Across and Down

Overview

Across and Down follows a group of passionate crossword connoisseurs (aka “cruciverbalists”) as they fight to improve representation in their cherished puzzle. Crossword puzzles have been ubiquitous for over 100 years. You can find them in magazines and newspapers; they’re online and available through their own apps. In fact, millions of people start their day by solving. But despite the widespread appeal of the crossword, women, people of color and LGBTQ2SIA+ individuals have been almost invisible when it comes to puzzle bylines, clues and solutions. Not only that, but clues can also often be stuck in the past or worse, offensive. But why is this happening?

Directed by Rachel Bower

Top cast

Will Shortz

T

Tass Williams

L

Lita Williams

N

Nancy Serrano-Wu

N

Nate Cardin

S

Soleil Saint-Cyr

A

Anna Shechtman

N

Natan Last

A

Adrienne Raphael

T

Tracy Bennett

R

Ross Trudeau

Details