Here are the hot game shows of summer 2021

Let the games begin. 

Summer is typically the time for lighthearted game shows — and even with all the pandemic-related schedule shake ups still trailing the industry, zany onscreen competitions remain a reliable seasonal mainstay.

From outlandish new shows to old favorites, here are the upcoming series to keep an eye out for as the hot weather kicks into high gear.

“Beat Shazam” on Fox (8 p.m.)

Hosted by Jamie Foxx, this musical game show, which premiered June 3, features three teams of players competing to identify songs for a grand prize of $1 million. It’s taken a “Westworld”- length break off the air — as Season 3 aired two years ago while this season was delayed by the pandemic.

“To Tell the Truth,” June 6 on ABC (10 p.m.)

Anthony Anderson returns as the host of the rebooted classic featuring three contestants who claim to be a person with an unusual occupation — one of whom is legit, while celebs try to narrow down who’s being truthful. RuPaul, Cedric The Entertainer and Nikki Glaser are the famous panelists kicking off the summer premiere. 

“The Cube,” June 10 on TBS (9 p.m.) 

This new show, hosted by NBA legend Dwyane Wade, is based on a UK series following contestants who compete for a $250,000 by completing physical and mental tasks within the confines of a glass box known as “The Cube.”

Dwayne Wade on “The Cube.”

John Nowak

“The Celebrity Dating Game,” June 14 on ABC (10 p.m.)

A reboot of the iconic 1960s show, the new rendition will be hosted by  Zooey Deschanel and Michael Bolton. Well-known singles who are looking for love will post questions to potential dates hidden behind a panel — while Bolton sings songs providing clues. 

Zooey Deschanel on “The Celebrity Dating Game.”

ABC

“The Hustler,” June 17 on ABC (10 p.m.)

Former “Late Late Show” host Craig Ferguson returns to oversee the action as five contestants collaborate to answer trivia questions for cash in a “Clue”-like atmosphere. One of them is “The Hustler,” who’s been given the answers — and who must protect their turf in order to win big bucks.

“Holey Moley,” June 17 on ABC ( 8 p.m.) 

When this miniature golf competition show premiered in 2019, its premise sounded like it would grow stale and be quickly canned. But it’s still going strong as it enters Season 3 with colorful commentator Rob Riggle.

“America’s Top Dog,” June 29 on A&E (8 p.m.) 

The competition is paw-sitively fierce as sportscaster Curt Meneffee and comedian David Koechner host as pooches and their human handlers are put through a series of tough obstacle courses. Weekly winners get a $10,000 prize and an additional $5,000 to donate to an animal charity of their choice.

Hosts and commentators Curt Menefee (left), Rachel Bonnetta and David Koechner (right).

“Ultimate Slip ‘N Slide,” August 8 on NBC (10:30 p.m.) 

Bobby Moynihan and Ron Funches host this new series, in which competitors will compete various challenges on the classic outdoor slide — until the final round on extra-long slide “The Big Slipper.”

“Love Island,” July 7 on CBS (9:30 p.m.)

While it’s not technically a game show, the international sensation does feature contestants battling in often-outrageous challenges for the biggest prize of all: their hearts. It’s more cutthroat than most dating shows, as Islanders are ceremoniously booted off if they fail to make romantic connections in a timely manner. Season 3 is set in Hawaii.

“Making the Cut,” July 16 on Amazon

Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum return for the second season of their post-“Project Runway” reunion series that follows 10 fashion designers vying for the top prize of $1 million to invest in their business. “Queen & Slim” costume designers Shiona Turini and Prabal Gurung will be the guest judges.