@TommyBNSF Ya the rest do have a special feature to them.Like the current one has a big mouth and an even bigger ego.Richard Dawson and Ray Combs were the masters at hosting this show.The only one that did half as good of a job was John O'Hurley.The rest just suck.I will say this.Ray did have the best set and the best premiere date.July 4th.This is the REAL "Family Feud".
Mr. Combs was my favourite summer gameshow host. Every season of summer I would always try to take the opportunity to catch him on Family Feud in my scheduled tv lineup. :)
Even thou Ray Combs is No longer with but his Game show Memories is still alive Next Mouth will be 15 years since June 2, 1996 that Ray Combs took his own life and is no laugher in taking you own life let's all remember the life of the Game show host that put the "FAMILY FEUD" back on the map and let's keep the Memory of Ray Combs Alive for years to come.
uhhhh..... Not in my book he isn't.Steve has a big ego and treats the conteatants like crap.Steve is NO Richard Dawson and NO Ray Combs he doesn't even come close.John O'Hurley was very classy and was alot like Dawson and thats what makes him better.John also treated the players with respect and would joke around with them if they gave a bad answer that was it.steve makes fools of them and tends to drag his political & religious beliefs on to the show.
uhhhh.Not in my book he isn't.He has a big ego problem and treats the contestants like crap and will probably start pushing his political views and religious views on the show.if he hasn't already.And he is without a doubt NO Richard Dawson and he is NO Ray Combs either.John O'Hurley was very classey.He was in a way like Dawson was and that is what makes him way better than Steve. also John treated the contestants with respect.He would joke with them if a bad answer was givin but thats it.
It would have been nice if Ray actually said those words and actually said the RIGHT words? You know what I mean. He would have been great at succeeding Bob Barker.
I'm sure Richard Dawson watched this the day it premiered. I always wondered what Richard thought of Ray. Of all of the emcees to follow Richard Dawson, Ray Combs had the hardest job, since HE was the first guy to follow the original. Now 25 years later (with a little help from GSN), Richard Dawson is still the benchmark and a tough act to follow. Even Steve Harvey gets compared to Richard Dawson. Rarely does one hear Anderson/Karn/O'Hurly/Harvey get compared to Combs. Or Harvey to Karn etc.
@sommerssmith The $25,000 Pyramid which returned for a few more weeks after its original replacement Blackout failed which meant Pyramid could return for a few more weeks before this show which was previously planned.
I know everyone has different opinions, but I honestly think that Ray Combs was the best host Family Fued ever had! I loved watching the shows that he hosted! I always liked Family Fued from the beginning, but I just never liked Richard Dawson. All he ever wanted to do was hug and kiss the women, and he just came across as someone who was very phony, & was probably not a real nice person in real life. Ever see him in the movie "The Running Man"?
Man, I read a bio of Ray Comb at suicide . o r g and can't believe how his life went down so quickly. Everything went bad for him. Finances, his wife leaving him and then his depression problems. Sad stuff.
Ray Combs was depressed even when he had all those things he lost!it was like hosting the Feud eventually got old for him and he felt as if he was typecasted!
Family Feud will always be Richard's show. That said, Ray did a marvelous job hosting. Louie Anderson just doesn't have a game show host voice. I saw a clip from his last season hosting and he was completely uninspired. At least Richard Karn seemed interested even if he wasn't that good. John O'Hurley did a tremendous job and is easily the best host since Ray. I read that Steve Harvey will be taking over next season. I might tune in to see how he does.
In the 1988-1994 version, after when one family was given control to play the question, how come the other family never huddles? The other family in the 1976-1985 always huddles.
I remember when Ray Combs was on the Arsenio Hall show he was hilarious. He's one of those comics that are just funny without trying to hard. He was great
I think you're right. if nothing else, Ray would've been a much better fit for the Price is Right than Drew Carey. Its just a shame that Combs had so many family problems.
I think ray was the best host for the show. hands down. When they replaced him it was probably just to hard to bounce back for ray...given his height and the fact that there hasnt been many successful decade running games shows other than Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy and price is right...they didnt have to get rid of him like that. though im sure if he'd stayed around longer than more opportunities would have arised for such a talented guy, RIP
Family Feud was created in the US and began in 1976. It's a spin-off from the Super Match segment of the 1973 version of Match Game, which was also created in the US. In 1978, Family Feud was exported to the UK, where it was renamed Family Fortunes with original host Bob Monkhouse.
Actually, that's vice-versa. "Family Feud" was a creation on this side of "the pond" and aired on ABC long before it was EXPORTED to Great Britain and was re-named "Family Fortunes" there. So it's England who modified the name, not the other way around. "Family Feud" debuted in 1973; "Family Fortunes" in 1980. Also, "The Match Game" orignially debuted on NBC in 1962, its more familiar version in 1973. Australia re-named it "Blankety Blanks" in 1977. You folks are doing the modifying.
I didnt type anything 2 do with it being american and when it aired in america first. I just typed what we call it. Nothing about u having it first or whatever.
That's what I said. Anybody who tries to imitate him is bad at it. His voice was sooo annoying and he didnt seem like he knew what he was doing at times.
