Ten family members from New York City were removed from their daily lives and moved into a mansion in Wellington, Florida.
The eliminated contestants selected Anthony, the considered the "wild, immature, yet strong" family member.
The final contestant, selected by the Board of Trustees, was Michael, considered by many to be the lovable family outcast.
After remaining in solitary confinement overnight to contemplate his choice, Anthony decided that "[he didn't] deserve more money than anyone who played this game."
In a twist, the Board of Trustees was, in fact, the household staff, consisting of the maid (Linda Levis), butler (Andrew Lowrey), social secretary (Ringo Allen), personal stylist (Jill Swid) and chef (Franck Porcher).
The USA Today described the show as a "tacky debacle," that "ridicul[ed] the family's heritage, from the snobbish dismissal of their preference for Italian food .
"[1] While the Hollywood Reporter said ""The Family" is a wacky, enjoyable hoot..." "a laugh out loud riot" "that should crack up viewers.
"[3] The popular reception was generally positive, but the show was temporarily pulled from the air at the start of the Iraq War to make room for additional ABC News reports.