Based on the parlor game of Charades, Pantomime Quiz was first broadcast locally in Los Angeles from November 13, 1947, to 1949.

In June 1949, Pantomime Quiz became the "first locally [Hollywood] originated show to be aired in New York via kine recordings.

"[1] The broadcasts over WCBS-TV were sponsored by Chevrolet dealers "beginning early in September for a price of about $1,200 weekly.

[2] Reruns of the show, with the title Hollywood Guess Stars, began on WPIX in New York City on November 20, 1952.

[3] The DuMont Television Network took the series from October 20, 1953, to April 13, 1954, after which it went back to CBS from July 9 to August 27, 1954.

[2] ABC finally took the charades game for a mid-season slot much like NBC, airing the durable quiz from January 22 to March 6, 1955.

On September 17, 1962, Pantomime Quiz returned to the air as Stump the Stars on CBS with Pat Harrington, Jr. as the emcee.

On June 20, 2005, AMC revived the series, which was presented by Hilary Swank and her then-husband Chad Lowe.