’ answers and add the perfect amount of snark to the proceedings makes everyone perform at a greater level. Nicole Byer leads the second half of the premiere episode, solidifying that she is one of the best we have in comedy. Depending on the celebrity, the ability to play with the contestants adds an even livelier energy to the affair. The celeb element is fun, as it adds another layer of guessing for the suitors. Yet in this reboot, Zooey Deschanel and Michael Bolton (stay with me) host various celebrity suitors trying to find a connection on the other side of the infamous wall. The format remains the same, with three potential suitors answering the questions from an unidentified single behind a wall. Where Love Connection was overly modernized (Screens! LED bridges! Cash prizes?), The Celebrity Dating Game is the perfect combination of nostalgia, comedy, and camp. Thanks to a healthy serving of camp, The Celebrity Dating Game firmly announces itself as perfect summer viewing and a welcome addition to ABC’s game show line-up. Will 22-minute dating shows still work in 2021? FOX tried a Love Connection reboot a few years back that didn’t last, so how can The Dating Game succeed? Is The Dating Game as recognizable a format as Press Your Luck or Match Game? I’m happy to report that my worries were quickly washed away. When announced, my hesitancy was at a high. This summer brings another reboot to airwaves with The Celebrity Dating Game. Some of these “lesser” titles have worked well ( The Gong Show deserved a longer run for its complete embracement of lunacy) while others have been cancelled swiftly ( Battle of the Network Stars was a great idea, just executed poorly). With the list of recognizable entities getting smaller every year, they are having to look elsewhere for concepts and formats that will continue to connect with viewers. However, their reboot line-up is starting to run on fumes.

Their annual Summer Fun & Games line-up has become a branded scheduling tactic that works. ABC has single-handedly created a game show resurgence on broadcast television.

Something in the air dating game