Friday, January 9, 2015

The Friday Link for 1/9/15

Game shows aren't usually funny.  You can have classic funny moments, like the one The Newlywed Game had many years ago (YouTube it), and of course you can have charismatic game show hosts, but really the shows aren't, for the most part, funny.

I think the gold standard for comedy in game shows was Match Game. Gene Rayburn was such a hilarious host, playing the straight man most of the time, corralling half drunk celebrities, and occasionally running with the punchline when he knew his was best.  The celebrities were off the cuff and uproarious at times, but the concept of the Match Game is one of the best, a simple game of Mad Libs where the contestant had to match the celebrities.  Loved that show.

The Family Feud was actually a "spin-off" from Match Game, but not like AfterMASH.  Match Game was such a popular daytime game show, they asked the creators of the Match Game, the very recognizable Mark Goodson and Bill Todman, to create another game show, which became The Family Feud.  They plucked Richard Dawson from Match Game to be the new host, and he played it up perfectly, mugging for the camera, flirting with the ladies and using the right amount humor.  The Feud was soon the number one game show on television and stayed that way through the early 80's.

When Dawson left, the show had numerous hosts, including Ray Combs (whose fall was tragic), Minnesota's Louie Anderson, Home Improvements Richard Karn and Dancing with the stars/Seinfeld's John O'Hurley, but none of them were anything special.  The show seemed destined for "remember when" specials.  Then came Steve Harvey.

Steve Harvey is the funniest host of the Family Feud since Dawson himself.  He is perfect for the show.  He has great reactions to jaw dropping answers, relates to the families and audience brilliantly and seems to be having a great time.  The show has also opened up the answers, so you can get more adult responses.  This also plays to Harvey's comedic abilities.  I can say for the first time since I was 12, I will stop and watch Family Feud whenever I find it on.

Jeopardy is my favorite game show, Match Game made me laugh, and I think the Pyramid had the best final round period, but Steve Harvey on the Feud, in my opinion, is hilarious.  Tonight, enjoy some of the funniest moments from his tenure (NAKED GRANDMA!) but there is an adult theme to some of it, so be advised.  It's your Friday link!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWXK2de97Xo



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