Family Feud (1976–1985) User Reviews

Very Harmless Fun

[DKosty123 · 7/10 · 29 August 2007]

Richard Dawson was the ultimate host of this series. He gave it the first & most popular run over the years. This is another well thought out game show from the fertile 60's & 70's which is the era the most hit game shows were started.

Take 2 families, give them each a chance to score points by guessing how people answered a survey about something. Sometimes, sex would get thrown into the question mix to keep things hopping. The most points by the winning family, the losing family get consolation prizes. The winners go into the bonus round with a chance to win $5,000 dollars (inflation really started later than this show in prize money).

It would add up to a lot of fun. It's the Hatfields versus the McCoys & to quote my favorite phrase used by Richard Dawson so often "And the survey says..." a winner.

Forget the game show, let's talk about the hosts.

[BlackJack_B · 24 December 2003]

Family Feud was a favorite of mine growing up in the 1970's and 80's. While the game itself isn't that great, the real reason I liked FF was because of the first two hosts they had, two men who were larger than life in my opinion.

Richard Dawson (who I actually thought was from the Southern U.S. as a kid instead of England) is one of the greatest game show hosts ever. The man had tons 'o charm, that great wit, that history of wooing the ladies, and deep respect for all the participants on the show. He was a very easy-going individual who didn't have an ego trip while hosting the show (unlike Bob Barker). It's hard to believe that behind the scenes he was rude to management and the crew.

Dawson's version of the program ran from 1976-85. In 1988, CBS revived it and brought in the equally amazing Ray Combs. Combs, a stand-up comic was perfect for the 1988-94 run. A very positive, happy, and funny host, he brought great flamboyancy to the show. Who couldn't forget the little jig he'd do when he was introduced. Sadly, Ray's private life was pretty brutal and led to his untimely suicide.

The families they brought were always in their Sunday best, but they also brought in some wacky families during the two show's run. Also, you never knew what way-out hilarious responses they'd give out when trying to come up with successful answers to a survey. There was this family called the Picketts who won the right to try and uncover the final survey answer of "Name a famous Rudolf." Rudolph the Reindeer and Rudolf Valentino were uncovered. Their three attempts yielded: Rudolf Jackson, Rudolf Smith, and Rudolf Hitler. The other family got a chance to steal for the win and chose Rudolf Hess. They struck out and the Picketts won despite their hilariously stupid answers. How Richard Dawson kept a straight face was miraculous...

Don't bother with Louie Anderson or Richard Karn's version of FF. Watch the original on The Game Show Network.

The original Richard Dawson run of "Family Feud" was some of the best times I had watching TV as a child

[tavm · 10/10 · 8 September 2010]

I've watched several episodes of the original Richard Dawson run of "Family Feud" on YouTube lately, not to mention the entire one-hour episode of Richard's return in 1994 and the opening and closing of his absolute final one that same season. Among the eps from the original run I saw: the unaired pilot, the first broadcast one (in both of which he makes a crack about drilling Jack Lord's hair), his final from the original ABC run (where he thanks the crew and ABC in the beginning and-in a segment not seen publicly until 1999-acknowledges exec producer Howard Felsher on the show), the one where he met his future wife Gretchen Johnson (too bad the second part on YT-where she was called to the board-was blanked on audio), three segments of Fast Money where the first contestant managed to give answers that were mostly No. 1 on the survey rendering the second contestant moot (on the Dawson's return ep, he recounted with a returning family how one member was stuck in the booth for so long that when that family went for dinner, she was still stuck there for about 48 more minutes! She said she forgave him on that show.), one of the winners of that segment that reached 200 points on her own was a member of the Trejo family and when she did another of those on a subsequent show she contributed to one of the funniest moments in game show history. The question Richard asked for this one was "What is the month in which a pregnant woman shows?" Her reply was "September" resulting in the host's laughter for several seconds before composing himself to ask the rest of the questions though he loses it when recounting those answers and then again when the second contestant has to give her replies especially when it comes to "Name a noisy bird" and she says "cukoo"! I watched this show quite frequently as a child during summer and always got a kick out of it though I have to admit at first I was creeped out seeing Richard kissing all the female contestants on the show. In fact, it's interesting to see that it didn't start out that way and when he returned, he mentioned he promised his daughter with Gretchen-of which he showed a cute picture of-that he'd stop doing that. Having said all that, I definitely think Richard Dawson was the best host of "Family Feud" and seeing all those eps makes me think of how I miss him to this day...Update: 9/20/13-I finally saw all the eps with Gretchen Johnson and with full audio intact. No wonder Richard married her!

