Because of declining ratings, in late 1993 the syndication company informed the producers that the show would be canceled unless a change could be made to get it sold for another year. Harris Cattleman came up with the idea of bringing back Richard Dawson. In early 1994, he returned to the Goodson production offices where the producers told Dawson they'd like to bring him back. They also told him he would have to lose 30 lbs before taping starts. However, when taping was to begin he hadn't lost any weight. Dawson agreed to host because he wanted his daughter to see him do "an honest days work." Jonathan Goodson informed Ray that they were bringing Dawson back. On Ray's final taping day, he didn't talk to the families and walked off the stage during the credits.
As Ray Combs walked out on stage for the CBS premiere of "Family Feud", (July 4, 1988), he wished America a happy birthday and stated that he had been watching all of the great CBS shows and was excited about being on CBS hosting "Family Feud". Ray then added that he thought he was prepared for the job, but then, (jokingly), asked to see the first item up for bids. (in reference to CBS' The New Price Is Right (1972) ).
On Ray Combs' last episode, the winning family got several zeros in "Fast Money," which prompted Combs to say something to the effect of, "I've been hosting this show for six years, and I think this is a damn fine way to go out." As the cameras continued to roll during the credits, Combs walked off stage and out of the studio.
Because of an acrimonious relationship with original host Richard Dawson, when CBS picked up the rights for a daytime version of the show, Mark Goodson told the network in no uncertain terms that he did not want to bring Dawson back.
Joe Namath was briefly signed on for the hosting duties in 1988, but the producers and creator Mark Goodson had second thoughts. Afterwards, Goodson discovered Ray Combs, who was then doing audience warm-ups for sitcoms such as Amen and The Golden Girls.