21Jan2010
John O’Hurley Leaves “Family Feud”; Steve Harvey New Host in Fall Thumbnail

John O’Hurley Leaves “Family Feud”; Steve Harvey New Host in Fall

Sad news to start the day off with.  John O’Hurley has announced this is his final season on the popualr syndicated game show Family Feud.  Amazingly he follows the line of the previous hosts of this version (Louie Anderson and Richard Karn) of hosting the show for four years before leaving the game.  Unlike the others O’Hurley is leaving on his own will.

In a statement, John said, “The time has come to try something new, and while I have prized my time on Family Feud, I’ve decided to set a course for new adventures,” said O’Hurley in a statement. “This includes immediately heading into rehearsals for the U.S. touring show of Chicago, launching my new company Energy-Inc. which focuses on renewable energy solutions, debuting an original golf apparel line in the J. Peterman catalog, and visiting our troops overseas.”

The new host will be comedian Steve Harvey, who actually may be a fantastic fit.   Steve had a hit sitcom which ran from 1996 to 2002 and currently hosts his own radio show.  He also hosted a short-lived variety show.  Steve will begin hosting in Fall 2010 when Family Feud begins its record setting 12th season.  It becomes the longest surviving series of the show in the history of the franchise.

“With his talent, authenticity and innate ability to connect with audiences from all walks of life, Steve exemplifies the spirit and appeal of Family Feud,” said Fremantle President Cecile Frot-Coutaz in a statement. Fremantle produces the long-running Family Feud, while Debmar-Mercury distributes the show.  This is all according to Broadcasting and Cable.

On a personal note, it’s very sad to see John go.  I’ve visited Feud several times and met John often.  He’s one of the nicest people in the business and a true pro.  He’s without a shadow of a doubt the best host that show has had since Richard Dawson and they are losing a major reason why the show is so enjoyable.  He’s been a great friend to the site over the past few years and an integral part of why the show still exists to this day.  He will deeply be missed.  However, I think Steve may be a fantastic fit.  He has the personality to do it, the comedy skills, and the name recognition.  Good luck in the Fall.  We’ll definitely be on the set for this one.

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Alex Davis

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Alex Davis is an award winning writer and producer based out of Pittsburgh, PA, who works out of New York, Los Angeles, and London. Alex is the head writer and editor for BuzzerBlog and is the president and head of development of 5Hole Productions, specializing in unscripted formats for television and internet play.

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Discussion

219 responses to "John O’Hurley Leaves “Family Feud”; Steve Harvey New Host in Fall". Comments are closed for this post.
  • Daniel says:

    "Dawson…Combs…Anderson…Karn…O'Hurley…Roker…Harvey…"

    Louie Anderson only hosted for three seasons, from 1999-2002. It's a shame to see John go, and my brother was all "Why?" upon hearing Steve Harvey would be the new host.

    And this version of "Feud" has been the longest-running since the 2008-09 season — the longest-running is either ABC (1976-85) or the 1988-95 Syndicated run.

    Steve Harvey is the show's SEVENTH permanent host (Ricki Lake doesn't count, since it wasn't a regularly-scheduled version), and the SEVENTH comedian to host the American franchise (yes, Al Roker sometimes played a comedic role on "Today"). Based on that track record alone, I see a good run for Steve.

    I will be very happy to give Steve a fair chance, however, and a few months for him to get all the first-day-on-a-game-show jitters out. Good luck, Mr. Harvey.

  • DeVares says:

    What? Steve Harvey hosting Family Feud? What’s next? Tom Joyner hosting The Price is Right? Rickey Smiley hosting a new version of To Tell the Truth? or Big Boy……never mind.

    All kidding aside, this is big news and they made a good choice seeing as Steve Harvey does have a following with The Original Kings of Comedy, The Steve Harvey Show, Showtime at the Apollo, not to mention his popular radio show, so there’s a ratings booster there, not to mention he’s a funny guy and very nice to talk to (I met him when he did his comedy tour a couple of months ago).

    As for John O’Hurley, he was good for the 4 years he hosted the show and I wish him the best at whatever he does next.