Fun game show

[Catherine_Grace_Zeh · 10/10 · 14 July 2006]

First off, I must say that this is a fun game show. Also, since I'm 24, I haven't seen every episode. However, I do know the show very well. Every time I've watched it, I've had a lot of fun playing along and watching. Despite the fact that it's finished its run, this makes me long to be a contestant. The thing I like most about it are the questions. Despite the fact that I don't know that many answers, I still have fun playing along. I hope the Game Show Network keeps it on so I can play along and watch again. If that happens, I will be really happy. Before I wrap this up, I'd like to say that I'll always remember this show in my memory forever. Now, in conclusion, I hope that you catch it one day before it goes off the air for good.

Awesome classic show

[elizabetheric · 10/10 · 21 November 2018]

Who didn't grow up with Richard Dawson family feud I used to wait for the show to start with my mom. Richard Dawson was funny and I enjoyed every minute of it. I'm so had we can finally watch on stream!!

Name a wonderful and exciting game show.

[sethn172 · 10/10 · 13 September 2006]

"Family Feud!!!!!"

Survey says...

DING ! One hundred!!!!!

This famous game show starred Richard Dawson of "Match Game" fame, went into hiatus from 1985 to 1988, and returned with Ray Combs up until 1995. This is a simple little game; not your ordinary family reunion, for that matter. Anyways, audience members had to take a simple little survey(s) prior to taping the show. Both families tried to answer the five or something most common answers for cash. It all ends with two members of the winning family playing the final round for a huge jackpot!!!!!

The new version had a "Bullseye" round, if I recall. Anyone remember this as well? I remember the 88-95 version from local TV, and it still reruns each weekend on GSN.

So, on your marks, get set, LET'S FEUD !!!!!

10 stars

FEUD IS FUN AND VERY FUNNY

[afijamesy2k · 7 August 2000]

This Old Classic tradition from the match game spin-off is wonderful, it has two families battle out in a survey of 100 people, to get cash and prizes, they play fast money, the host will ask the contestant five question give them five answers in 15 seconds try and think of the most popular answer, it the two get 200 points they walk away with the $5,000 grand prize or the $10,000 grand prize in the syndicated version, if they failed to get 200 points they recieve 5 dollars a point.

This is a great show, better than Louie Anderson's Revival. TV REVIEW 4 STARS.

Richard Dawson Made the Feud!

[ShelbyTMItchell · 10/10 · 3 June 2012]

The recent passing of Richard Dawson will make anybody think of this show. Before then, he was an actor and comedian. But he made the show what it is.

Where you had to guess the top answers surveyed by people in the nation. And guess what the best answers were. Two families, five people each, the first person is the captain. Whoever wins the highest total of the day gets to play the "Survey Says" bonus round for $5K-$10K.

There were also celebrity additions in the Sweeps week. But all in all, Richard Dawson despite his ego and all of that. And kissing women, nearly 20K of them before his first round of the show ended. Really he, made the show.

Ray Combs was a great host, who died way too young due to suicide. He was really a comedian like Dawson.

But Dawson is what you think of when you think of Feud. RIP Richard. You and Feud were like a marriage made in heaven!

Dawson The Original

[shelbythuylinh · 10/10 · 26 November 2021]

Sure the former actor and comedian had an ego. But that at least he was nice to the contestants and became the kissing bandit there.

One of those in 1981 that would be his wife on the show the former Gretchen Johnson there. Despite possibly being the age of her father.

Still he was a hoot to host and that the original is that the original. With Gene Wood play the straight man announcer on there. Dawson's charm and interaction with contestants did not hurt at all.

RIP Richard!

One of TV's All-Time Best Game Shows

[hfan77 · 20 November 2006]

Since Family Feud debuted in 1976, it has become of the best game shows of all-time as well as very durable. It's a very simple game and most important, it involves the home audience who can't watch without playing along. Richard Dawson's unique hosting style was also a key to the show's success. His kissing the female contestants was under fire early in the run, but viewer response was strongly in favor of his kissing. The diversity of the families was a positive representation of America's melting pot. Also memorable was announcer Gene Wood's introductions of the families.

