Relatively Speaking: Celebrity Connections in Game Shows Old & New

 

Continuing the legacy of family-centric game shows, on January 3rd, We Are Family premiered on FOX, carrying with it, a legacy of a classic Game show from the 1980's. This new show features non-famous relatives of celebrities delivering impressive solo performances and performing in duets with their undercover famous family members. 

This show’s concept is clearly inspired by and brings to mind a similar show from the 80s known as Relatively Speaking, a game show where a panel of iconic celebrities attempt to guess the identity of a famous relative by asking yes or no questions to the non-famous contestant. 

Relatively Speaking was hosted by comedian John Byner, and features a panel including Jamie Farr, George Wyner, Sally Struthers, Marcia Wallace, Adrienne Barbeau, Edie McClurg, and more! The show thrived on the chemistry between the hilarious host and the quick-witted banter of the celebrity panel. 

What set Relatively Speaking apart was its ability to humanize celebrities and reveal the familial bonds that connect them to everyday people, providing an incredibly entertaining evening for all members of the family, young and old. Relatively Speaking featured the relatives of celebrities like Phyllis Diller, O.J Simpson, Lou Ferrigno, Tommy Lasorda and more!  

Fast-forward to the present, and We Are Family brings a contemporary twist to the family-centric game show genre. Hosted by the dynamic duo of Anthony Anderson and his mother, Doris Bowman. Anderson, in an interview about the show, expressed his excitement, stating, "I jumped at the opportunity to host 'We Are Family' and can't wait for you to see all the celebrities, their relatives, and the many surprises we have in store this season – and with my mama by my side, you never know what's going to happen."

As we move from the old: Relatively Speaking to the new: We Are Family, one thing stays the same - the laughter and wholesomeness that define the legacy of family game shows. Check out ALL 80+ episodes of Relatively Speaking, live now on TheArchive! :)

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