Since Truth or Consequences debuted in 1966, there have been very few game shows without a network track record that lasted more than a season in syndication. The Cross-Wits defied logic and ran for six seasons.
There were several keys to the show's success. The first was it was a simple game that viewers can play along at home. Second, it was a format viewers could relate to since a lot of people like to do crossword puzzles. And third, a host who handle a celebrity-civilian format well, Jack Clark. His experience subbing for Allen Ludden on the original Password definitely payed off. He also interacted well with both the celebrities and contestants and kept the show moving.
As for the celebrities, they were pretty funny at times but they helped the contestant solve the puzzle.
Throughout its six year run, the set evolved into one of the best looking of any game show I have seen at that time and the theme music became more up tempo. I really enjoyed The Cross-Wits it was one of the best word games of the late 70s-early 80s.