I enjoyed the first year of John O'Hurlihee but then you could tell he was bored out of his skull too. Dawson had the skill to keep it fun all those years. Game shows are funny that way. You have to be in the mood to watch. Or host.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Ray would always rag on the stupid answers like Dawson would, but never seemed drunk off his ass like Dawson was on the earlier shows. Louie Anderson couldn't have been a worse choice as host, just as bad as Drew Carey is for the Price is Right
Oh, come on...all these comments I get about people's bad opinions on hosts, it gets dull after a while, though respectable. But, I can't say my opinions enough here.
Louie Anderson was not bad at all, it was the format he was given because they didn't have the goal anymore. And as for Drew, he ain't no Bob Barker I agree, and it is true he has big shoes to fill. But, he has hosting potential and I say he's doing all right.
Are you kidding? Anderson was terrible, and it was more than obvious. He had the most bored look on his face and no excitement in his voice, they even did MAD TV sketches about it. You know he's bad when Richard Karn is a huge improvement.
I think it was that last season when he began to get bored, first times around he wasn't so bad. But, I know he was starting to get bored in the final season. Until that point, he was not bad at all.
Also, Karn's first season was almost the same as Anderson's.
Well, I admit when it came to Family Feud I wouldn't watch it with any other host but Combs, and same with TPIR and Barker...but that's not to say the others couldn't do an all right job, it's just some people's legacies are irreplacable, that's no one's fault.
Beginning with this episode the family members were mic'd. During the Dawson run and later with the FF Challenge (1992) and beyond the family/face-off podiums were mic'd and not the contestants. Ray Combs began using a handheld mic at the second half of the 1989-90 season.
@judanmcgregor I couldn't get into Louie Anderson at all as host of Feud,but I still watched because it was the same great game we all know and love.In hindsight,I realize now that bringing back Richard Dawson was a mistake on Jonathan Goodson's part.That would have never happened if his father and FF creator Mark didn't pass away.
Ray Combs went too soon. And as for the Anderson/Karn/O' Hurley era I will agree on one thing. Louie Anderson was not a good host for Family Feud. Richard Karn did a nice job and presently I enjoy watching John O' Hurley host Family Feud.
Wow, great episode! Combs confidently got himself off an running on this show, no awkwardness. I think he deserved more opportunities as he was a very talented man. R.I.P.
Had Combs not committed suicide in the mental institute, we would've seen the maximum potential of his hosting career. But his wrongful termination in 1994 was a possible factor of his mental breakdown. Very sad events...
This was a good start for Ray Combs on the Family Feud. Having already established his comedic wit and personability you can tell he is going to be a good host if not a great one. He does however have shoes to fill for someone who was in his spot for nine long years, he is doing a good job so far. The first question was played well and Ray conducted himself very well. So far Ray has passed several tests and lets see if he can last the whole show keeping it up.
To me, Richard Dawson will always BE "Family Feud" to me, but I have to give Ray Combs credit, as even though he wasn't the best host of the show, he is still a hellva lot better than the Louie Anderson/Richard Karn/John 0'Hurley era combined!
Different strokes for different folks, and I respect your opinion even though if it's different from mine, but answer this question? If Combs was so good, then why did they bring Dawson back? Could it have been due to popular demand?
Yeah, everyone has a right to their opinions, which I respect. To answer your question, I think ratings were kind of dropping on Combs' Feud, and Jonathan Goodson gave him the boot. I saw this on the E! True Hollywood Story, but I don't remember the exact happening.
Well, the worst part of it was Ray didn't find out he was fired from Family Feud until his final episode for which he walked off the set during the credits. =( It was a shame because he was an awesome host. I hope Jonathan Goodson is paying dearly for that.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Ray Combs was so fake hosting the Feud it made me vomit. He couldn't hold a candle to Richard Dawson as far as his charisma and ability to host the show. Ask the average person in the street: it's like comparing a Rolls Royce (Dawson) to a Yugo (Combs)
Hate to break it to you willisjones, but even though Richard Dawson was a great host, I'm more accustommed to Mr. Combs. I never thought he was a fake, he did so well with the show. That's why it lasted 6 years.
Ray Combs was my favorite host of the Feud :) I thought that Ray's empathy and compassion for the guests was very genuine, and I enjoyed his humor. Richard Dawson's appeal perhaps comes for from his being like a grandfather figure.
FLOP?! What are you on ?! Ray Combs version of the Feud was the first one I saw as a kid when they brought Dawson back, my first thought was "Why The Hell did the Grandpa from Charles In Charge replace Ray Combs?" I had no idea that the guy's name was Richard Dawson nor did I have any idea that Dawson was the first host of the "Feud". So when the "Feud" got axed I was saddened but the new syndicated version with Anderson, Karn & O'Hurley is okay, But to me the real host of the Feud is Combs!
I agree 100%. I grew up w/Combs too. Although nowadays, I agree with most people that nobody can top Richard ;-)...... Ray Combs was the only other host of this show that was ever truly fit it like a glove. As you can see he was off and running with this show. This was an awesome debut, and you could sort of tell he was "at home" in the role. That is something that none of Combs' successors could achieve.
(This current Hurley guy is okay, but I wouldn't say he's great.)
