Since it first went on the air 45 years ago, Family Feud has become one of the most famous TV game shows ever, and ranks up there in popularity with Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and The Price Is Right.
The format is simple. Two separate families “feud” it out by quickly answering questions based on a number of audience surveys; their goal is to find the number 1 answer from each knowledge-based survey and obtain the most number of points after two (or three) rounds. The winning family then gets to participate in the “Fast Money” round – with the same goal – in order to win the grand prize of $10,000.
But Family Feud was much more than that. There was the genial, humourous approach of its original host, the late Richard Dawson; Dawson’s reactions to unusual answers from family team members if they had nothing at all to do with the survey subject; there were the choruses of “good answer!” and “survey says!”, and of course, the grating buzzer and its one, two, or three superimposed red Xs if an answer was not on the survey.
Another manner of Family Feud’s successful longevity was the way the show was able to adapt itself without losing the original format and spirit of the show. There were special celebrity editions, veterans’ editions, casts of classic TV shows, the list just goes on.
Family Feud Canada, which airs on CBC Television, is about to embark on its third season, with Canadian comedian Gerry Dee inheriting the hosting mantle made famous by Dawson. And now, the show is searching for potential families from all over the country to compete on the program, as a virtual casting call and auditions are now underway.
“The procedure is simple. All you have to do is go to www.cbc.ca/television/familyfeud, upload a photo of your family team, answer a few questions, and create a video stating why your family should be on the show,” said Donia Aly, Family Feud Canada’s Supervising Casting Producer during a recent phone interview.
Ms. Aly also stated that the families they’re searching for to appear on the show not only represent every province and territory of Canada, but also represent its many cultures and regions, as well as families with a sense of uniqueness. “We’re looking for fun people, families with epic stories that offer interesting glimpses of what their family is all about, and genuinely relatable families. And if you want to help put your community on the map, we can do that, too,” she said.
There will be a total of 104 episodes which will be taped for season three of Family Feud Canada between September and November, and are slated to be aired starting this fall, almost immediately after an episode is recorded. “We are looking for as many families as we can,” said Ms. Aly. “And if they are not selected for this season, they will be in the running to appear on season four.”
The shows will be taped at the CBC’s main studios in downtown Toronto, and Ms. Aly emphasized that all COVID-19 safety protocols will be utilized, including testing on the set, constant cleaning, the use of protective gear and social distancing (six feet apart). “On Family Feud Canada, it’s safety first. We focus on everyone’s safety, which is why we are practicing these rigorous protocols. Even Gerry is respecting his distance between the contestants, so sorry, there will be no shaking hands with, or hugging the host,” she added.
“This is a game show that is fun to watch and it’s like the ultimate family game night. So if you and your family like to shine on the big stage, represent your part of Canada and love to have fun, then Family Feud Canada is for you.”
Survey says … apply and audition for Family Feud Canada now!
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