ABC to Reboot ‘The Dating Game’ in a Celebrity Format

ABC is partnering with Sony Pictures Television for a reboot of “The Dating Game” in a celebrity format hosted by “New Girl” star Zoey Deschanel and musician Michael Bolton called “The Celebrity Dating Game.” The logline: Offering a spin on the classic dating show, the celebrity guests will remain a mystery as one lucky suitor is chosen from a hidden panel of three bachelors and/or bachelorettes based on their answers to the celebrity’s questions. Suitors will have the opportunity to guess the secret identity based on clues, questions and special parody performances by Michael Bolton.

“The Dating Game”, created by Chuck Barris and original hosted by Jim Lange, aired on ABC from 1965 to 1973 before moving into first-run syndication for another five years. There have been numerous revivals over the years, including new versions in 1986 and 1996. Given the success of “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” on ABC, news of this celebrity edition of “The Dating Game” is no surprise.