It was really exciting to see Family Feud return to television in 1988. The old set was back (with new paint and carpet) the music was the same (albeit remixed) and Ray Combs was new and brought his own energetic flavor to the show. This combination was the perfect recipe for creeating a renewed interest in an old American favorite!
Unfortunatly, in 1988, the tension/bitterness between Richard Dawson and Producer Howard Felsher and Mark Goodson still existed. Goodson and Felsher would have NOTHING to do with RD, so i doubt they would have let Ray Combs give his predecessor a nod. Although it would have been cool to see!
I've heard of an incident when the question was "Name a game show host who would make a good talk show host". The contestant said something like "Richard... uh, I mean Ray".
When Ray Combs was host...did they take away the part where the family had the option of passing or playing? Whenever the team came out with the top answer after the question, he just walked over to their side....I guess they took that out and put it back in
Ah.. NO! It's Ray Combs' fault that Ray Combs killed himself! People lose jobs and have setbacks everyday! It's how people deal with those setbacks that defines them! Suicide was Ray's defining moment, and the definition was sh*t! R.I.P Ray!
Ray was a great host of the show and would have been the perfect choice to host TPIR now. Ironically he asks for the 1st item up for bids. He even appears on TPIR twice that I know of after he started hosting FF.
If I remember right this program debuted exactly 20 years ago on July 4th. Ray Combs was a good host he was almost as good as Dawson. This version worked. To my knowledge Ray was the last great host. They brought back Dawson in 94 that version sucked and Dawson got FAT. In 99 they gave it to another FAT guy who was probably the worst host ever the infamous Louie Anderson. That version sucked. The guy from Home Improvement was boring. I thought John O'Hurley did an O.K job but the game was tired.
Ew, no way! In 1994 after being fired from the Feud, he was involved in a car accident that put him in a depression. He committed suicide in his hopsital bedroom on June 1st, 1996.
That too. Almost all CBS game shows since the 70s were filmed in studio 33. The only exceptions I can think of are Gambit, The Joker's Wild, and Press Your Luck.
I like both Richard and Ray's version of Family Feud. Both are great in their own way. Ray was not given enough credit or appreciation and being unfairly compared to Richard. LOL at Ray saying what is the first item up for bids. RIP Ray you would have been the perfect host for TPIR after Bob retired.
Who won the game?
halftimesportscards 5 days ago
So Ray Combs debuted on Independence Day 1988. Right?
masoudfun1996 1 month ago
I grew up on Ray Combs. My mom grew up on Dawson.
NIGHTWHMAN 2 months ago
I wish I knew why they took away the option to play or pass and just force a family with an answer to play after the face-offs...anybody know why?
AlphaOmegaAWH 4 months ago
The worst one is Louie Anderson. No enthusiasm. The rest have special features to them.
TommyBNSF 5 months ago
@TommyBNSF Ya the rest do have a special feature to them.Like the current one has a big mouth and an even bigger ego.Richard Dawson and Ray Combs were the masters at hosting this show.The only one that did half as good of a job was John O'Hurley.The rest just suck.I will say this.Ray did have the best set and the best premiere date.July 4th.This is the REAL "Family Feud".
games507 3 months ago
@games507 I agree. Both Richard Dawson and Ray Combs were the real "stars" of Family Feud.
JeopardyandWheelFan 2 months ago
@TommyBNSF Eh, I really cant stand Steve Harvey, I can't really put my finger on it tho.
californiarednek 1 month ago
today is the 23rd anniversary of the day the late Ray Combs took over Family Feud.
ir10031981 7 months ago
Mr. Combs was my favourite summer gameshow host. Every season of summer I would always try to take the opportunity to catch him on Family Feud in my scheduled tv lineup. :)
artgal80 7 months ago
Even thou Ray Combs is No longer with but his Game show Memories is still alive Next Mouth will be 15 years since June 2, 1996 that Ray Combs took his own life and is no laugher in taking you own life let's all remember the life of the Game show host that put the "FAMILY FEUD" back on the map and let's keep the Memory of Ray Combs Alive for years to come.
32rodrick 8 months ago
Richard and Ray are the two longest running hosts of this show, I still miss the latter today.
tpir1972 9 months ago
Ray Combs is my second-favorite Feud host right behind Richard Dawson.
JeopardyandWheelFan 9 months ago
Pam Holtrust...wotta babe! :^)
AarHan3 10 months ago
$5000...I remember this family feud, and I loved the opening. EIGHTIES!!!
babyEroose 10 months ago
he deserved better than what he got in life!!
emoviebuff87 11 months ago
Jennifer's glasses are almost as big as her head.
landrykkb 1 year ago
"Here is the item up for bid" it was The Price Is Right not Family Feud! But that was funny!
abc21abc2123 1 year ago
uhhhh..... Not in my book he isn't.Steve has a big ego and treats the conteatants like crap.Steve is NO Richard Dawson and NO Ray Combs he doesn't even come close.John O'Hurley was very classy and was alot like Dawson and thats what makes him better.John also treated the players with respect and would joke around with them if they gave a bad answer that was it.steve makes fools of them and tends to drag his political & religious beliefs on to the show.
