The Math Behind Game Shows: Family Feud vs. Pointless
Every now and then, I feel like diving into some Gasarchian-style analysis. This week, let’s explore the mathematics behind two popular game shows – the American Family Feud and the British Pointless. After being captivated by an episode of Pointless during my visit to Oxford over the summer, I found myself binge-watching old episodes on YouTube.
Both shows involve surveying 100 people for answers in a specific category, such as “Robert Redford Films”, but the scoring systems differ drastically. In Family Feud, players aim to maximize their points, while in Pointless, the goal is to provide answers that as few people as possible have given.
Finding the Pointless Answers
In Family Feud, the answers are often vague and unchecked. For example, saying “The Hustler” (a film not featuring Robert Redford) could still earn points if others have given the same response. In contrast, Pointless has strict criteria for correct answers, making it challenging to score points. For instance, a wrong answer like “The Hustler” would cost you 100 points in Pointless.
Pointless tends to focus on British-centric questions, shedding light on lesser-known facts and figures. It’s not uncommon to discover famous personalities in areas you might not have previously explored, such as professional darts players in the UK.
AI Takes the Stage
How would artificial intelligence fare on these game shows? When I tasked ChatGPT with providing me an obscure Robert Redford movie, it suggested “Situation Hopeless — But Not Serious”, a brilliant choice. For a more mainstream Redford film, it recommended Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. When asked about bedtime rituals, AI humorously suggested “check their phones”, cautioning against getting too friendly with our digital companions before hitting the hay.
Interestingly, while Family Feud has a British counterpart called Family Fortunes, Pointless never made it to the American airwaves. Perhaps aiming for the elusive “pointless” answers isn’t as appealing to a nation known for striving for the top spot.
Whether you’re a fan of competitive game shows or simply enjoy delving into the world of probabilities and human psychology, the strategies and outcomes in shows like Family Feud and Pointless offer a captivating glimpse into our understanding of what makes a successful contestant.