In May of 2019, the CBC unveiled its annual slate of programming. One title stood out to me, at the time, as being especially curious: representing the confused manner in which the network was grappling with its role as the nation’s public broadcaster. I am talking, of course, about ”Family Feud Canada.”
Hosted by abiding CBC workhorse Gerry Dee, ”Family Feud Canada” followed the shopworn format of the popular gameshow, in which two rival families compete to find the most popular answers to a series of survey questions. It reminded me of “The Simpsons” bit where beloved Barbie-like doll Malibu Stacey, suffering a flagging market share, is repackaged with a new hat. “Family Feud Canada” was the same, tired, U.S. game show format bedecked with a Leafs jersey and toque.
CBC barely exists.
