“Family Feud” will soon be in Africa thanks to Steve Harvey, who will launch and host South African and Ghanaian versions of the game show.
The comedian’s production company Steve Harvey Global has partnered with the British company Fremantle, as well as its local media partner Rapid Blue, to air the series. Production will begin in Johannesburg in the last quarter of 2019, and episodes will start airing in the second quarter of 2020.
“Bringing ‘Family Feud’ to Africa has long been a dream of mine,” said Harvey, according to Deadline. “I believe ‘Family Feud’ will become a household name for local South African and Ghanaian families. And this is just the beginning in Africa. I expect this show to lead to multiple media and business projects in and throughout the continent.”
The veteran comedian has hosted the long-running game show since 2010, which centers on two competing families trying to win money by guessing the most popular answers to survey questions.
The show began in 1976, and Fremantle has brought it to several international markets since then, including India, Indonesia, France, Australia and the United Kingdom.
“We are thrilled to be working closely with Steve Harvey and his team to produce two African versions of ‘Family Feud,’” said the CEO of Rapid Blue, Duncan Irvine.
“Family is the cornerstone of life in South Africa and Ghana, and we are confident that we will see some wonderful families take part, and that both seasons will resonate well with audiences here. We’re planning additional projects with Steve Harvey and his team for viewers here in Africa, so watch this space,” he added.
There’s a good chance that Harvey had some meetings about the African version of the show when he visited Ghana recently. He also posted some footage and photos of his trip to Instagram earlier this month.
One clip shows the 62-year-old and his wife Marjorie Harvey visiting a slave castle in Ghana, where he seemed to be overcome with emotion. Harvey also shared some photos from a safari he visited, and in the comments people mentioned “Family Feud” coming to Africa.
“Obtaining the rights for a Family Feud show in South Africa!!!! Huge congratulations to you Sir!” one person wrote. “Continue to wake up early and secure the bags while the haters sleep! 🙌🏾🙌🏾.”
