5.5 / 10 (based on 33 reviews)
Celebrity families face-off to win money. Al Roker originally hosted the show in 2008, but Steve Harvey replaced him after the show was revived in 2015.
Genre: Documentary
Main Cast: Steve Harvey
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 4 episodes, 60-minute runtime
Shows Most Like Celebrity Family Feud (2015)
Match Game (2016)
6.1 / 10 (based on 1377 reviews)
Contestants attempt to match the answers of celebrities in the iconic game of fill in the missing blank.
Genre: Comedy, Game-Show
Main Cast: Alec Baldwin, Steve French, Caroline Rhea, Jack McBrayer
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
6 seasons, 65 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Queens (2021)
6.5 / 10 (based on 1915 reviews)
Follows four women, estranged and out-of-touch, in their 40s reunite for a chance to recapture their fame and regain the swagger they had as the Nasty Bitches – their ’90s group that made them legends in the hip-hop world.
Genre: Drama, Music
Main Cast: Eve, Naturi Naughton, Nadine Velazquez, Taylor Selé
Creators: Zahir McGhee
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 11 episodes
Station 19 (2018)
6.9 / 10 (based on 16731 reviews)
This spinoff of the critically acclaimed show Grey’s Anatomy follows the lives of the men and women of firehouse station 19 in Seattle, Washington.
Genre: Action, Drama, Romance, Thriller
Main Cast: Jaina Lee Ortiz, Jason George, Grey Damon, Barrett Doss
Creators: Stacy McKee
Directors:
Writers:
5 seasons, 68 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Celebrity Family Feud, hosted by the charismatic Steve Harvey, is a prime example of how a classic game show format can be successfully revamped for modern audiences. This iteration, which premiered in 2015, combines the familiar structure of the original Family Feud with the star power of celebrities playing for charity. It has, over the years, become a staple of summer television for many, offering entertainment that spans across all age groups and demographics.
The Basics of the Game
At its core, Celebrity Family Feud isn’t much different from its parent show. Two teams, each comprising five members, compete against each other by answering survey-based questions. The goal is to guess the most popular responses to various questions asked to a group of 100 people. Points are awarded based on the number of people who gave a particular answer. The team with the highest score at the end of the main rounds gets a chance to play in the “Fast Money” round for a chance to win up to $25,000 for a charity of their choice.
What Sets It Apart
Celebrity Factor
The obvious difference in the celebrity version is the participants. Instead of everyday families, we have celebrities and their families or friends battling it out. This adds a layer of intrigue and entertainment as viewers get a glimpse into the personalities and dynamics of famous people outside their usual contexts. It’s one thing to see celebrities in their elements, be it on stage, screen, or sports arenas, but it’s entirely another to see them trying to guess what the “survey says.”
Charitable Aspect
Another distinguishing feature is the charitable component. The fact that celebrities are playing for charity changes the stakes. While the competitive spirit is still there, the atmosphere is less about personal gain and more about having fun for a good cause. This charitable angle not only adds a feel-good factor to the show but also raises awareness and funds for various causes, making each win meaningful beyond just the game.
Entertainment Value
Steve Harvey’s hosting is a significant draw. His reactions, facial expressions, and interactions with the contestants add a unique flavor to the show. Harvey has a knack for comedy and a way of making even the most absurd answers seem hilarious. His rapport with the celebrities, combined with his genuine astonishment at some of their responses, often becomes a highlight of the episodes.
Memorable Moments
Over the years, Celebrity Family Feud has given us plenty of memorable moments. Here are a few that stand out:
The Kardashian Episode: When the Kardashians faced off against the Wests, it was a highly anticipated episode. Kanye West’s uncharacteristically joyful demeanor throughout the game and Kim Kardashian’s competitive side made for great television.
Snoop Dogg’s Fast Money Round: Snoop Dogg’s appearance on the show was legendary, particularly his answer to the question, “Name something grandma might do if she caught grandpa smoking marijuana.” His immediate response, “Put hands on him,” not only left Steve Harvey in stitches but also became a viral moment.
Amy Schumer’s Honesty: Amy Schumer, known for her candidness, did not disappoint when she appeared on the show. Her blunt answers and the banter with Steve Harvey showcased the show’s ability to blend humor with competition seamlessly.
Why It Works
Relatability
Despite the celebrity status of its participants, Celebrity Family Feud remains relatable. The questions are about everyday life, and the answers, whether smart, surprising, or downright silly, remind viewers that celebrities are just like everyone else when it comes to off-the-cuff responses.
Family Dynamics
The show offers a peek into the family dynamics of celebrities, which can be both endearing and entertaining. Watching families interact under the pressure of a game show environment is fascinating. It’s not just about the answers; it’s about how team members support each other, celebrate, or react to each other’s mistakes.
Nostalgia Factor
For fans of the original Family Feud, the celebrity version taps into a sense of nostalgia while adding a modern twist. It’s a bridge between generations, as older viewers appreciate the nod to the game show’s history and younger audiences enjoy seeing their favorite celebrities in a new light.
Conclusion
Celebrity Family Feud has carved its niche in the crowded landscape of game shows by cleverly combining the appeal of celebrity culture with the competitive and entertaining format of the original Family Feud. Its success lies not just in the format but in the execution — from Steve Harvey’s hosting to the production team’s ability to keep the show feeling fresh and engaging season after season.
The show is more than just a game. It’s a window into the lighter, more playful side of celebrities, offering viewers a chance to see them in a context that’s far removed from the red carpet. It’s about laughter, surprises, and, sometimes, the shock of hearing a famous person say something utterly unexpected.
As long as there are celebrities willing to let their guard down and compete for a good cause, Celebrity Family Feud will likely continue to be a beloved part of television’s summer lineup. It’s a show that proves that sometimes, the simplest formats can be the most enduring, especially when they’re sprinkled with a bit of star dust.