games507 1 year ago
uhhhh.Not in my book he isn't.He has a big ego problem and treats the contestants like crap and will probably start pushing his political views and religious views on the show.if he hasn't already.And he is without a doubt NO Richard Dawson and he is NO Ray Combs either.John O'Hurley was very classey.He was in a way like Dawson was and that is what makes him way better than Steve. also John treated the contestants with respect.He would joke with them if a bad answer was givin but thats it.
games507 1 year ago
Ray Combs was just as good as Richard Dawson.They were both #1.John O'Hurley is #2.And the rest is a big fat joke.
games507 1 year ago
@games507 uhhhh....Steve Harvey is way better than John O'Hurley
mastarule 1 year ago 3
It would have been nice if Ray actually said those words and actually said the RIGHT words? You know what I mean. He would have been great at succeeding Bob Barker.
jwgreek8606 1 year ago
I'm sure Richard Dawson watched this the day it premiered. I always wondered what Richard thought of Ray. Of all of the emcees to follow Richard Dawson, Ray Combs had the hardest job, since HE was the first guy to follow the original. Now 25 years later (with a little help from GSN), Richard Dawson is still the benchmark and a tough act to follow. Even Steve Harvey gets compared to Richard Dawson. Rarely does one hear Anderson/Karn/O'Hurly/Harvey get compared to Combs. Or Harvey to Karn etc.
TheSparrow1000 1 year ago
Damn the women are as big as the men in that family.Ray Combs was better than Richard Dawson
Voice173 1 year ago
Can you guess what this revival replaced on CBS?
sommerssmith 1 year ago
@sommerssmith The $25,000 Pyramid
AaronBruceLadner 1 year ago
@sommerssmith The $25,000 Pyramid which returned for a few more weeks after its original replacement Blackout failed which meant Pyramid could return for a few more weeks before this show which was previously planned.
JeopardyandWheelFan 9 months ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
0:41 BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
WheelWatcher12345 1 year ago
@WheelWatcher12345 Boo?
mtiller2006 1 year ago
@mtiller2006 Nobody, I mean NOBODY, is better than Richard Dawson.
WheelWatcher12345 1 year ago
@WheelWatcher12345 Be that as it is your opinion which I respect, but that doesn't mean Ray Combs was a terrible host.
mtiller2006 1 year ago 9
@mtiller2006 I change my mind...
Ray Combs was a GREAT host. I was just mad because he killed himself.
He was a way better host than Louie Anderson, though.
Ray Combs 1956-1996 RIP
WheelWatcher12345 1 year ago
@mtiller2006 That's right. Ray was no Richard, but he didn't try to be. He made the show his and he did a fine job with it.
leandar 9 months ago
@WheelWatcher12345 Agreed 100%,and that's with all due respect to the late Ray Combs,because he did put his own stamp on the FF franchise after all.
landrykkb 1 year ago
@WheelWatcher12345 ure damn right but combs version still kicked ass
justin271995 1 year ago
@justin271995 I know that. He's the 2nd best host of the Family Feud.
WheelWatcher12345 1 year ago
@WheelWatcher12345 Ray Combs is!!! Dumbass!
JeremyFenech108 8 months ago
@WheelWatcher12345 Ray Combs didn't do a bad job either. He hosted well in his own way.
chrismc410 5 months ago
I'd kill myself to if my last name was....COMBS!
TheBestFailiure 1 year ago
RIP Ray Combs April 3, 1966-June 2, 1996
bowlingxxxxxxxxxxxx 1 year ago 4
I still remember watching this 22 years ago tomorrow. I was 8 years old then. WOW. Seems like yesterday, in a way.
gamealarm 1 year ago 2
I know everyone has different opinions, but I honestly think that Ray Combs was the best host Family Fued ever had! I loved watching the shows that he hosted! I always liked Family Fued from the beginning, but I just never liked Richard Dawson. All he ever wanted to do was hug and kiss the women, and he just came across as someone who was very phony, & was probably not a real nice person in real life. Ever see him in the movie "The Running Man"?
mrderekevan 1 year ago
I liked those early Family Feud Episodes where Ray didn't have a Microphone.
MrAaronLadner 1 year ago
Man, I read a bio of Ray Comb at suicide . o r g and can't believe how his life went down so quickly. Everything went bad for him. Finances, his wife leaving him and then his depression problems. Sad stuff.
ethicomm 1 year ago
Ray Combs was depressed even when he had all those things he lost!it was like hosting the Feud eventually got old for him and he felt as if he was typecasted!
landrykkb 1 year ago
Family Feud will always be Richard's show. That said, Ray did a marvelous job hosting. Louie Anderson just doesn't have a game show host voice. I saw a clip from his last season hosting and he was completely uninspired. At least Richard Karn seemed interested even if he wasn't that good. John O'Hurley did a tremendous job and is easily the best host since Ray. I read that Steve Harvey will be taking over next season. I might tune in to see how he does.
TheJman2600 1 year ago
In the 1988-1994 version, after when one family was given control to play the question, how come the other family never huddles? The other family in the 1976-1985 always huddles.
matthew3alex 1 year ago 3
@matthew3alex Families had clip-on microphones between 1988-1992 and weren't allowed to huddle.
