TV game show "Crosswords" at a crossroads

By Kimberly Nordyke

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - The game is almost over for "Merv Griffin's Crosswords."

The TV game show has gone on indefinite hiatus because of low ratings and high production costs, said syndicator Program Partners. The show premiered in September, and 225 episodes have been produced -- some of which have yet to air.

Program Partners said it decided to stop shooting new episodes at least through the fourth quarter.

"We haven't made a determination beyond that," company co-founder Josh Raphaelson said.

A mix of new and repeat episodes of "Crosswords" will be available through a new programming initiative for TV stations dubbed "DaytimePlus." The package, which will launch in the fall, includes two shows from Canada: the TV-trivia game show "Inside the Box" and the makeover series "Style by Jury."

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter