Family Catchphrase
Encyclopedia
Family Catchphrase was a spin-off of the popular UK prime-time game show Catchphrase. Andrew O'Connor presented.
started the idea in 1992, (broadcast in 1993), in which teams of family would play Catchphrase. In early 1994, the Family Channel (now Challenge) produced a spin-off series called Family Catchphrase, hosted by Andrew O'Connor. The game was played by teams of two related players (normally parent and child) and featured slightly different rules to the normal game. The teams played for points rather than prizes, and the second round would feature the players taking alternative turns, rather than answering the phrases as a team.
The Family Channel was fairly new at this time, and so the prizes weren't as expensive as they were on the main show although the M Square prize wasn't revealed unless it had actually been won. It wasn't uncommon to see prizes such as a Sega Master System
or a daytrip to Thorpe Park
given away as prizes.
Although produced in 1994, (and also produced by Action time) the graphics and music were taken from the TVS/Meridian versions of the show (The Family Channel owned the rights to it, as they brought over the TVS library). Although, made in the same year as Carlton/Action Time-produced series for ITV
, there is no connection.
The computer would draw a catchphrase, a bell would ring and the team that guessed correctly would win the points.
The point drop also increased in value by five each round (5, 10, 15 and so on).
The rest of the rules were the same for that round.
's Ready Money Round, O'Connor's version was renamed "Fast and Furious" because as previously stated there was no money involved.
Unlike Walker's round, the randomiser could select any amount on the screen as high as 150 points. There was no bell for this round.
and his Aunt as contestants. Amstell was only about 14 years old at the time and says on the show that he is a budding magician. He then shows one of his tricks to the presenter, Andrew O'Connor (who was also a magician himself!).
History
Roy WalkerRoy Walker
Robert "Roy" Walker is a television personality and comedian from Northern Ireland, who worked for many years as both a television presenter and comedy actor...
started the idea in 1992, (broadcast in 1993), in which teams of family would play Catchphrase. In early 1994, the Family Channel (now Challenge) produced a spin-off series called Family Catchphrase, hosted by Andrew O'Connor. The game was played by teams of two related players (normally parent and child) and featured slightly different rules to the normal game. The teams played for points rather than prizes, and the second round would feature the players taking alternative turns, rather than answering the phrases as a team.
The Family Channel was fairly new at this time, and so the prizes weren't as expensive as they were on the main show although the M Square prize wasn't revealed unless it had actually been won. It wasn't uncommon to see prizes such as a Sega Master System
Sega Master System
The is a third-generation video game console that was manufactured and released by Sega in 1985 in Japan , 1986 in North America and 1987 in Europe....
or a daytrip to Thorpe Park
Thorpe Park
Thorpe Park is a theme park located in Chertsey, Surrey, England, UK. It was built in 1979 on the site of a gravel pit which was partially flooded, the intention of creating a water based theme for the park. The park's first large roller coaster, Colossus, was added in 2002...
given away as prizes.
Although produced in 1994, (and also produced by Action time) the graphics and music were taken from the TVS/Meridian versions of the show (The Family Channel owned the rights to it, as they brought over the TVS library). Although, made in the same year as Carlton/Action Time-produced series for ITV
ITV
ITV is the major commercial public service TV network in the United Kingdom. Launched in 1955 under the auspices of the Independent Television Authority to provide competition to the BBC, it is also the oldest commercial network in the UK...
, there is no connection.
Main game
The main game play was the same as normal catchphrase, but player played for points instead of cash.Round One
The team that won the toss of the coin before the show would select the point value of the catchphrases in that round (maximum 50).The computer would draw a catchphrase, a bell would ring and the team that guessed correctly would win the points.
Bonus Catchphrase
The team that guessed the catchphrase correctly would get a chance at solving the bonus catchphrase. The catchphrase value doubled each round (50, 100, 200 etc).The point drop also increased in value by five each round (5, 10, 15 and so on).
Solo Shoot
The teams played as a one-on-one battle, with first the children playing and then the adults. Beforehand, one of the teams decided the point value. The maximum value was now 100 points.The rest of the rules were the same for that round.
Fast and Furious
Based on Roy WalkerRoy Walker
Robert "Roy" Walker is a television personality and comedian from Northern Ireland, who worked for many years as both a television presenter and comedy actor...
's Ready Money Round, O'Connor's version was renamed "Fast and Furious" because as previously stated there was no money involved.
Unlike Walker's round, the randomiser could select any amount on the screen as high as 150 points. There was no bell for this round.
Super Catchphrase
The final round was the same as Walker's series except the M square's prize was "a mystery prize" according to O'Connor.Famous guests
One episode of Family Catchphrase featured a guest appearance from Steven Radosh - creator of Catchphrase. Another episode featured an appearance by the then unknown Simon AmstellSimon Amstell
Simon Marc Amstell is a BAFTA nominated, award-winning English comedian, television presenter, screenwriter and actor, best known for his roles as former co-host of Popworld, former host of Never Mind the Buzzcocks and co-writer and star of the sitcom Grandma's House.-Early life:Amstell was born...
and his Aunt as contestants. Amstell was only about 14 years old at the time and says on the show that he is a budding magician. He then shows one of his tricks to the presenter, Andrew O'Connor (who was also a magician himself!).