Canadians finally have their own Family Feud. What about the rest of the world?

Canada finally has its own version of the popular game show that Americans have enjoyed since 1976. When most people think of Family Feud, Steve Harvey's American version of the show probably comes to mind.

But many countries across the world have their own versions: in Mexico, it's known as 100 Mexicans Said; Britain called it Family Fortunes; and in Peru, it's known as My People Say. Although the format of the game remains the same, each region has their own spin on how they Feud.

Andrew Wightman masterminds these international versions as a format consultant with Freemantle Global Entertainment. He's been working on Family Feud for over 20 years and has helped launch the show in many places across the world.

Mexico

In Mexico, you'll find two different versions of Family Feud on television: the ubiquitous American version with Steve Harvey and their domestically-produced 100 Mexicans Said (100 mexicanos dijeron).

It's hosted by El Vitor, a bus-driver that moonlights as a hyperactive game show host. Played by Mexican actor Adrián Uribe, El Vitor sports a mullet and a wardrobe that defies explanation.

"[It's] a completely mad show," says Wightman. "He's brilliant at what he does, but it is a bit crazy. I've never seen a host like that."

I've never seen a host like that.- Andrew Wightman

Peru

TV shows are typically shot and edited many weeks in advance before they're actually shown on TV. But Peru's version of Family Feud (known as My People Say or Mi gente dice) broadcasts live on TV and online — there's no room for outtakes or re-dos.

The host is a well-known soccer goalie. He addresses the live audience watching at home as if they're the contestants answering questions.

What else makes this version unique to Peru?  "There's quite a lot of dancing going on because Peruvians love to dance," says Wightman. "At certain times, the families would just come out into the centre and just start dancing."

Mongolia

Not every country has access to massive studios and high-end equipment. Mongolia's version of Family Feud (Гэр бүлийн тулаан) is filmed in a small office building. When Wightman arrived in Mongolia to help the crew launch the show, he recalls being shocked at the size of the space that was to become a flashy game show set. "It couldn't have been more than 300 square metres."

"It was a very, very small [set] and yet they managed to do it."

It made Wightman realize that you don't need the biggest sets to make the show happen. All you need is the essentials: two benches for the families, a podium and a gameboard.

Britain

"Feud" was too strong a word when the Britain version launched in the 1980s. Instead, they opted to go with a much softer title: Family Fortunes. The show ran on ITV until 2002.

Les Dennis hosted the show for 15 years. "[He] reminds me very much of Gerry Dee," says Wightman, comparing Dennis' sharp wit and humour to Gerry Dee's friendly, comedic hosting style.

Dennis wasn't the only mainstay on the show, there was also Mr. Babbage — the electronic gameboard named after  Charles Babbage, the inventor of the first programmable computer. Mr. Babbage was an iconic gameboard — it was one of the most technically advanced boards of its time.

Canada

And now it's finally our turn — the first season of Family Feud Canada hosted by comedian Gerry Dee kicks off this December. Families from coast to coast to coast were auditioned, cast and brought to Toronto to compete on the massive brand-new Family Feud Canada set.

But what makes it so Canadian? "The representation and diversity of the families… on Family Feud Canada," says Wightman. "That represents your country and it makes you stand out… There's a very diverse nation just below you in the United States, but you wouldn't see them represented that way on Family Feud there."

Another detail that's unique to the Canuck version is the opening tableaus. The competing families stand in their alcove and pose at the top of the show before the game begins. "They used to do that a long time ago in the United States and they stopped a long time ago," says Wightman. "It's [their] split-second moment to show their individuality."

Host Gerry Dee is best known for his leading role in the CBC sit-com Mr. D. As a stand-up comedian, cracking jokes and jesting with the contestants is like second nature to him.

Catch the premiere of the first season of Family Feud Canada on Monday, December 16.

Watch Family Feud Canada Monday to Thursday nights on CBC Television or CBC Gem.

Written by Chanel Klein with files from Allen Martin.