  • @Bgamer90 says:

    Anyone that can hold his own hosting the Apollo can definitely host Family Feud.

    Chances are they're will be set changes for the upcoming season too.

    So yeah, it's going to be interesting to see how it all works out.

  • Craig says:

    Wow! Didn't see that one comming! It's ashame O'Hurley's leaving FF. At least he's leaving on his terms, just like Barker did on TPIR. I wish Steve Harvey all the luck in the world on FF(haven't seen him to make an early judgement so I'll hold off on that untill next season), I wish O'Hurley all the best in his future endavors.

  • CJ Horton says:

    Gotta say I'm sad to see John go, but he did come off to me as very unhappy when I attended the show this past year. He stood around the stage during commercial breaks, didn't speak to anyone, and really looked… well, bored.

    I can definitely visualize Steve Harvey with the host gig. But I'll have to see it!

  • CJ Horton says:

    Gotta say I'm sad to see John go, but he did come off to me as very unhappy when I attended the show this past year. He stood around the stage during commercial breaks, didn't speak to anyone, and really looked… well, bored.

    I can definitely visualize Steve Harvey with the host gig. But I'll have to see it!

  • Arc says:

    Was he involved with J. Peterman before he was Peterman?

  • Daniel says:

    "Dawson…Combs…Anderson…Karn…O'Hurley…Roker…Harvey…"

    Louie Anderson only hosted for three seasons, from 1999-2002. It's a shame to see John go, and my brother was all "Why?" upon hearing Steve Harvey would be the new host.

    And this version of "Feud" has been the longest-running since the 2008-09 season — the longest-running is either ABC (1976-85) or the 1988-95 Syndicated run.

    Steve Harvey is the show's SEVENTH permanent host (Ricki Lake doesn't count, since it wasn't a regularly-scheduled version), and the SEVENTH comedian to host the American franchise (yes, Al Roker sometimes played a comedic role on "Today"). Based on that track record alone, I see a good run for Steve.

    I will be very happy to give Steve a fair chance, however, and a few months for him to get all the first-day-on-a-game-show jitters out. Good luck, Mr. Harvey.

  • Daniel says:

    "Dawson…Combs…Anderson…Karn…O'Hurley…Roker…Harvey…"

    Louie Anderson only hosted for three seasons, from 1999-2002. It's a shame to see John go, and my brother was all "Why?" upon hearing Steve Harvey would be the new host.

    And this version of "Feud" has been the longest-running since the 2008-09 season — the longest-running is either ABC (1976-85) or the 1988-95 Syndicated run.

    Steve Harvey is the show's SEVENTH permanent host (Ricki Lake doesn't count, since it wasn't a regularly-scheduled version), and the SEVENTH comedian to host the American franchise (yes, Al Roker sometimes played a comedic role on "Today"). Based on that track record alone, I see a good run for Steve.

    I will be very happy to give Steve a fair chance, however, and a few months for him to get all the first-day-on-a-game-show jitters out. Good luck, Mr. Harvey.

  • Wheelloon says:

    Oh this is sad. I am just… stunned by this, almost heartbroken maybe *note almost*. John made Feud watchable for me again, and he's been my favorite host since Ray exited in 94 (you can probably just say favorite host, period, besides Ray). The show is losing a stand-up guy with great talent, affable humor, and a classy personality, things that are sorely missing in the overwhelming majority of TV shows these days. I can only wish him and the show the best, and I do sincerely hope Steve Harvey is as good of a fit as the people here say he could be, else… :(

  • Wheelloon says:

    Oh this is sad. I am just… stunned by this, almost heartbroken maybe *note almost*. John made Feud watchable for me again, and he's been my favorite host since Ray exited in 94 (you can probably just say favorite host, period, besides Ray). The show is losing a stand-up guy with great talent, affable humor, and a classy personality, things that are sorely missing in the overwhelming majority of TV shows these days. I can only wish him and the show the best, and I do sincerely hope Steve Harvey is as good of a fit as the people here say he could be, else… :(

  • @Bgamer90 says:

    Anyone that can hold his own hosting the Apollo can definitely host Family Feud.

    Chances are they're will be set changes for the upcoming season too.

