# Is there any gameshow on TV dumber than "Family Feud"? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** reality-or-game-show\ **Created:** [October 25, 2026, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-gameshow-on-tv-dumber-than-family-feud/1034133 "2026-10-25T00:21:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2026, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-gameshow-on-tv-dumber-than-family-feud/1034133/21 "2026-10-25T04:12:30Z")
…and Pee-wee Herman and Phil Hartman and Tom Sellleck and Steve Martin and Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sally Field and Bryan Cranston and (at least) one serial killer. ---
**Author:** ![terentii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terentii/32/212_2.png) [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2026, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-gameshow-on-tv-dumber-than-family-feud/1034133/22 "2026-10-25T04:28:56Z")
I remember one episode where the poor bachelorette mixed up the answers and accidentally chose a dweeb instead of a Greek god. You could almost see her loins melt when Adonis walked out, and the look of horror on her face when she saw Dweeby was priceless. He kept trying to put his arm around her as Jim Lange told them about their prize, and it was clear she didn’t want to be there. ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2026, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-gameshow-on-tv-dumber-than-family-feud/1034133/23 "2026-10-25T04:54:53Z")
> [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](#): > > …and Pee-wee Herman and Phil Hartman and Tom Sellleck and Steve Martin and Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sally Field and Bryan Cranston and (at least) one serial killer. It seems that if you were a wannabe-actor, game shows were a way to get your face out there with minimum effort. Hey, you might even win a few dollars, or prizes that you could turn into dollars. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2026, 4:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-gameshow-on-tv-dumber-than-family-feud/1034133/24 "2026-10-25T04:56:06Z")
Match game irritated me because the celebrity guests would often deliberately give unmatchable answers. Going for a cheap laugh instead of helping the contestant win money. Many contestants picked Richard Dawson because he tried to give the most easily matched answer. He wanted them to win cash. I always thought Richard’s appearances on Match Game lead to his job on Family Feud. My favorite game show is the classic version of Password. It seems like the more skilled game and fair. The celebrities took it seriously and didn’t give joke clues. ---
**Author:** ![Steven\_Maven](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steven_maven/32/3272_2.png) [@Steven\_Maven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steven_Maven)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2026, 5:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-gameshow-on-tv-dumber-than-family-feud/1034133/25 "2026-10-25T05:01:11Z")
> [@ricepad](#): > > _Family Feud_ is a pretty dumb gameshow, but IMO _Wheel of Fortune_ is dumber. It’s basically Hangman. I consider _Wheel of Fortune_ to be the Rodney Dangerfield of game shows - it doesn’t get the respect it deserves. It doesn’t require factual knowledge (like Jeopardy!). However, it does require pattern recognition, both the phrases and spelling. While lucky spins play a role in success, there are definitely good and bad strategies in certain situations. ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2026, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-gameshow-on-tv-dumber-than-family-feud/1034133/26 "2026-10-25T05:18:06Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > My favorite game show is the classic version of Password. It seems like the more skilled game and fair. The celebrities took it seriously and didn’t give joke clues. That’s one of the game shows on the channel that I mentioned above. I’ve seen it there. Is it ever different from the modern-day version! Allen Ludden hosted. The show was low-key, and played without anybody looking for laughs, no matter who the celebrities were. Of course, there were accidental funny moments, but that’s what they were—accidental. Ever seen Carol Burnett be dead serious? She was on that show. Cash prizes, and not much by today’s standards (I believe the bonus round paid a top prize of $250), but it moves slowly enough that the gameplay engages the viewer. “Skilled and fair” sums it up well. ---
**Author:** ![terentii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terentii/32/212_2.png) [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2026, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-gameshow-on-tv-dumber-than-family-feud/1034133/27 "2026-10-25T05:22:43Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > I always thought Richard’s appearances on Match Game lead to his job on Family Feud. Led, not “lead.” Lead in everything was what poisoned the Romans. My favorite moment in _ **Family Feud** _ came during the Dawson years. One set of contestants was a Black family from Detroit, and the face-off task was “Name an everyday activity where you’re likely to be in danger.” The Black family’s teenaged daughter immediately slammed on her buzzer and said “Stealin’ hubcaps!” ---
**Author:** ![terentii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terentii/32/212_2.png) [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2026, 5:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-gameshow-on-tv-dumber-than-family-feud/1034133/28 "2026-10-25T05:41:06Z")
> [@Spoons](#): > > The show was low-key, and played without anybody looking for laughs, no matter who the celebrities were. I remember one episode where Max Baer (Jethro Bodine on _ **The Beverly Hillbillllies** _) was paired with a contestant. The Password was “Zone,” and the only clue Max could think of was “End.” (The “End Zone” in American football, geddit?) He said it again and again as the two teams went back and forth without guessing the answer. Finally, at the end of the round, Alan Ludden leaned forward and asked “Would it help if I said ‘Twilight?’” ---
**Author:** ![terentii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terentii/32/212_2.png) [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2026, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-gameshow-on-tv-dumber-than-family-feud/1034133/29 "2026-10-25T05:51:30Z")
> [@Steven\_Maven](#): > > However, it does require pattern recognition, both the phrases and spelling. You also have to know how to pronounce words like “Achilles.” One college student didn’t and lost his chance to win the game. ---
