BuzzerVision: Sneak Peek at “Celebrity Family Feud”
Sorry about the promised Celebrity Family Feud pictures. We had a few interesting developments for the show. First, we were invited to a conference call that took place on Tuesday. We’ll get that up soon. But also we were supplied with a lot of clips and more of the new NBC primetime game show which is a spinoff of the popular syndicated edition hosted by John O’Hurley. Below is a video preview with the show’s introduction, one face off, and a behind the scenes look. The set’s stereotypical game show atire: dark, black, and blue. The classic theme does not work on this set at all and I’m a bit shocked that people are so attached to the past that they can’t get with a simple thing like keeping a central theme. From what I’ve seen, host Al Roker is more of the Ray Combs/Richard Karn like host than the John O’Hurley/Richard Dawson like, so you’ll like him depending on which style you liked more.
I agree with you, Alex. The original theme does not work on this set. Plus, that opening is just odd. An audience walk-through opening? Al just looks awkward. I have never seen any of the All-Star Family Feud episodes from the Dawson days, so I have no idea what the opening was like, but what were they like? I’m looking forward to this, though. I liked the graphical changes they made to the board, and the set looks nice.
They used the Karn theme and some different graphics so they don’t confuse it with the O’Hurley version. They need to change the Fast Money for O’Hurley to get rid of the 5 dollars-a-point rule and give them more money. If they get 99 points or less they get $10,000. If they get 100 to 199 points they get $25,000. If they get 200 to 299 points they get $50,000. If they get 300 points or more they get $100,000.
I agree that the set and sound effects are nice. However, being over 30, I think the classic theme does work here. I have *never* liked the theme they use now…and have been waiting for the classic theme to come back. I was excited to hear it a few years ago, and annoyed when the current one came back. Maybe if they changed the current theme to something else, I wouldn’t be so annoyed, but the current theme doesn’t work for me.
I, too, was confused about the walkway. It doesn’t make sense here…unless they are trying to do a camera pan of the audience. But, I do like how Al comes out from behind the sign. That was the only thing I liked about Louie’s version.
Al does a pretty decent job, in my opinion. He’s enthusiastic without trying to make corny jokes (like Richard Karn did…nice guy, but come on). I was hesitant, at first. But, after seeing the clip, I am no longer hesitant.
well I hesistant, I saw a promo as well the other night during celeb. circus (I watched just for curiosity btw) and in that Al seemed like he had just drank about 15 cups of coffee. I like the set and SFX, the intro is odd and the only reason i think the kept the classic theme was for the retro appeal, but if that’s the case, they should have re-built the classic set.
Since the current set is a tribute to the original, why can’t they update the original theme? Maybe the ’94 theme would work here. I HATE the current theme. I do like the upgraded graphics, but I wish they would lose the eggcrate scoring display on the family podiums (podia?). They have a video screen behind the families…they should put the score there in the same style as on the big board…which we never see because the director apparently has never seen the original series and how they showed the score. But other than that, looks good.
I’m pretty geeked about this show. They’ve got a decent cross-section of celebrities, and I think Roker is going to do a fine job with it. He seemed enthusiastic enough, and he’s a true fan of the game. And I’m glad they brought the theme song back – it’s instantly recognizable, and I’m pretty sure they’re trying to hook fans of the original series for this one, especially after seeing the numbers for Million Dollar Password.
One thing I was kind of hoping to see is the return of the lollipop tree. It was cheesy and a little odd, but it would have been a nice little throwback.
Glad to hear the old music again! While I’m more of a Dawson/O’Hurley guy myself, I think Al’ll do a nice job. And I actually think they’ve done a nice job with this set/graphics package. But I am curious to see how the intros play out – since we’re not seeing the edited version, this is anyone’s guess!
Julia:
Dawson had the same opening on the Primetime specials as he did the Daytime and Syndicated shows. Nothing changed aestetically.
