ABC’s Match Game 2025 Reviewed: Nostalgia or missed mark?

Match Game has made a comeback to ABC for 2025, bringing with it a hint of nostalgia along with its well-known fill-in-the-blank gameplay. This revival, hosted by Martin Short, brings back the classic series that was formerly directed by Alec Baldwin and Gene Rayburn. With celebrities joining competitors in amusing wordplay and victorious matches moving on to the Super Match phase, the structure is still essentially the same.

However, this year’s new features aren’t limited to nostalgia. High-stakes progression through two rounds into the Super Match allows for a climactic conclusion. The show also incorporates some new elements while keeping the traditional game format.

That said, the mechanics that devoted viewers are accustomed to aren’t significantly changed in ABC’s latest season, save for the addition of Martin Short as host. Though they don’t substantially alter the game dynamics, the panelists—from Ziwe and Anthony Anderson to Selena Gomez—bring a variety of excitement.

Match Game 2025 relies on reassuring familiarity rather than creating something truly new. The show’s identity is strengthened by its new host, timeless comedy, and continuous format. Fans will recognize the season, which is anchored in tradition but more of a resurrection than a creation.

What makes Match Game 2025 a notable revival?

In 2025, ABC’s Match Game returned with its trademark fill-in-the-blank format, but with a new host, updated panelists, and minor production adjustments. Alec Baldwin is replaced by Martin Short, who serves as both host and executive producer. Now that the show is shot in Montreal, ABC seems to be bringing the game show back to a contemporary audience while preserving the format that made it a cultural mainstay in the first place.

Martin Short’s takeover and format consistency

Unlike Baldwin’s more deadpan delivery, Martin Short’s lively, improvised hosting manner creates a refreshing contrast on Match Game. His appointment as executive producer further demonstrates ABC’s faith in his ability to steer the humor and follow his creative instincts.

Even with the new face, the gameplay remains the same. In two primary rounds of competition, contestants still attempt to match their responses with those of six famous panelists. In the Super Match round, the highest scorer competes for a prize of up to $25,000.

While maintaining the quiz format, the pace has been slightly sped up to give panelists more time to joke around. Brighter lighting and digital scoreboards are two small modifications to the set design, but they preserve the vintage feel that fans associate with the brand.

The location of the taping is another noteworthy change. The decision to film in Montreal rather than New York or Los Angeles likely reflects ABC’s production cost strategy. It also suggests a desire for a new setting without compromising the essence of the show.

Celebrity panel lineup and ratings performance

This season’s high point is the celebrity panel. The talents ABC has chosen to rotate include Anthony Anderson, Ziwe, Kevin Nealon, and Selena Gomez. As the panel dynamic changes every week, this diversity has given each episode a fresh feel.

On July 23, 2025, the show debuted during ABC’s summer game night block. According to The Futon Critic, the Match Game premiere episode was one of the network’s highest-rated shows that night. It helped ABC win the night in terms of both key demos and overall viewers.

This promising beginning may herald a successful season, propelled by a familiar structure, a renewed cast, and nostalgia presented with a contemporary twist.

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Watch the latest episodes of Match Game 2025 on ABC at 9 pm ET.

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