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Friday, May 25, 2012

Family Feud and Family Fortunes comparisons

I'm in such a good mood that I've decided to do another game show comparison.  This time, I'll be comparing the American "Family Feud" and the British "Family Fortunes".  Before we begin, I should let you all know that I will NOT be including the "All-Star Family Fortunes" which has aired since 2006.  This will be the civilian format ONLY.

HOSTS

Family Feud
Richard Dawson (1976-1985 and 1994-1995)
Ray Combs (RIP; 1988-1994)
Louie Anderson (UGH!; 1999-2002)
Richard Karn (2002-2006)
John O'Hurley (2006-2010)
Steve Harvey (2010-present; as of this entry)

Family Fortunes
Bob Monkhouse (1980-1983)
Max Bygraves (1983-1985)
Les Dennis (1987-2002)
Andy Murray (2002 daytime)

GAMEPLAY

Gameplay was primarily the same for both versions.  Two families of five competed to determine the answers recorded on a survey of 100 people.  The first family to 300 (dollars/points/pounds, depending on the version; 200 in early versions) won the game advanced to the bonus round.

In the original American Feud, the first two rounds were single rounds, and the third and subsequent rounds were Double rounds (meaning the survey results were worth double).  Soon afterwards, a Triple round was added after the Double round, with more Triple rounds being played until one team reached the 300.

In the British Fortunes, the first half of the show consisted of singles rounds, usually three, and the second half consisted of "Double Money" rounds, which is self-explanatory.

Also, in Fortunes, if certain answers were revealed, the family won a small prize, which they kept regardless of the outcome.

FAST MONEY/BIG MONEY

Two members of the family are chosen, with one family member going into isolation.  The first family member then answered five questions within 15 seconds (now 20 seconds in the U.S. version).  Afterwards, the second family member answered the same five questions in 20 seconds (25 seconds nowadays in the U.S.), with them unable to duplicate their partner's answers.  If both (or on rare occasions, one) totaled up 200 points, they won the bonus prize.

Those are the similarities.  Now, here are the differences.

The U.S. version played for $5,000 in the network daytime versions, and $10,000 in the syndicated versions until 2001, in which the prize was raised to $20,000.  If the family did not reach 200 points, they received $5/point.  Families could say for up to five shows, depending on the version.

The U.K. version's "Big Money" was initially £1,000 (this was due to prize limits set by the Independent Broadcasting Authority), and families received £2/point if they failed to reach 200 points.  This was changed to starting at £1,000 and rose by £500 each week until it was won (up to £2,500 in 1981; £3,000 from 1982 until 1985).  In 1987, the jackpot rose by £1,000 until it reached £3,000.  In 1988, the top prize was a flat £3,000, and it went up again to £5,000 in 1996.

Starting in 1994, a "Bonus Star Prize" was added for families that uncovered all five top answers in addition to the 200 points.  It was a car from 1994 to 1998, and a choice of a car or holiday from 1998 until 2002.  After the move to daytime in 2002, the top prize was lowered to £1,000, with a top prize of £3,000 if they reached 200 points AND they found all five top answers.

Next, and I guarantee it WILL be up here sooner or later, I'll have a look at the world's richest quiz.  And, no, it's not "Who Wants to be a Millionaire".

P.S.:  I like both Feud and Fortunes equally.

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