Rlotpir1972 1 year ago
Mark Harmon! LOL
FireLordOzaiIsHot 2 years ago
I remember when Ray Combs was on the Arsenio Hall show he was hilarious. He's one of those comics that are just funny without trying to hard. He was great
FireLordOzaiIsHot 2 years ago
the women on the holtrust family were taller than him too. LOL.
RIP Ray, best FF host ever
greatbearofalltime 2 years ago
Sorry, Ray's version debuted a week earlier.
nextbarker 2 years ago
he's the best game show host ever.
Lifesucksdie123 2 years ago 2
This comment has received too many negative votes show
he's a midget.
pausebeforeviewtube 2 years ago
I just thought of something both Richard's and Ray's version both premiered in July, except Ray's debuted a week later.
nextbarker 2 years ago
Was this show taped in May or June 1988? I remember that it was in May 1988 when Rod Roddy announced that Family Feud would be returning in July.
Lupton2000 2 years ago
I would put money on the fact that if he hadn't killed himself, Bob Barker would have HAND PICKED Ray to be the host of TPIR
STOPobama1 2 years ago 38
I think you're right. if nothing else, Ray would've been a much better fit for the Price is Right than Drew Carey. Its just a shame that Combs had so many family problems.
madammelva 1 year ago 3
@STOPobama1 he'd be the host of Family Feud since the get go too
nintendodailyvideos 1 year ago
@STOPobama1 I agree,considering Ray Combs was a life long fan of The Price Is Right.
landrykkb 1 year ago
@STOPobama1 Oh for sure.
NIGHTWHMAN 2 months ago
This is my Favorite Version of Family Feud. I liked Ray Combs, along with the Updated Set.
MrAaronLadner 2 years ago 5
Family Feud with ray combs replaced The $25,000 pyramid on July 4th 1988 on CBS.
vernonL91 2 years ago 3
This is after the Pyramid replaced the short-lived Blackout on 4/4/1988. Blackout replaced the Pyramid back on 1/4/1988.
mgsnv2 2 years ago
I think ray was the best host for the show. hands down. When they replaced him it was probably just to hard to bounce back for ray...given his height and the fact that there hasnt been many successful decade running games shows other than Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy and price is right...they didnt have to get rid of him like that. though im sure if he'd stayed around longer than more opportunities would have arised for such a talented guy, RIP
MarQDog 2 years ago 4
My brother and I would watch this everyday after school...Good times...RIP Brother
hoho24 2 years ago 2
Family Feud was created in the US and began in 1976. It's a spin-off from the Super Match segment of the 1973 version of Match Game, which was also created in the US. In 1978, Family Feud was exported to the UK, where it was renamed Family Fortunes with original host Bob Monkhouse.
billyboobtubeboy 2 years ago
I'm not sure if Mark Goodson specifically spun it off from the Match Game's Super Match,but the whole word association element was derived from it.
landrykkb 1 year ago
I love the way America modifies the names of game shows. We call it Family Fortunes
GreenArrowM 2 years ago
Actually, that's vice-versa. "Family Feud" was a creation on this side of "the pond" and aired on ABC long before it was EXPORTED to Great Britain and was re-named "Family Fortunes" there. So it's England who modified the name, not the other way around. "Family Feud" debuted in 1973; "Family Fortunes" in 1980. Also, "The Match Game" orignially debuted on NBC in 1962, its more familiar version in 1973. Australia re-named it "Blankety Blanks" in 1977. You folks are doing the modifying.
Noveltooner 2 years ago 4
Actually, "the original "Family Feud" debuted on ABC in 1976.
chuckers40 2 years ago 2
I didnt type anything 2 do with it being american and when it aired in america first. I just typed what we call it. Nothing about u having it first or whatever.
GreenArrowM 2 years ago
Well Ray had mental problems, he was almost paralyzed in a car accident, his comedy club went out of business, and he was not handling fame well.
essentialeugene 2 years ago
@essentialeugene Not having his Family Feud contract renewed only further added to his misery.
landrykkb 1 year ago
Why did Ray kill himself ?
STHFGDBY 2 years ago
nice glasses, jennifer... lol
pfost 2 years ago
lmao
Bettybcafe 2 years ago
Louie Anderson was the worst family feud host ever. Anyone who thinks otherwise should tell me why.
bigweezey 2 years ago 4
Omg..yes. He was so annoying
Bettybcafe 2 years ago
That's what I said. Anybody who tries to imitate him is bad at it. His voice was sooo annoying and he didnt seem like he knew what he was doing at times.
bigweezey 2 years ago
I'm not complaining about that! Why Anderson got the job; I don't know!
carchavtube 2 years ago
me either
bigweezey 2 years ago
I agree. Not sure why he was even chosen.
mooky9669 2 years ago
me either. i didnt even like when he tripled the points cuz he had the one strike deal which i hated then
bigweezey 2 years ago
that family is huge
azwel 2 years ago
Poor Ray. Atleast he seemed very happy at this time. RIP Ray, we still miss you.
Higgins213 2 years ago 23
Ray, you've been god over 13 years, and we still miss you today, you didn't have to leave us so soon, RIP
nextbarker 2 years ago 8
I enjoyed the first year of John O'Hurlihee but then you could tell he was bored out of his skull too. Dawson had the skill to keep it fun all those years. Game shows are funny that way. You have to be in the mood to watch. Or host.
bulafritz 2 years ago
its O' Hurley
bigweezey 2 years ago
he looks like a young peter faulk
Bigrobkerr 2 years ago
If only Ray Combs hadn't killed himself in 1996, ALL of the hosts of Family feud in its 33 year history would still all be alive.