In addition to the nine year ABC run, there was a syndicated version that began as a once a week show, expanded to twice a week and eventually Monday through Friday. Also, there were celebrity prime time specials.

As for the Ray Combs version, it went very well until the producers added the Bullseye round, tampering with a great format. Also, the death of creator Mark Goodson and his son Jonathan hiring a consultant to improve the show's ratings by bringing back Dawson didn't do any good. Ray Combs was an outstanding host and he shouldn't have been let go.

The current version fortunately stuck to the basic game but Louie Anderson was terrible as a host, despite his sign off "Be good to your family!" Richard Karn was an improvement over Anderson, despite his inexperience and John O'Hurley is a much better host, keeping the game moving and bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm. Through all the hosting changes, there has been one constant, the show's announcer, who is one of the best, Burton Richardson.

Hopefully the O'Hurley version will keep the classic game on the air for more years to come.

Took this show for granted;I regret that now

[KUAlum26 · 27 April 2009]

Every evening for much of the late,late seventies into the early chunk of the eighties(aka my childhood years)this show inhabited the 6:30 PM CST slot right before prime time. My family watched it faithfully,and it became sort of a regular to the point of complacency. I didn't watch the ABC daytime version of this show quite as often,since I was usually in school,but I'd catch this semi-routinely on my summer vacations--it didn't seem as fun as,say,"Press Your Luck","Sale of the Century" or "The Price is Right"--and enjoyed it,but when this quietly went off the air in June/July 1985,I don't think I gave it much thought and even kind of felt like it was probably meant to be escorted off the air.

Watching this in reruns on GSN has set me right.

Upon seeing these shows again(and I'm mostly referencing THIS version,though the 1988-94 Ray Combs hosted version was also very strong),I've actually become much more watchful of the style and savvy of host Richard Dawson,from the style of his wardrobe(often three-piece suits,perfectly cut and not a stitch out of place!)to his mannerisms and wit,as well as other elements(i.e. the pacing of the game,the types of survey questions,the answers,the way the contestants dressed,the attitudes toward physical space vis-a-vis the host,among other things).I've come to feel that,as hokey and out-dated that these shows are,there's still a fresh--dare I say---innocence and enthusiasm that seems to be lacking in much of what constitutes un-scripted entertainment,particular game shows.

I intend to enjoy these shows a lot more now in re-runs. The charm and comparative simplicity of this version of the show is priceless. The newer "Feud"s(particualrly much of the Louie Anderson and Richard Karn era)are pale shades of this show's inspiration and fun.

The top 3 answers on the board..."Name the best incarnation of 'Family Feud.'"

[dawsonbot · 18 September 2001]

SURVEY SAYS: Richard's Feud. Richard was and ever shall be the true host of "Family Feud." Richard's quick wit and overall likeable personallity made this show click. I'd pick this show over "Fear Factor" or "Weakest Link" any day. In this world of primetime "game shows" (if you can call them that anymore) you don't see the kind of aoura that this show presents. 2 actual families comprised of 5 members each must guess popular answers to a 100 person survey. The first team to 200 points (300 by 1979, and 400 by 1985) wins the game, the cololected survey money and chance to play "Fast Money" for $5,000. ($10,000 on the syndicated version) When the show ended its run thanks to "Wheel of Fortune" in 1985, it featured one of the most tear-filled good byes in TV history. "Family Feud" is an American icon. One that will resonate through ages.

Out of nowhere came a welcome reminder of Philly sports glory.

[FeverDog · 31 January 2003]

It was 3:00 a.m. when "Family Feud" came on the Game Show Network - it was an episode from, apparently, late 1980, since it was a charity rematch between World Series contestants Kansas City Royals and Philadelphia Phillies: the Phillies Phamily's Del Unser, Larry Bowa, Mike Schmidt, Dick Ruthven, and Garry Maddox vs. John, Willie, Paul, Dave, and Dennis from KC (I didn't get their last names).

True to form, the Phillies swept KC 395-0. Del & Dick played the bonus round, where they reached 222 points with just seven questions. Would they have had any less than a total kickass half-hour?

