Steve Harvey is arguably the reason Family Feud continues to rake in impressive ratings, despite being on air for decades.
But the television host’s role could be in jeopardy, if recent reports about his outlandish behavior on set and the concerns it’s causing are true.
According to insiders speaking to Closer, there’s growing concern among executives about Harvey’s explosive reactions towards contestants.
They fear he might follow in the footsteps of Pat Sajak, who became noticeably irritable during the latter part of his tenure on Wheel of Fortune, before retiring earlier this year.
Harvey Shocked Viewers By Bullying A Contestant
A recent incident that caught everyone’s attention involved Harvey, 67, harshly criticizing a contestant’s response. He bluntly told the player, named Jeff, that their answer was the “stupidest” he had ever encountered in his 14-year career on the show.
The situation unfolded when Steve posed the question, “Women love a man in uniform. Men love a woman in what?” Jeff hesitated and mentioned that his wife would probably disapprove of his answer. Unfortunately, Steve didn’t approve either.
Jeff answered, “The kitchen,” prompting Steve to retort, “Yeah, I gotta tell ya … That’s about the stupidest thing you could have said!”
Witnesses to the outburst reported that executives were so embarrassed they buried their faces in their hands.
Show Executives Aren’t Impressed By Harvey’s Attitude
“Steve’s king of the hill and has become an intrinsic part of the show’s success — but insulting contestants and calling their answers stupid right to their face is the last thing people need,” a source told Closer.
“It’s got people around him panicky,” they added. “They’re concerned Steve’s working too hard. Maybe there’s pressure at home that’s getting to him and making him short-tempered.”
Steve Harvey began hosting the popular game show in 2010, revitalizing the long-running series with his distinctive comedic style and charismatic personality. Family Feud, which pits two families against each other as they answer survey-based questions to win cash and prizes, has been a staple of American television since its debut in 1976.
Under Harvey’s stewardship, Family Feud has experienced a significant resurgence in popularity, attracting a younger audience and boosting ratings.
However, his time on the show has not been without controversy. Harvey has faced criticism for making off-color remarks and occasionally harsh responses to contestants, leading to accusations of insensitivity. Harvey’s popularity may be keeping him in the hosting gig, but it may not last if he continues to embarrass contestants.
Before becoming the host of Family Feud, Harvey had already established himself as a prominent figure in entertainment. He gained widespread fame as a stand-up comedian, starring in the hit TV show The Steve Harvey Show from 1996 to 2002. Additionally, he is well-known for his work as a radio personality on The Steve Harvey Morning Show and as an author of best-selling books, including “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man,” which was later adapted into a successful film.