Yes it’s real and it’s coming to a Channel called Ten near you very soon. Just for the record the reason why the revamped US version is “an online hit” comes down to the host Steve Harvey and his interaction with the contestants… so, if that’s the hook, Denyer has a lot to live up to. From the press release:
Network Ten is pleased to announce the commissioning of a new version of one of the world’s most popular game shows, Family Feud, hosted by Grant Denyer.
With filming set to commence in Melbourne, the revamped Family Feud will provide a great family alternative for 6pm weeknights. It’s funny, energetic, engaging and impossible to not play along with at home.
Best known for hosting hit shows such as Australia’s Got Talent and It Takes Two, as well as presenting the weather on Sunrise for 10 years, Grant is one of Australia’s most diverse, dynamic and recognisable presenters.
Grant first landed on our screens in 1999 as a fresh-faced, 22-year-old reporter for TEN Eyewitness News. Quickly recognising his talents, TEN gave him the opportunity to work on its V8 Supercars coverage as a pit reporter, a dream come true for a budding V8 Supercars driver.
In 2003, Grant moved to Seven Network and worked on a variety of programs including Sunrise, where he was responsible for popular segments such as the Sunrise Weather Wagon and Dare Denyer. He also hosted Carols in the Domain, Australia’s Got Talent, It Takes Two, Slide Show, Million Dollar Minute and Destroyed in Seconds.
Network Ten Chief Programming Officer, Beverley McGarvey, said: “Family Feud is a great format. Grant is a great presenter. Together they will make a great combination and will give us a fun, exciting and entertaining show for the 6pm Monday to Friday timeslot.
“Our research shows Australians want Family Feud back on their screens. We know interest in the show has not waned: since the US version of Family Feud was revamped in 2010, its YouTube channel in the US has had more than three million views from Australia.”
Grant said: “It’s awesome to be a part of one of the world’s most-loved shows. As a TV fan, I can’t wait to see ordinary Aussie families delivering truly extraordinary responses to all sorts of fun and crazy situations.
“It’s superb that a TV icon is coming back bigger and better than ever. It’s classic family fun at its best. It’s right up my alley, a little bit cheeky and completely unpredictable. I’m really excited and can’t wait.
“There’s nothing funnier than an awkward Aunty or Uncle at work. When the pressure’s on, their family embarrassment is our hilarious benefit. Good times,” he said.
Produced by FremantleMedia Australia, Family Feud will focus on Australian families enjoying light-hearted competition, where the jokes and family bonding are just as important as winning.
Ian Hogg, CEO, FremantleMedia Australia and Asia Pacific, said: “We have a long and proud history of creating iconic game shows and we’re thrilled we can introduce a new generation of viewers to Family Feud.”
While remaining faithful to the show we know and love, the new Family Feud will be faster and funnier, plus it will utilise a comprehensive new interactive strategy.
A play-along game that lets viewers in on the action will be available on www.tenplay.com.au and Beamly, Australia’s fastest growing second screen app. Viewers can answer special Family Feud home viewer questions during commercials breaks and are pitted against each other and the clock, with a chance to win fantastic prizes.
As well as full episode catch-up, www.tenplay.com.au and YouTube will be home to exclusive clips from the show that were too risqué for the 6pm timeslot.
Family Feud is one of the most perfectly constructed game shows ever devised. Two families of four go head-to-head answering simple questions that have put to 100 people to determine the most popular responses. Family Feud reveals that the simplest questions can generate the most outrageous, hilarious answers. But there’s not just jokes and laughs at play: each night, the winning family could win $10,000 if they score over 200 points in the final Fast Money round and a car if they win five nights in a row.
Families interested in appearing on Family Feud can register by logging on to www.familyfeud.com.au, emailing familyfeud@fremantlemedia.com.au or calling (03) 9947 0320.
Family Feud is a FremantleMedia Australia production for Network Ten and will launch on TEN later this year.