Each round begins with a 'face-off' question that serves as a toss-up between two opposing contestants. While there is no minimum age to participate in Family Feud, producers recommend that contestants are 15 years of age or older due to the nature of some questions. The original version of the show began with the families being introduced, seated opposite each other as if posing for family portraits, after which the host interviewed them. The game features two competing families, each represented by five members (reduced to four contestants for the 1994–95 season), who compete to determine the answers to survey questions.

Aside from television shows, there have been also many home editions produced in board game, interactive film, and video game formats. Reruns of episodes hosted by Steve Harvey air on Game Show Network, as well as in syndication while reruns of earlier versions air on BUZZR. The program has produced multiple regional adaptations in over 50 international markets outside the United States. Harvey has also surpassed every previous host in tenure, although Dawson hosted more episodes of the show. Harvey becoming host in 2010 increased Nielsen ratings significantly and eventually placed the program among the top three most-popular syndicated television shows in the United States. Within a year of its debut, the original version became the number one game show in daytime television however, as viewing habits changed, the ratings declined.

Studio announcers who introduced the contestants and read credits included Johnny Olson (1975 pilot), Gene Wood (1976–1995), Burton Richardson (1999–2010), Joey Fatone (2010–2015), and Rubin Ervin (2015–present). In 1999, the series was revived through its first-run syndication with four different hosts: Louie Anderson (1999–2002), Richard Karn (2002–2006), John O'Hurley (2006–2010), and Steve Harvey (2010–present). In 1987, the series was revived as a pilot and later in 1988 aired on both CBS and in syndication with Ray Combs hosting until 1994, with Dawson returning until that version ended in 1995. Its original run from 1976 to 1985 aired the series on both ABC and syndicated, with Richard Dawson as host. The show had three separate runs, the first of which started in 1976. It features two families who compete to name the most popular answers to survey questions in order to win cash and prizes. Family Feud is an American television game show created by Mark Goodson.

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