Created by Mark Goodson in 1976, ABC and CBS’s “Family Feud” has become one of the longest-running game shows in TV history. The series’ popularity is largely due to the sass and snark of both its hosts and contestants—and it’s not hard for players to rattle current host Steve Harvey with some not-so-smart responses.
Do you (and your family, of course) have what it takes to send your opponents packing? Survey says…yes! Here, you’ll learn all you need to know about playing “Family Feud” and how to ace the audition process as the series gears up to resume filming on Jan. 29, 2024, in Atlanta.
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The game pits two teams of five family members against each other to answer survey questions. Because the responses are pulled from actual surveys, the points assigned to each correspond with how many people answered accordingly. This means that the more popular the response is, the more points are awarded.
To start, a family member from each team approaches the center buzzer, one hand at the ready and one behind their back, and the host reads a question. Whoever buzzes in first makes a guess. If their response appears in the top spot on the board, they choose whether their team passes or plays through the round. If their answer isn’t the first one but is on the board, the other player gets a chance to guess. The person with the highest-ranking response then decides whether to pass or play.
Each remaining family member then has 10 seconds to answer without help from their teammates. If their response doesn’t appear on the board, they’re issued a “strike”; three strikes means the other team can collaborate to steal the game.
If the opposing team’s response appears on the board, they receive the points for the round; if they fail, the original team gets the points. After an average of four rounds, the team with the most points advances to the Fast Money bonus segment. The family selects its two strongest players, and one stays with the host while the other goes backstage.
Player One has 20 seconds to answer five questions; Player Two then has 25 seconds to answer the same ones. If they repeat one of their team member’s responses, the buzzer sounds, prompting them to choose another answer. Their responses are then scored and totaled. If their combined score equals 200 or more, the family wins the $20,000 grand prize.
The series has been broadcast over three separate eras. The original aired on ABC from 1976–1985, with Richard Dawson as the host. It then ran on CBS from 1998–1995, with Ray Combs hosting (Dawson returned for the final season). The third and current incarnation debuted in 1999; Louie Anderson, Richard Karn, and John O’Hurley took turns emceeing until 2010, when Harvey took over both the original and celebrity versions of the series.
Once you’ve decided on which five people will be participating, head to the “Family Feud” website to apply. The form requires you to enter basic info including your name, email, and location. You’ll then be prompted to share details about your family.
Applicants are also encouraged to upload photos of each team member, as well as videos showcasing their dynamic together. Taking this extra step will help you stand out from the rest. According to the website, producers are looking for “energy and enthusiasm, [and] an ability to play the game and to come up with answers.”
You’ll hear whether or not you’ve been selected within four weeks. If the casting team wants to move forward, they’ll reach out to schedule a Zoom audition for the entire family. This is you and your relatives’ chance to prove that you have what it takes to entertain viewers. If your family is chosen to compete, production will contact you to book a taping date.
As outlined on the “Family Feud” website, your team members must be “related by blood, marriage, or legal adoption.” Although there’s technically no age limit, the show recommends that contestants be aged 15 or older due to the nature of the questions. You’ll be barred from participating if anyone on your team is running for political office or has appeared on more than two game shows in the past year. If one of your team members has competed on “Family Feud” before, they wait 10 years before applying again.
Sara Dansby, the show’s co–executive producer and head of casting, told KTLA: “We just want families who know how to have a good time and also know how to play the game. Lots of energy—lots of smiling, clapping, peppiness. [We’re looking for] happy, fun game show contestants.”
Here’s what she recommends:
1. Choose a memorable team. “Pick the most outgoing members of the family when putting together your team. We love loud and energetic contestants. You can audition with a total of six people, and we’ll help you pick the best five for the show.”
2. Include an audition video in your application. “Aim for three to five minutes in length, introduce your family, be creative, and feel free to play a mock round of the game.”
3. Show conviction. “We’re looking for high energy, but it all comes down to confidence. We need people who won’t freeze up on stage so we can make an exciting show.”
4. Share your family’s story. “If you have funny anecdotes, a big accomplishment, or a special talent, show it off.”
5. Do your research. “Aside from energy and enthusiasm, we also look for an ability to play the game and to come up with answers. If nothing comes to mind, don’t give up. You may think of something [at the] last second. And if you love the show for a specific reason, mention it!”
6. Don’t overthink it. “Our audition process is not judgy, and we want to put you on the show. All you have to do is follow our directions, go out there, loosen up, and have fun with your family! Let’s play ‘Feud’!”
Photo credits: ABC/Disney/Eric McCandless