Personally, I’ll give it a shot. I always enjoyed Feud, even with the Anderson version, and the clip reassures it. Agreed, the classic theme doesn’t fit, but they are going for a more retro appeal. I would like to think these 6 episodes could air on GSN for special purposes. I’ll be watchign this show in the hopes that it gets renewed.
Well, I had high hopes for this version, since I rather like Al Roker. However, it pains me to see that they’ve returned to the bawdier questioning that was such a staple of the Karn version. I know, it’s prime time, and I know I’m in the minority, but I’d like to think that a show called “Family Feud” could be family-friendly. They used to have KIDS on the Dawson series – there’s no way my kids could even WATCH the show, with the question “Name someone who comes to the door that you might have an affair with.” Are you serious? What’s family-oriented about that? I likely won’t be watching, even if the production values ARE good; it appears they’re the only values this show has.
I have to agree that the classic theme does not fit at all, and I especially don’t like the way it was edited for the faceoff cue. I would have liked to hear a revamped version in a modern electronic or rock style with just a hint of the old country flavor. The set is fine with me though – yes, it’s dark, but it still looks like the Feud. Wouldn’t mind if they kept it for next season, along with the board graphics and the audience entrance.
Al Roker should be fine too. He could stand to tone it down a little, but at least he’s pretty funny and interacts well with the contestants, unlike Richard Karn.
Andrew, I don’t necessarily agree with your scoring system. However, I loved the way the Aussies did it, and I think something similar should be used here.
They based their winning scoring system in Fast Money based on how many number one answers the first person scored:
0 = $5,000
1 = $10,000
2 = $15,000
3 = $25,000
4 = $50,000
5 = $100,000
Nothing was won if 200 points was not reached, but I’d keep the $5/point in America.
Nick- I’d counter that with a version of the UK Fast Money format (which on the latest version was 10,000 pounds for 200 points, but 30,000 pounds for 200 points plus all 5 top answers between the two players…)- I’d say $20,000 for 200 points, $50,000 for 200 points and all 5 top answers between the two players- and make it $10 point if they don’t make 200…
I’m going to say this again…Family Feud has never been “squeaky clean”. Ever.
There was a question back in a late 70′s show that asked “Name a Feud Condusive to Sex.”
Ben, I agree with you. Plus, this is a “night time version”. True, the John O’Hurley version is syndicated, which means it *could* be at night…but I’ve seen it in the morning in some areas. With that said, Celebrity Family Feud is specifically scheduled at night…so, it only makes sense that some of the questions will be more risque.
You know, I think the classic theme DOES in fact fit with this version, though why did they edit it for a face-off? Couldn’t they have just dug up the old face-off cues (i.e., when they brought the classic theme back on Karn’s Feud, they had a snippet of an old face-off cue play when Richard consoled the losing family).
Al looks pretty good as a host; I’m sure he’ll do fine. Though when I was looking away for a second I swore he sounded like Richard Karn…not that he HOSTED like him, mind you! (That runway DOES look a little weird, if you ask me…save audience entrances for TPIR.)
Though why did they have to have the number ovals pop up as Al’s saying “top x answers on the board” and have that annoying “swoosh” with every answer? They way they do it on the regular Feud is just fine.
If it were up to me, I’d lose that friggin’ “theater-in-the-round” audience seating arrangement. This isn’t a dinner-theater revival of “High School Musical.” The set is OK, I guess; I know that younger viewers seem to prefer it, while older viewers (like me) wouldn’t mind a more retro-look, maybe based on the Dawson/Combs-era sets. Lose the video-screen scoring devices, and use the egg-crates readouts…they’re practially iconic (although I kinda agree that they don’t need to be in front of the contestant’s lecterns).
Don’t try to compare Al Roker to O’Hurley; it’s apples vs. oranges at the very least. However, Roker may have more overall mass appeal than O’Hurley; he may be good, but for my tastes, he can be a bit too much. Besides, Roker will now be formally “included” in the elite list of African-American game show hosts.
