I'm a bit surprised at the small ratings this game show has gotten this past week - this show has found its way onto my DVR list. It is a very good game show - much better than most recent primetime game show entries on the broadcast networks (e.g. Show Me The Money, Set For Life, Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader?).

At the start, you have two contestants who battle it out in solving words based on interesting clues (a la NBC's Scrabble and GSN's Camouflage). During the game, there is a "Crossword Extra" feature, which is just like the "Daily Double" from Merv Griffin's other creation, Jeopardy!.

Then, in the next 2 rounds, three spoiler contestants compete with the two original contestants and either spoiler contestant can replace an original contestant (and take their cash and prizes in the process) if one original contestant fails to answer correctly or both original contestants fail to answer at all.

For the bonus round, the winner of the previous 3 rounds has to complete the crossword puzzle to win bonus money and a trip.

Although it may be convenient to criticize the host Ty Treadway (originally from Soapnet's "Soaptalk"), he's not as bad as you think. He doesn't detract from the quick pace of the show - he actually goes with the flow.

My only complaint is that the clues should give the amount of words that are involved in each answer. But what takes this game show from good to very good is the aspect of spoiler contestants. Although it may not be fair for one spoiler to win the entire game if that spoiler answers just one word all game, it is an interesting concept.

I've read that for about 40 years, Griffin wanted to create a game show based on crossword puzzles. I believe he succeeded here, even if it doesn't last nearly as long as Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy!. He recently passed away, but at least we were left with his one last gem.

My grade of Merv Griffin's Crosswords: B+

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Douglas,

sounds good, i wish i could watch it... school

I's alright...

Some of the clues are way too easy, and the show looks a bit cheap (understandable), but it's quick and painless. There's nothing really great about it. There's nothing particularly bad about it, either. I give it a sold B.

Temptation, on the other hand, is crap.

i agree taylorjng

I checked the Chicago ratings for Crosswords: 0.3 for the week of Sept. 17. at 2 p.m. on WMAQ-TV. That is so not good...

Unfortunately, time slots for Crosswords in some major markets have the show opposite Oprah, Judge Judy and similar high-rated ilk.

IMO, Crosswords is a good game, but it does need some work. It can get quite repetitive (Treadway's sing-song clue-giving doesn't help), especially when you have poor contestants on stage. And with the budget the way it is (the most I've seen a contestant win so far is a little over $10,000), the Crosswords format screams returning champions.

I'm curious how much output Merv Griffin had in the final product before he passed away. The "computerized pilot" Program Partners had on its Web site a few months ago showed a completely different format (no spoilers, three contestants in an elimination format, returning champions).

it does need tweaking, returning champ, a good player not being spoiled by a lucky player at the end

When and what channel is this show on in the Manhattan--NJ metropolitan area?? I've searched and just can't seem to find it??? Anyone know??

Crosswords is on nbc (4Ny) at 4pm

quote:

Originally posted by vlis:
Crosswords is on nbc (4Ny) at 4pm

Thanks Vlis. I still thought that Judge JUdy was there and never checked to see it had moved. Where did she go?? Different channel? Different Time? I better check channel 2--she may just be there.

Oy VEy!!!! Opposite Oprah!!! Well that will be a goner!!!

Judge Judy is on at 4PM on CBS-2 (NY).