Richard Dawson, Louie Anderson, Richard Karn, and John O'Hurley are all still alive and very well.
jrdkck 2 years ago 3
damn! that's a big-ass family!
rtorresuk 2 years ago 2
I think they have high-growth Vitamin B1 genes.
barber747 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Ray would always rag on the stupid answers like Dawson would, but never seemed drunk off his ass like Dawson was on the earlier shows. Louie Anderson couldn't have been a worse choice as host, just as bad as Drew Carey is for the Price is Right
mistaphill 2 years ago
Oh, come on...all these comments I get about people's bad opinions on hosts, it gets dull after a while, though respectable. But, I can't say my opinions enough here.
Louie Anderson was not bad at all, it was the format he was given because they didn't have the goal anymore. And as for Drew, he ain't no Bob Barker I agree, and it is true he has big shoes to fill. But, he has hosting potential and I say he's doing all right.
mtiller2006 2 years ago
Are you kidding? Anderson was terrible, and it was more than obvious. He had the most bored look on his face and no excitement in his voice, they even did MAD TV sketches about it. You know he's bad when Richard Karn is a huge improvement.
mistaphill 2 years ago 7
I think it was that last season when he began to get bored, first times around he wasn't so bad. But, I know he was starting to get bored in the final season. Until that point, he was not bad at all.
Also, Karn's first season was almost the same as Anderson's.
mtiller2006 2 years ago
Well, I admit when it came to Family Feud I wouldn't watch it with any other host but Combs, and same with TPIR and Barker...but that's not to say the others couldn't do an all right job, it's just some people's legacies are irreplacable, that's no one's fault.
mphlohi 2 years ago
I always thought Anerson had the funniest comments to the answers and many were self defeating.
HinesXL 2 years ago
Richard Dawson and Ray Combs - the only true hosts of the "Family Feud."
Richard's #1, but this is the guy I grew up with.
tygersflowerz 2 years ago
When did they start to mic the familys intro booths?
scottievand 2 years ago
Beginning with this episode the family members were mic'd. During the Dawson run and later with the FF Challenge (1992) and beyond the family/face-off podiums were mic'd and not the contestants. Ray Combs began using a handheld mic at the second half of the 1989-90 season.
judanmcgregor 2 years ago
Comment removed
earnhardtlivesE 2 years ago
Richard Dawson: witty. acerbic yet civil and proper, aloof, snappy dresser, politically incorrect, loved the ladies. MY ALL TIME FAVORITE!!!
Ray Combs: Enthusiastic, gentler humor than Dawson, more of a typical "game show host" personality, more outgoing.
Richard Dawson (1994): Mellowed, quiet, not the same.
Louie Anderson: Enough said
Richard Karn: nice guy but blah.
John O'Hurley: Combs' enthusiasm, channels Richard Dawson in dress and style at times, best host since Combs.
judanmcgregor 2 years ago
I totally agree.
BradDP90 2 years ago
@judanmcgregor I couldn't get into Louie Anderson at all as host of Feud,but I still watched because it was the same great game we all know and love.In hindsight,I realize now that bringing back Richard Dawson was a mistake on Jonathan Goodson's part.That would have never happened if his father and FF creator Mark didn't pass away.
landrykkb 1 year ago
@judanmcgregor What's your thoughts on the new guy hosting the Family Feud? In My Opinion, With every answer, he looks like he's about to go cuckoo!
NY4Life 11 months ago
@NY4Life You mean Steve Harvey? He's doing a great job, Ray's looking down on him smiling. I'm sure Dawson doesn't object to him, either.
johnissoevil 11 months ago
Anyone have the syndicated premiere of Family Feud 1988?
nextbarker 2 years ago
Ray Combs went too soon. And as for the Anderson/Karn/O' Hurley era I will agree on one thing. Louie Anderson was not a good host for Family Feud. Richard Karn did a nice job and presently I enjoy watching John O' Hurley host Family Feud.
burgesssc 3 years ago 2
COMBS!
TGfanguy 3 years ago
Wow, great episode! Combs confidently got himself off an running on this show, no awkwardness. I think he deserved more opportunities as he was a very talented man. R.I.P.
chuck9788 3 years ago 4
I love watching both of them, they are great hosts!
Ray mentions the first item up for bids and I think he would have been a great host for The Price Is Right!
cartoongameshowfan76 3 years ago 2
I like Drew on TPiR but I agree with u, Ray would have made a great host. If he was alive, I think he should have been the guy for the job.
KBGUY09 3 years ago 2
That's what I was about to say. But, you're right!
jarvisbrodiea1 3 years ago
Had Combs not committed suicide in the mental institute, we would've seen the maximum potential of his hosting career. But his wrongful termination in 1994 was a possible factor of his mental breakdown. Very sad events...
