The Cross-Wits is an American syndicated game show which premiered on December 15, 1975, and lasted for five seasons until its cancellation on September 12, 1980. The show was hosted by Jack Clark, with Jerri Fiala as hostess. Announcing duties were handled by John Harlan, Jay Stewart, and Jerry Bishop. The show was produced by Ralph Edwards Productions and distributed by Metromedia Producers Corporation. A second version began airing on September 8, 1986, titled The All-New Crosswits, and was hosted by David Sparks with Michelle Roth as announcer. This version was produced by Crossedwits Productions in association with Outlet Communications, Inc., and distributed by ABR Entertainment. Both versions were produced as daily shows, although the original Cross-Wits aired in many markets as either a once- or twice-weekly series. Main game Two teams, each consisting of two celebrities and one contestant, competed to solve clues to crossword puzzles. Each word in the puzzle was also a clue to a master puzzle. 1975–80 version The category of the master puzzle was announced at the beginning of each round. The contestant captain of one team chose a word in the puzzle, by number and orientation (across or down), and designated one star to play it. After hearing a clue to the word, the star had seven seconds to guess it; if he/she failed to do, the captain could offer a guess. If the captain also failed to solve the word, control passed to the opposing team. A correct answer awarded 10 points per letter in the word. The captain could then either choose a word for the other star on his/her team or try to guess the subject of the master puzzle. In the latter case, all three team members were given seven seconds to discuss the puzzle, after which the captain could guess. A correct solution awarded 100 points, while a miss gave control to the opponents. The trailing team at the end of any round had initial control for the next one. Starting in 1976, contestants won a prize for solving each puzzle in addition to the 100-point bonus. From 1976 to 1979, the category of the master puzzle was not immediately revealed at the start of the first two rounds; any contestant who solved such a puzzle after the first word won a car. The host revealed the category if the puzzle was not solved at this point. In case