Looks like Mr. Roker will do fine. Love his energy. I’m also glad the classic theme is back. I wonder what the fast money graphics will look like?
Speaking of themes, you know how they re-did the TPiR theme when Drew Carey was host? How about Score Productions re-mix the ’76 Family Feud theme for the new FF Syndie season.
All in all, looks like it’s going to be a lot of fun. Can’t wait.
People don’t like the current theme song because it sucks.
The blind love some people have for everything and anything the O’Hurley version does baffles me…
Why does the love for O’Hurley’s version baffle you? He is a great host, and has done an AMAZING job with it, and may have saved the show.
I agree with you, Todd. O’Hurley is a great host and has definately saved Family Feud. As for this version, I think Al Roker will do a good job. Most of you guys don’t know, He has game show hosting experience, hosting “Remember This?” on MSNBC. And that elite list of African American game show hosts, I think He will be #2 on that list next to the late Nipsey Russell.
The set looks great, and I am VERY happy they are using the classic theme. That theme IS Family Feud. The only thing I don’t get. Why Al Roker as host? I think they should have asked Richard Dawson. Al Roker is way too cheesy and is not a good game show host. Don’t quit your day job Al!
This feud special is going to be okay im not excited like i used to be about it. It looks like its going to have a lot of sexual questions. The classic theme does not fit they should of wrote a new theme. It sounds really outdated and it does not fit the party feel that set has. Im used to a Dawson/Combs like set that doesnt have a lot of lighting and its just very simple and calm. I woudnt mind if they redid the Anderson theme or use the Australian Theme. But the classic Theme needs to stay away
Al Rooker looks like hes going to be a decent host.
But lets be thinkful they got Al hosting they could of got Vernon Kay. Since the producer is the Family Fortunes Producer
Al Roker is at LEAST the fourth African-American game show host, following Nipsey Russell, Ahmad Rashad (“Caesar’s Challenge”), and Rob Edward Morris (Nickelodeon’s “Make the Grade”). I can see Roker doing an okay job with this, especially for a short run. However, something about him reminds me WAY too much of Richard Karn, as pertains to hosting style. Time shall tell.
1) The theme is being used mostly for the familiarity, history , and to differentiate it from the O’Hurley version. It was tried with the Karn set and that is where it didn’t work. This set does recall the classic Dawson/Combs set. I, too, was wondering about the clipped theme on faceoff. There is always a chance they realized it didn’t work and re-dubbed it in post (and that’s not the version presented).
2) Special celebrity editions of the Combs version had the players enter from the back of the house in studio 33. Having Roker enter from the back also makes this different.
3) This is NBC. They are notorious for pulling talent from within their ranks to host other network shows. Except in this case, Al Roker is far more personable and has some experience over the debacle that was “Let’s Make A Deal” with Billy Bush (that was a recipe for disaster the moment he signed).
The new survey board animations was an interesting change.
Erskine: It might shock you to find out that there ARE kids on this version.
Roker was supposed to host LMaD ’03, but opted out after seeing the not-so-family-friendly material on there. Of course, some people are complaining about the sex-themed questions on this show, but they don’t seem any worse than what I’ve seen on any version of Feud in the past. And they probably just picked these types of questions for the previews to draw people in – I doubt every question will be like that.
Ugh. I thought they finally realized that if your going to go modern, go all the way. Nothing like a two-year-old set and 20-year-old music. Sheesh. The electronic drums sound especially dated. Honestly, an updated version wouldn’t have been too much to ask for. It’s the same story at past-clingy Price is Right. I believe they use cue packages from 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1983, 1994, 1999, 2003 and 2007. They sound fine on their own, but together they sound like one giant conflict of desires.
This game board looks very nice, and fits well with the set. I think it wouldn’t be a bad idea to start using it on the O’Hurley version (that game board looks stale, IMO).
As nice as it is to hear the classic Feud theme, I agree with the OP that it doesn’t work here as is. The 1994 theme may have been a better choice for this version.