Feud over money

How much is enough? That was the title of a very short-lived GSN original, but it's also the subject of a thread on Game Show Forum. The discussion concerns how much prize money is enough on Family Feud. Ideas bounce back and forth, and most posters think the show could afford to dole out a little more to the contestants.

Five dollars a point for families who miss the big money does seem pretty chintzy for a show which now regularly scores seven million viewers. I could see the consolation prize going to ten dollars a point without busting the bank. Although my evil self kind of likes to see that real crusher in the bonus round when families just miss the magic 200 points.

Raising the twenty grand prize is probably affordable, too. One idea is a progressive jackpot to build a little interest. The show recently gave away $160,000 in a Publishers Clearinghouse stunt, and the ratings were just fine, thank you. Building up some big amounts couldn't hurt the bonus round.

Game show purists tend to scoff at bigger prize money as a fix for a format's problems. I don't mind a cheap show myself, as long as the gameplay is absorbing enough. I was a big Cash Cab fan, and that show was tighter than a tick. But Feud could loosen the purse strings a little.