Ellen DeGeneres and Alec Baldwin will be among the Center Squares and adjustments will be made to make the fifth syndicated season of Hollywood Squares more viewer-friendly.

Executive producers Henry Winkler and Michael Levitt announced the signing of DeGeneres, who will kick off the season in the middle Sept. 16, and Baldwin Thursday.

"As longtime fans of the show, Michael and I are determined to bring viewers more of what they want, and we know we will with Ellen DeGeneres and Alec Baldwin," said Winkler in a media statement. "Ellen is one of Hollywood's sharpest wits, and we are thrilled that she's coming onboard as the first of our many rotating Center Squares. Alec is smart, unpredictable and has a wild sense of humor that is perfect for our new vision of the show."

"I grew up watching Hollywood Squares," DeGeneres said. "I even grew up watching Gunsmoke. Unfortunately, that's not on the air anymore. I'm afraid of horses anyway, and this seems like it will be a lot more fun. So, let the games begin."

The set is being redesigned and contestants will play the game standing, rather than sitting. A new bonus round will replace the critically-panned minute quiz and flawed double-or-nothing question of 2001-02. The new end game includes all nine celebrities and will allow the day's champion to have a shot at bigger cash and prizes.

Winkler and Levitt have also changed the theme music and enlivened the show's graphics. Another new feature will offer viewers a chance to submit their own questions. In addition, the series will be branded with a new logo, "H2."

Good for Ellen.

She is definitely made for the center Square, like another Paul Lynde....lthe sharp wit she has to offer, is what the center Square is about.