Getting a Spot on ‘Family Feud’ Is Actually *Really* Intense

From Country Living

  • If you're a Family Feud fan, you've probably always wondered how the contestants are chosen!

  • Here's everything you need to know, about getting on Family Feud, including details on how to apply, what to include in your application, and more.


With Christmas around the corner, you're probably looking forward to spending ample time curled up on the couch in front of the TV with your loved ones. Maybe you'll catch a Netflix Christmas movie or two, maybe you'll indulge in a few of your favorite Hallmark Channel Christmas movies...but odds are, at some point, you'll be coaxed into turning on something a little different: Family Feud.

No, the age-old daytime game show doesn't revolve around the holidays, nor does it have any obvious wintry themes. But honestly, what's more Christmas-appropriate than a show all about family? When it comes to Yuletide entertainment, there's really nothing more enjoyable than watching two families duke it out while huddled up with your own.

Here, we're answering your most commonly-asked questions about Family Feud, including how to get on the show, what the application process is like, and what to expect if you're chosen to compete. Best of luck!

Photo credit: Byron Cohen / Getty Images
Photo credit: Byron Cohen / Getty Images

How do I get on Family Feud as a contestant?

First things first: You'll have to make sure you're actually eligible. According to the show's website, the eligibility requirements include, but are not limited to the following: You must have 5 family members related by blood, marriage, or legal adoption, you must be a U.S. citizen or have permission to work within the United States, you should be (but don't have to be) older than 15 years old, and if you're running for political office or were on more than two game shows in the past year, you're out.

Phew.

If you've determined that you and your family are eligible, the next step in the process is to send in an audition video averaging three to five minutes in length. "The main goal here is for your family to stand out!" read the instructions on the show's application site. "Start off by introducing your family and have each family member introduce themselves... The important thing is to show us how energetic and enthusiastic you are. Do your best to show us why your family would be great on the Feud!"

Once your video's submitted, you may have the chance to make an appointment for an in-person tryout, at which you'll play a shortened, mock version of the game against another family. Finally, you'll receive a postcard in the mail within four weeks of the audition letting you know if you've been selected.

Photo credit: Byron Cohen / Getty Images
Photo credit: Byron Cohen / Getty Images

What's it like to be on Family Feud?

If selected to appear on the show, you'll hear from producers, who will book you for a shoot date.

"All four episodes were shot in the same day," says Cole Simmons, a former Feud contestant and Reddit user who goes by the username "notreallyslimshady.""They said they shoot anywhere from four to six episodes in a day, depending on the week."

Cole, whose family filmed their four-episode stretch back in May 2013, revealed as much during an AMA a few years back. He also stated that there is, in fact, a rehearsal for the show with a stand-in for Steve Harvey ("[You] play a mock game with all of the lights, effects, etc."), explained that you are required to clap for your family members "even if the answer is terrible," and noted that Steve smells like "mustache conditioner."

What are you waiting for? Time to round up the troops and apply!

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