Astonishing Behind-The-Scenes-Secrets of Family Feud

It’s America’s most popular game show, hosted by one of the country’s beloved funny guys. Here are all the surprising behind-the-scenes facts you never knew about Family Feud!

Second Steve

Before the cameras start to roll, each show is actually rehearsed in order to ensure that the filming goes smoothly and the contestants are well prepared. However, a “stand-in Steve Harvey” is used for the rehearsal, the world famous comedian only shows up to the actual taping. Despite the preparation, the show is unscripted and all of the most hilarious moments spurred on by Harvey’s jokes are entirely unplanned.

Filming Secrets

There’s a lot more that goes into filming the show than fans may think. Several families are brought in each day. The potential contestants do not know until moments before filming that they have been chosen to play. All four episodes featuring family are shot in the same day and four to six episodes are filmed each day. The contestants are treated to breakfast, Subway subs for lunch, and then a much-deserved break and snack.

Pay Out

As with any super popular TV show, millions of fans are desperate to know exactly what it’s like to appear on Family Feud, luckily a few former contestants have shared their stories and spilled some set secrets. In 2014, Cole Simmons did a Reddit “Ask Me Anything” segment after competing and winning $22, 000. Many wondered what the process was like when it comes to collecting your prize winnings. Simmons revealed, “You don’t get your winnings until 90 days after the show airs. It is automatically divided five ways. It will be subject to income tax…If you get the car, they just get you a car and you figure it out. If you take the cash equivalent, that is divided.”

Going Global

Due to its incredible popularity, Family Feud has been translated into a long list of different languages, bringing hilarious TV moments to a global community of foreign fans. Familetna, Algeria’s version, debuted in 2014. Familien-Duell is Germany’s answer to Family Feud. Overall, there have been 50 foreign adaptations! TV Guide actually ranked Family Feud third in its list of the 60 greatest game shows of all time.