Highlights included one of the Royals offering Richard Dawson some Skoal chewing tobacco (which he spat out in disgust, but he was a trooper even to try it), the numerous whistles and catcalls for Michael Jack from the presumably female-dominated studio audience, and, oh my, the leisure suits, feathered hair, and bizarre facial growths (and Bowa's funky White Man's Afro deserves special mention). Needless to say, my head was spinning. Bill Simmons (ESPN's "Sports Guy") needs to know about this episode to grade it on his Unintentional Comedy Rating Scale; it'd surely get a perfect score.

Richard Dawson is the best!

[divamagenta · 31 July 2001]

While the Feud may not be the most thrilling format for a game show in history, especially in a day and age of "Millionaire"'s heart attack music, and the nasty challenges people face in many so-called "reality" game shows, the simple, entertaining premise was a good one, but it was Richard Dawson's class, charm, wit and charisma that made the Feud the wildly successful hit it was. In a happy, pre-PC day, he was free be a chivalrous English gentleman and kiss the ladies sweetly for "love and luck" as he stated, and charmed America. His often razor-sharp wit would put smart-aleck Regis to shame, but Richard's wit and charm made him absolutely, irresistibly likeable. And when he came back for another season in '94 after as long of an absence as the original run of the Feud (9 years), it was like an old friend had come back home where he belonged, reclaiming his rightful place at the podium as the FeudMaster. Nobody could replace him, he will ALWAYS be, as someone else stated, the King of the Feud. Richard, you're the best! Thanks for a decade of joy and happiness...

Richard Dawson the best

[tod3 · 26 December 2002]

Richard Dawson defined the ideal game show host with his wit and persona. "Family Feud" was a perfect vehicle for his talent and carried the day for game shows. The problem with Ray Combs was that he had to follow Richard which had to be difficult. Ray did a great job but was not the overall charmer Richard had been.Those who followed Richard including Louie Anderson have the misfortune of following the premier game show host who represented the genre.

This Show is Great!

[stargazer24 · 6 June 2001]

This show rocks! Richard Dawson is the king of Family Feud and in my opinion one of the best game show hosts in history. He's funny, knows how to play the game, and is not hesitant to (nicely) show a contestant how dumb they really are. Once he left, the show was never the same again.

The only version of Family Feud I watched regularly

[bpatrick-8 · 24 July 2016]

I was working at home and my local ABC station carried "Family Feud," "Ryan's Hope," and "All My Children" from noon-2 p.m. I always had to watch "Feud," even if I missed the soaps, and for one reason--Richard Dawson. Dawson, who I understand to have been a prodigious reader, didn't suffer fools gladly and his putdowns of obviously dumb answers probably reflected what the audience was thinking. Let me give you a strictly hypothetical. Say the question is, "Name a country in Europe," top six answers are on the board. The family gets England, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy, but under the pressure of time just can't come up with that sixth one, so the person at bat says "Sweden." It's not up on the board but Sweden is a country in Europe, so Dawson would go easy on that contestant. But let's say the contestant says "Australia," which is about 10,000 miles literally and figuratively from Europe. Then he might tell the hapless contestant to go back to school and relearn their geography. Would you be thinking what he would be thinking? I would. He paved the way for the likes of Anne Robinson, another host who doesn't mind calling out a contestant with an obviously dumb answer.

In short, Dawson had the common touch despite his celebrity status, and I just know he was really rooting for the contestants, just as Groucho ribbed his contestants but was always happy to see them win the big money in the quiz on "You Bet Your Life" (BTW, Dawson hosted a pilot for "YBYL" in 1988; it didn't get on the air but he would have been perfect for that show).

Gene Wood proved he was a better announcer than host; I remember that on "Beat the Clock" he would get as silly as the contestants. That, to me, is the ultimate sin of the game-show host.

Steve Harvey has done extremely well with the show and I wish him many more years, but Dawson is "Family Feud" to me.

Decent show, decent host

[Beeracuda · 28 June 2003]

I will agree that Richard Dawson is a very good host, mainly due to his wit, and likeable personality. My only complaint with Richard is that he's a bit too soft-spoken, and sometimes not completely audible when asking the questions, especially if you have other noise going on inside your home.

The game itself has always been very enjoyable, although the original series tends to be somewhat dated at times. Many times, the answers to the same questions would likely be quite different these days. But it's still fun to watch.