**Author:** ![terentii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terentii/32/212_2.png) [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2026, 5:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-gameshow-on-tv-dumber-than-family-feud/1034133/30 "2026-10-25T05:59:53Z")
> [@terentii](#): > > The Black family’s teenaged daughter immediately slammed on her buzzer and said “Stealin’ hubcaps!” All Richard Dawson could think of to say was "What city are you from again? ’ ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba9def/32.png) [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2026, 6:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-gameshow-on-tv-dumber-than-family-feud/1034133/31 "2026-10-25T06:28:28Z")
> [@Spoons](#): > > Fun Fact: Kirstie Alley was a contestant before she became known as a celebrity; I saw her appearance. She was also a contestant (not celebrity) on Password Plus. She listed her occupation as interior designer. I’ve watched some classic Password: they used difficult words! That would be hard to play. ---
**Author:** ![Cugel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cugel/32/1199_2.png) [@Cugel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cugel)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2026, 6:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-gameshow-on-tv-dumber-than-family-feud/1034133/32 "2026-10-25T06:34:53Z")
Nah, it’s whether or not you think the probability of a higher payout justifies giving up a guaranteed payout. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2026, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-gameshow-on-tv-dumber-than-family-feud/1034133/33 "2026-10-25T15:09:45Z")
I have an older relative (close to ninety years old) who watches Family Feud late at night on the Game Show Network and is _convinced_ that, when one of the two families is white while the other is black, Steve Harvey favors the black family, giving them more time and attention. ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2026, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-gameshow-on-tv-dumber-than-family-feud/1034133/34 "2026-10-25T15:41:05Z")
_People Puzzler_ (which seems to have vanished). Crosswood puzzle game with softball questions the contestants whiff on all roo often. ---
**Author:** ![Baal\_Houtham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baal_houtham/32/13604_2.png) [@Baal\_Houtham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baal_Houtham)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2026, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-gameshow-on-tv-dumber-than-family-feud/1034133/35 "2026-10-25T16:01:40Z")
There was a very good SNL sketch, featuring Steve Martin, titled Common Knowledge. It used a Jeopardy board format but, like Family Feud, the answers were derived from surveys. Anytime I stumble across Family Feud and watch for 5 or 10 minutes, I recall Common Knowledge — and enjoy the idea that Family Feud is a fairly nice, very popular, show based on the same concept. [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/e0HGEZXTy8Y/maxresdefault.jpg "Common Knowledge - Saturday Night Live") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0HGEZXTy8Y) ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2026, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-gameshow-on-tv-dumber-than-family-feud/1034133/36 "2026-10-25T16:29:50Z")
Certainly Deal or no Deal equals in dumbness. Pick cases. You have no knowledge of any contents. No way to determine what in a single one. Your pick numbered case…should probably just be #25(the top number). Then just tick off cases 1 towards 24 until the deal is good from the accountant guy. But, no. They make it 10X more dramatic and people actually stand there thinking about the cases as if it matters what they pick. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2026, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-gameshow-on-tv-dumber-than-family-feud/1034133/37 "2026-10-25T16:36:36Z")
> [@Steven\_Maven](#): > > While lucky spins play a role in success, there are definitely good and bad strategies in certain situations. And the spins have at least a little skill, too. I remember one episode I saw back in the 90s, where the guy just kept on, every spin, exactly hitting the $10,000 space sandwiched into a third of a regular space between two slivers of Bankrupt. Too bad that he had no clue whatsoever about letters. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2026, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-gameshow-on-tv-dumber-than-family-feud/1034133/38 "2026-10-25T16:53:54Z")
> [@Steven\_Maven](#): > > > [@ricepad](#): > > > > _Family Feud_ is a pretty dumb gameshow, but IMO _Wheel of Fortune_ is dumber. It’s basically Hangman. > > I consider _Wheel of Fortune_ to be the Rodney Dangerfield of game shows - it doesn’t get the respect it deserves. It doesn’t require factual knowledge (like Jeopardy!). However, it does require pattern recognition, both the phrases and spelling. While lucky spins play a role in success, there are definitely good and bad strategies in certain situations. From my couch I’m always much better at Jeopardy than I am at Wheel. ---
**Author:** ![F.U.Shakespeare](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/aca169/32.png) [@F.U.Shakespeare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/F.U.Shakespeare)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2026, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-gameshow-on-tv-dumber-than-family-feud/1034133/39 "2026-10-25T17:03:34Z")
Last week, I drove a friend to and from a colonoscopy. I was in the waiting room two hours. As God is my witness, the TV played nothing but back-to-back episodes of FF. If I could have traded places with my friend, I would have. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2026, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-gameshow-on-tv-dumber-than-family-feud/1034133/40 "2026-10-25T17:15:39Z")
> [@F.U.Shakespeare](#): > > If I could have traded places with my friend, I would have. “Name something you would rather do than watch a _Family Feud_ marathon?” “Have a colonoscopy.” “Survey says…” [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-gameshow-on-tv-dumber-than-family-feud/1034133.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-gameshow-on-tv-dumber-than-family-feud/1034133.md?page=3)