Family Feud (1978 Australian game show)
| Company type | Television game show |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television |
| Founded | February 20, 1978 in Australia |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia |
| Products | Television game show |
Family Feud is an Australian adaptation of the American game show format. It was broadcast on the Nine Network from 1978 until 1984, then revived on the Seven Network between 1990 and 1996, with further revivals occurring in 2006 and 2014.
Gameplay
The competition features two families, each consisting of four participants, who respond to survey-based questions presented by a host. These questions are derived from answers given by a group of 100 surveyed individuals, with points allocated according to the number of respondents selecting each answer. Only responses provided by at least two people appear on the game board.
Common examples of questions include prompts such as "Name a famous George" or "Name a popular family vacation destination." Scoring is based on matching the most common survey answers rather than objective facts, highlighting popular opinion over absolute correctness.
Basics
A "face-off" occurs between one member from each family to determine which team gains control of the question. The host may read the question just once if time constraints apply. Traditionally, families exchange a handshake before the question is posed. The contestant with the higher-ranking survey answer chooses whether to play or pass control. If neither participant provides a valid answer, the next family members respond, with control awarded to the more popular answer. In case of ties, priority goes to whoever buzzes in first.
The family in control attempts to identify all remaining answers or may opt to pass. Each team member responds sequentially without discussing answers together. Incorrect or absent responses result in a "strike." The host can enforce a three-second time limit for answers if necessary. Accumulating three strikes transfers control to the opposing family, who then have an opportunity to steal points by correctly guessing any unrevealed answer.
Earlier editions permitted either full-family consultation or individual input followed by a final decision from the household head. Successful steals earn the team all points accumulated during that round.
After control is settled, any remaining answers are revealed, often prompted enthusiastically by the audience.
The game consists of three questions: the first two award single points per correct answer, while the third question’s points are doubled. The first team to reach 200 points wins the match. If neither team attains this threshold after three rounds, additional "spare" rounds with double points continue until one does.
Major Round
The victorious family selects two members for the final segment. One contestant enters an isolation booth, while their partner has 15 seconds (later extended to 20 seconds) to respond to five questions. The timer begins once the first question is announced. Players may pass on questions and return to them if time permits. Unanswered questions that were not passed remain active until time expires.
Points correspond to how many surveyed individuals gave matching answers; at least two identical responses are required for scoring. Answers are revealed with the phrase "(The) Survey said!"
Next, the second player answers the same five questions within 20 seconds (later increased to 25 seconds), avoiding duplicate answers indicated by a double buzzer sound.
If their combined score reaches or exceeds 200 points, the family wins the grand prize:
- From 1978 to 1984: a prize package valued at $8,000 AUD.
- From 1990 to 1996: a prize package exceeding $7,000 plus a cash jackpot starting at $2,000 and increasing by $1,000 each day until claimed.
Championship families could continue competing for up to five nights. In 1994, winners over five consecutive nights received $5,000 in gold bullion and shared a progressively growing $50,000 bonus jackpot with a home viewer. By 1995, this jackpot was replaced with a family holiday awarded after six consecutive victories.
Celebrity editions contributed $10,000 to charity for wins; if unsuccessful, donations were made at $10 per point scored.
Production and broadcast
The initial Australian version of Family Feud was created for the Nine Network and filmed at GTV-9's studios in Melbourne. It premiered on TCN-9 Sydney on 20 February 1978, originally airing Monday through Friday at 5 p.m., with Tony Barber serving as the host. From 6 November 1978, the program shifted to a 5:30 p.m. timeslot, briefly moving to the 6 p.m. slot previously held by The Young Doctors later that year before reverting to 5:30 p.m. in February 1979. The inaugural season wrapped up on 16 November.
Season three launched on 11 February 1980, continuing in the 5:30 p.m. slot. Tony Barber hosted until 11 July, after which he transitioned to Sale of the Century. Daryl Somers took over hosting duties from 14 July until the season concluded on 14 November. The fourth through sixth seasons maintained the same airtime from February to November annually, with Somers as host until his final episode on 10 November 1983.
The last original season began broadcasting on 13 February 1984, featuring Sandy Scott as host and moving back to a 5 p.m. slot from 5 March until the finale aired on 30 March.
Seven Network revived the show in 1990, initially with Rob Brough as host. John Deeks assumed hosting responsibilities starting 29 January 1996 and continued until the series finale on 28 June 1996.
Merchandise
In 1990, Croner issued a board game inspired by the set design of Ray Combs' American version. That same year, Pressman Toy Corporation released an identical version featuring the same artwork for the U.S. market.