Appearing a total of 707 times, Lynde garnered considerable fame and wealth from the series. He eventually became disenchanted with being what he called "boxed into" "The Hollywood Squares", and he departed the series in 1979. In 1980, "The Hollywood Squares" experienced a downward trend in Nielsen ratings, and Lynde was approached about returning to the program. He initially declined, but changed his mind when told he would receive co-star billing with host Peter Marshall. He returned to the series in the spring of 1980 and remained with the show until its cancellation in February 1981.