VikutaaChyaaruzu 2 years ago
This was a good start for Ray Combs on the Family Feud. Having already established his comedic wit and personability you can tell he is going to be a good host if not a great one. He does however have shoes to fill for someone who was in his spot for nine long years, he is doing a good job so far. The first question was played well and Ray conducted himself very well. So far Ray has passed several tests and lets see if he can last the whole show keeping it up.
gamshwfan 3 years ago 4
To me, Richard Dawson will always BE "Family Feud" to me, but I have to give Ray Combs credit, as even though he wasn't the best host of the show, he is still a hellva lot better than the Louie Anderson/Richard Karn/John 0'Hurley era combined!
DENo1MatchGameFan 3 years ago 2
Different strokes for different folks, and I respect your opinion even though if it's different from mine, but answer this question? If Combs was so good, then why did they bring Dawson back? Could it have been due to popular demand?
willisjones1 3 years ago
Yeah, everyone has a right to their opinions, which I respect. To answer your question, I think ratings were kind of dropping on Combs' Feud, and Jonathan Goodson gave him the boot. I saw this on the E! True Hollywood Story, but I don't remember the exact happening.
mtiller2006 3 years ago 2
Well, the worst part of it was Ray didn't find out he was fired from Family Feud until his final episode for which he walked off the set during the credits. =( It was a shame because he was an awesome host. I hope Jonathan Goodson is paying dearly for that.
PriceRight89 3 years ago 2
You could say that-his last show, the California Lottery's Big Spin, recently got canceled. A shame, as it was a great show...
bduddy55555 3 years ago
Ray Combs was a flop. Richard Dawson will ALWAYS be the best host of Family Feud, although John O'Hurley is a close second and is doing a good job.
willisjones1 3 years ago
Whoa whoa whoa, a FLOP? Why would you consider a great hsot like Ray a flop?
mtiller2006 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Ray Combs was so fake hosting the Feud it made me vomit. He couldn't hold a candle to Richard Dawson as far as his charisma and ability to host the show. Ask the average person in the street: it's like comparing a Rolls Royce (Dawson) to a Yugo (Combs)
willisjones1 3 years ago
Hate to break it to you willisjones, but even though Richard Dawson was a great host, I'm more accustommed to Mr. Combs. I never thought he was a fake, he did so well with the show. That's why it lasted 6 years.
mtiller2006 3 years ago
Ray Combs was my favorite host of the Feud :) I thought that Ray's empathy and compassion for the guests was very genuine, and I enjoyed his humor. Richard Dawson's appeal perhaps comes for from his being like a grandfather figure.
Jannsmith 3 years ago 2
i wouldnt say Dawson was a "grandfather figure" especially in the 70s early 80s when he was in his 40s. Maybe so in 1994 but not so much originally
judanmcgregor 2 years ago
I was mainly referring to Dawson's revival on the Feud. Ray was very kind too, like a young grandfather type ;) May Ray rest in peace...
Jannsmith 2 years ago
FLOP?! What are you on ?! Ray Combs version of the Feud was the first one I saw as a kid when they brought Dawson back, my first thought was "Why The Hell did the Grandpa from Charles In Charge replace Ray Combs?" I had no idea that the guy's name was Richard Dawson nor did I have any idea that Dawson was the first host of the "Feud". So when the "Feud" got axed I was saddened but the new syndicated version with Anderson, Karn & O'Hurley is okay, But to me the real host of the Feud is Combs!
NY4Life 3 years ago 6
I agree 100%. I grew up w/Combs too. Although nowadays, I agree with most people that nobody can top Richard ;-)...... Ray Combs was the only other host of this show that was ever truly fit it like a glove. As you can see he was off and running with this show. This was an awesome debut, and you could sort of tell he was "at home" in the role. That is something that none of Combs' successors could achieve.
(This current Hurley guy is okay, but I wouldn't say he's great.)
tygersflowerz 2 years ago 2
Ray combs was my favorite host of family feud. Why exactly did he hang himself?
thepiebetrayer 3 years ago
after he was fired or let go from the show, his comedy club went down under and was being treated for some kind of addiction when he hung himself.
gm1990ss 3 years ago
It was really exciting to see Family Feud return to television in 1988. The old set was back (with new paint and carpet) the music was the same (albeit remixed) and Ray Combs was new and brought his own energetic flavor to the show. This combination was the perfect recipe for creeating a renewed interest in an old American favorite!
judanmcgregor 3 years ago 3
I really liked R. Combs. Very Very sad story, he hung himself in a hospital closet in 1989(??)
yaywhewclips242 3 years ago
No, he hung himself in June 1996
mtiller2006 3 years ago
Umm did he say 62 dollars? Well anyways what a classic.
rz213 3 years ago
Being his first time hosting, he should have given recognition to Richard Dawson....
jimmyhull 3 years ago 2
Unfortunatly, in 1988, the tension/bitterness between Richard Dawson and Producer Howard Felsher and Mark Goodson still existed. Goodson and Felsher would have NOTHING to do with RD, so i doubt they would have let Ray Combs give his predecessor a nod. Although it would have been cool to see!
judanmcgregor 3 years ago
I loved Ray Combs. Out of curiosity, does anyone know exactly how many Family Feud episodes he got to host?
mphlohi 3 years ago
I can not believe when CBS got Feud they deside to make like the oringal set. Not bad for CBS for doing that.
