Steve Harvey Says NBC Chairman Threatened To Take His TV Career After He Refused To Move ‘Celebrity Family Feud’

Steve Harvey is speaking out about what he says happened behind the scenes after he refused to move Celebrity Family Feud from ABC to NBC.

During an appearance on Vault Empowers Talks, Harvey alleged that his decision not to move the hit game show created tension with former NBC Entertainment chairman Paul Telegdy — and that the fallout nearly cost him his television career.

Harvey says NBC originally passed on the celebrity version of Family Feud, leading him to take the show to ABC. After Celebrity Family Feud became successful, Harvey claims Telegdy wanted him to bring the program over to NBC.

But Harvey says he refused because he wanted to remain loyal to ABC, the network that gave the show an opportunity.

According to Harvey, Telegdy was furious about the decision.

“He hated me,” Harvey recalled, before alleging that Telegdy told him, “I’ll show him. I’ll take his whole TV career.”

The comedian and television host believes the alleged threat became significant when several of his NBC projects were later affected.

In 2019, Harvey’s syndicated daytime talk show Steve was canceled after two seasons. NBC also replaced him as host of Little Big Shots, bringing in Melissa McCarthy. At the time, NBC characterized the Little Big Shots change as a creative “refresh.”

Harvey now alleges those moves were connected to his refusal to relocate Celebrity Family Feud to NBC.

Despite the reported network tension, Celebrity Family Feud remained on ABC, where Harvey continues to host the series. The show has also remained a major part of his television career, with Harvey receiving an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Host for a Game Show in 2026.

Harvey’s latest comments offer his version of the behind-the-scenes battle and raise questions about how much power network executives can have over the careers of television talent.

For Harvey, the story ultimately comes down to a decision he says he made simply because he wanted to honor the network that believed in the show first.