“Family Feud” has been a game show that people have adored for decades. One is able to test their mental reflexes, blurt out their idea of common responses to survey questions and interact with hosts that add to the show’s comedy and success.
But what if you and your family were able to do more than watch “Family Feud,” and actually be on the show? The Brewer family got that opportunity recently.
“They had a commercial on TV. My mother, Betty Brewer, decided we should all enter into the contest,” said Frances Brewer. “We all like the show and thought this would be fun to do as a family.”
The family got together a team consisting of: Frances; Billy and Carolyn Dupree; Keith Graves; and Bridgett Hudson, and turned their idea into a reality.
“Family Feud” hosted Indianapolis family auditions at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Frances said there were hundreds of families who were vying for a spot on the TV show. Families had to participate in a mock game show. The judges were impressed with the Brewers and advanced them in the competition.
They were video taped individually and photographed. Three weeks later, Frances said a letter arrived saying the Brewers were selected to be on “Family Feud.”
“We had good teamwork and prayer. The family just came together,” said Frances. “There were so many families at the fairgrounds and for us to be selected, we were surprised and grateful for the opportunity.”
The game show flew the Brewers to Atlanta, but they had one last audition. The Brewers passed the “enthusiasm test” and found themselves on the “Family Feud” set.
“We were so excited! None of us could have imagined to be going on a game show and we never thought about the outcome – making it on the show,” said Frances.
The Brewers weren’t able to meet “Family Feud” host, Steve Harvey, until the show began, but said he was a joy to work with.
Unfortunately the Brewers did not win, but said this experience was memorable.
The Shaheed family of Indianapolis also had the right enthusiasm in order to make it onto “Family Feud.”
“I was sitting at home with my husband and daughter watching an old episode and a commercial came on mentioning the opportunity to audition. My husband and I looked at each other, then laughed,” said Jasmine Shaheed-Young. “We didn’t discuss it further for a few weeks, but then I just went ahead and submitted the paperwork then let my sisters know when and where. Everyone was really excited.”
The family went through the process at the Indiana State Fairgrounds an then to Atlanta. Once the Shaheed family got on the show, Jasmine said they experienced sheer excitement, nervousness and anxiety, but was well prepared and happy they were competing as a family.
The Shaheed team consists of: Shaheed-Young; Kameelah Shaheed-Diallo; Ahmed Young; Nneka Shaheed; and Mariama Carson, the wife of Congressman Andre Carson.
“A fantastic family friend, Pamela Hatcher, lead us through much of our preparation. She has been a lifelong fan of ‘Family Feud,’” said Jasmine. “We would get together on the weekends to review questions and scenarios. Through the course of preparation we had so much fun which translated on the screen.”
The Shaheed family experience was unforgettable. They too got to meet comedian Harvey and won their first show. They competed in the “fast money” round, but didn’t win the $20,000. They also played in a second show, but weren’t victorious. Jasmine said the biggest prize, however, was sharing this experience with her family.
To see the Brewer and Shaheed family in action, visit YouTube.com.