GCRams2 3 years ago
The set was very self-similar.
HYHYBT 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Jennifer banged Ray in the back room in a vat of Jello. I held the camera.
Qermaq 3 years ago
I liked ray combs he did a good job hosting
family feud
eci4r 3 years ago 4
Who knew Schwarzenegger would become Governor 15 years later...
tktru 3 years ago 2
Did Ray Combs ever talked about Richard Dawson when he host the Family Feud?
ryanpreston84 3 years ago 4
There was one contestant who accidentally called Ray "Richard" and Ray got a laugh out of it.
Another incident was when Ray asked "Name a famous Richard." and one of the answers was "Richard Dawson", Ray exclaimed "Who the heck was that?!"
SP84Fanatic 3 years ago 4
I've heard of an incident when the question was "Name a game show host who would make a good talk show host". The contestant said something like "Richard... uh, I mean Ray".
bluebear1985 3 years ago
When Ray Combs was host...did they take away the part where the family had the option of passing or playing? Whenever the team came out with the top answer after the question, he just walked over to their side....I guess they took that out and put it back in
nyyanksrdbest 3 years ago 2
Yes, in the CBS version of FF the winner of the faceoff automatically played the round.
SMP0328 3 years ago 2
Whoever has the Syndicated 1988 premiere episode of the Combs version, please upload. Thank you.
pricefan87 3 years ago 3
Comment removed
gameshowluvr86 3 years ago
Ah.. NO! It's Ray Combs' fault that Ray Combs killed himself! People lose jobs and have setbacks everyday! It's how people deal with those setbacks that defines them! Suicide was Ray's defining moment, and the definition was sh*t! R.I.P Ray!
judanmcgregor 3 years ago
Ray was a great host of the show and would have been the perfect choice to host TPIR now. Ironically he asks for the 1st item up for bids. He even appears on TPIR twice that I know of after he started hosting FF.
tommy76tx 3 years ago 8
If I remember right this program debuted exactly 20 years ago on July 4th. Ray Combs was a good host he was almost as good as Dawson. This version worked. To my knowledge Ray was the last great host. They brought back Dawson in 94 that version sucked and Dawson got FAT. In 99 they gave it to another FAT guy who was probably the worst host ever the infamous Louie Anderson. That version sucked. The guy from Home Improvement was boring. I thought John O'Hurley did an O.K job but the game was tired.
smokes2468 3 years ago 2
Yesterday was the 20th anniversary of the greatest era of Family Feud. RIP Ray Combs.
Ezr1987 3 years ago 3
Dear GOD, I bet the Holtrust sisters had (or still have) a hard time finding men. Look at them! Madonna...
gameshowluvr86 3 years ago
... okay, maybe the first daughter. But the one at the end had shoulders AND a jaw line like a linebacker.
gameshowluvr86 3 years ago
haha nice
thelakersforlife 3 years ago 2
Thanks, I try.
gameshowluvr86 3 years ago
Actually the Holtrust family were on Dawson's Feud back in 1980.(Nighttime version) Funny that they got a second shot 8 years later.
UNCJerry77 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I hear Ray Combs blew off his cock and that killed him! Is that true?
jasondh22 3 years ago
Ew, no way! In 1994 after being fired from the Feud, he was involved in a car accident that put him in a depression. He committed suicide in his hopsital bedroom on June 1st, 1996.
mtiller2006 3 years ago
In addition to the car accident, a comedy club he owned in Cincinatti went bankrupt and his wife got full custody of his kids.
bluebear1985 3 years ago
Man, I am soooooooooo tasteless! LOL!!!
jasondh22 3 years ago
Yeah, that was... pretty horrible, man. :( Ray was the coolest. R.I.P Ray Combs (1956-1996).
gameshowluvr86 3 years ago 9
Well, he had the wrong show, but at least Ray had the right stage, being that FF was taped at Studio 33 CBS Television City, location of TPIR.
the69chevykid 3 years ago 5
How do they make the white floor with asterisks totally black for Million Dollar Spectaculars?
kishy214 3 years ago 2
They bring in black tiles and set them in place.
Jnelson09Returns 3 years ago 2
What about '80s Pyramid? Did that show use the same stage as Ray Combs's Family Feud?
gameshowluvr86 3 years ago
That too. Almost all CBS game shows since the 70s were filmed in studio 33. The only exceptions I can think of are Gambit, The Joker's Wild, and Press Your Luck.
Jnelson09Returns 3 years ago
Tattletales was taped in Studio 31 for both version, I believe.
coolwafferman 3 years ago
there are several stages there. I believe Combs' 'Feud was taped on the same stage Match Game '73/PM was taped w/ Gene Rayburn.
judanmcgregor 3 years ago
Can anyone please post a full video of Family Feud First Episode of Ray Combs hosting the bullseye round in 1992, if you have it, let me know please.
kole2lole 3 years ago 2
I like both Richard and Ray's version of Family Feud. Both are great in their own way. Ray was not given enough credit or appreciation and being unfairly compared to Richard. LOL at Ray saying what is the first item up for bids. RIP Ray you would have been the perfect host for TPIR after Bob retired.
tommy76tx 3 years ago 2