    So yeah, it's going to be interesting to see how it all works out.

  • @Bgamer90 says:

    Anyone that can hold his own hosting the Apollo can definitely host Family Feud.

    Chances are they're will be set changes for the upcoming season too.

    So yeah, it's going to be interesting to see how it all works out.

  • @Bgamer90 says:

    Also (another thing lol) I can see Steve Harvey having the same type of humor Ray Combs had when hosting the Feud.

  • James D. says:

    Reading interviews with O'Hurley in recent months, I found that he saw FF as essentially a part-time job, albeit, in his words, "the best part-time job in the world." I believe he's independently wealthy thanks to his involvement in hedge funds, so it's certainly not a money issue — he can afford to pick and choose what roles he wants — and he would rather talk about his family life and his love of golf over FF.

  • Lee says:

    Maybe a slight set change will be in order. And as I haven't had the chance to see the show this season due to work, I have to ask: do they still have audience members with signs? THAT has got to go!

  • Lee says:

    Maybe a slight set change will be in order. And as I haven't had the chance to see the show this season due to work, I have to ask: do they still have audience members with signs? THAT has got to go!

  • Craig says:

    Wow! Didn't see that one comming! It's ashame O'Hurley's leaving FF. At least he's leaving on his terms, just like Barker did on TPIR. I wish Steve Harvey all the luck in the world on FF(haven't seen him to make an early judgement so I'll hold off on that untill next season), I wish O'Hurley all the best in his future endavors.

  • Craig says:

    Wow! Didn't see that one comming! It's ashame O'Hurley's leaving FF. At least he's leaving on his terms, just like Barker did on TPIR. I wish Steve Harvey all the luck in the world on FF(haven't seen him to make an early judgement so I'll hold off on that untill next season), I wish O'Hurley all the best in his future endavors.

  • Craig says:

    Wow! Didn't see that one comming! It's ashame O'Hurley's leaving FF. At least he's leaving on his terms, just like Barker did on TPIR. I wish Steve Harvey all the luck in the world on FF(haven't seen him to make an early judgement so I'll hold off on that untill next season), I wish O'Hurley all the best in his future endavors.

  • BFern says:

    I'm sad to see John go, but maybe he could be the host of the new game show that will replace As the World Turns on CBS… Steve Harvey will make a great host!!

  • James D. says:

    Reading interviews with O'Hurley in recent months, I found that he saw FF as essentially a part-time job, albeit, in his words, "the best part-time job in the world." I believe he's independently wealthy thanks to his involvement in hedge funds, so it's certainly not a money issue — he can afford to pick and choose what roles he wants — and he would rather talk about his family life and his love of golf over FF.

  • James D. says:

    Reading interviews with O'Hurley in recent months, I found that he saw FF as essentially a part-time job, albeit, in his words, "the best part-time job in the world." I believe he's independently wealthy thanks to his involvement in hedge funds, so it's certainly not a money issue — he can afford to pick and choose what roles he wants — and he would rather talk about his family life and his love of golf over FF.

  • @Bgamer90 says:

    Don't know why some are saying that Steve would make a bad host… if he can handle the rowdy Apollo crowd he can definitely handle the Feud.

  • @Bgamer90 says:

    Video that shows Steve's hosting skills:

    [youtube y7vBd8Z47ZE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7vBd8Z47ZE youtube]

    Like I said, he should be pretty good. Seems like the type that will rip someone if they give a bad answer lol.

  • @Bgamer90 says:

    Video that shows Steve's hosting skills:

    [youtube y7vBd8Z47ZE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7vBd8Z47ZE youtube]

    Like I said, he should be pretty good. Seems like the type that will rip someone if they give a bad answer lol.

  • ????? says:

    This run of Feud, thanks to being renewed for next season, is now the third longest running syndicated game show of all time behind WOF and J!

  • Mr. quiz says:

    Yawn!

  • Former Feud Fan says:

    And now the Feud will slowly whither away once more. This won't last past next season. Steve Harvey? Barf.

  • Former Feud Fan says:

    And now the Feud will slowly whither away once more. This won't last past next season. Steve Harvey? Barf.

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