Family Outing

Episode synopsis

The show typically followed a format comprising a series of two-episode arcs. These comprised a two-day shoot, including an overnight stay for the cast and crew, that was later edited for broadcast over two weekly episodes. Generally, the events transpiring on the first day of filming would be shown in the first of the two-episode arc, with the second day's events broadcast in the second episode. These two days of filming were generally filmed biweekly, with the cast and crew regathering every two weeks. Guest cast members frequently joined the permanent members for the two-episode arc, appearing in two successive episodes before departing.

The first of two episodes typically starts with a phone call from Yoo Jae-suk, the MC of the show, notifying the Family members where and when to gather for the next location of filming, which was frequently a remote, rural region. Each member arrives along with any guests, as they greet each other and the viewing audience. The guest is usually then given a map to lead the Family to the house in which they will be staying for their two-day stay. Upon reaching the house, the Family greet and send the homeowners off on a vacation. At this point, the Family reviews the list of chores that the homeowners have assigned before setting upon the first task. While completing the list of chores, the Family compete in various mental and physical challenges. After completing the first chore, the Family may proceed to the next assigned or return home to prepare dinner. For the latter, the Family usually divides into teams to gather ingredients, clean, prepare, and cook.

After eating dinner, the Family typically play another game before preparing for bedtime. This competition oftentimes determine sleep positioning or assignment of late-night/early-morning chores. Sleeping arrangement allowed the Family to determine where each member would be positioned overnight, with this ranking of particular importance if sleeping locations included particularly undesirable (such as cold or cramped) quarters. The ranking process involved the female cast members numerically ranking the men in the Family, oftentimes based on their performance either in the preceding game or over the course of the day. The male members then repeat the ranking process for the female Family members. In addition to bedding location, the ranking system or game was used to determine which Family members would be assigned the undesirable task of late-night/early-morning chores. These chores were typically menial tasks such as delivery, collection, or preparation of food.

The second of two episodes typically begins with the continuation of the previous night's activities. Frequently this involved some late-night conversation before the Family dozed off. The next morning, Jaesuk is oftentimes the first waken and assigned the task of waking the other Family members. The reluctant waking process is usually presented for comedic effect. After the Family rise, Jaesuk initiates a "Wake Up Mission", where the losing member would be tasked with breakfast preparation, alongside other members s/he selects. While they make breakfast, the rest of the Family either return to bed, or completes another chore. The Family members that are assigned breakfast duty are frequently filmed gathering ingredients from around the community before commencing preparation and cooking. After the Family re-waken to eat breakfast, they typically perform the last chores assigned by the homeowners. While completing these final tasks, the Family will often participate in another competition before returning to the house. The homeowners are then shown returning from vacation and bidding the Family farewell. The episode concludes with a sneak peek of the following episode, including the next guest/s.

Cast and characters

Much of the humor and entertainment value of the show was derived from the interactions of the Family members. The diverse set of characters, as described in detail in the table below, played off each's personality traits and tendencies. As the characters evolved and became more familiar to audiences, a context for their relationships formed, oftentimes furthering their humorous interactions.

The first "Family" was composed of comedian/MC Yoo Jae-suk, singer/songwriter/MC Yoon Jong-shin, singer Kang Dae-sung, singer Lee Hyo-ri, actor Kim Su-ro, singer Kim Jong-kook, actor Park Hae-jin, actress Park Si-yeon, actress Park Ye-jin and actor Lee Chun-hee. "Family" members Park Ye-jin and Lee Chun-hee left the show after their one-year contract ended, after 53 episodes, citing a desire to focus on their acting careers. Near the end of the series, Park Si-yeon could not continue filming the show because of a physical injury.

On November 26, 2009, it was announced that Yoo Jae-suk and Park Si-yeon would be leaving the show. It was later reported that Family Outing Season 1 will end, due to the conflicting schedules and solo activities of the members. Their last episodes aired in February, 2010 with the show returning for a second season, with a new concept, production team and cast. All the original Family members reunited for the last three episodes, including a special reunion awards episode.

Guest stars

Guest stars were featured in most Family Outing episodes, typically participating in the filming of the two-episode arc alongside the permanent cast members. In the Christmas special, the X-files (Un-aired footage) were aired, with the guest stars, Seo In-young (Jewelry) and Park Jin-young, featured over a span of three episodes.

Guests were varied and included many of South Korea's most popular actors (Cha Tae-hyun, Cha Seung-won, Ha Ji-won), athletes (Chu Sung-hoon), and comedians (Ji Sang-ryeol)

Family Awards

Airing as a Lunar New Year special and the finale of Season 1, awards were given in five different categories to members of the family, as well as a product distinct to one of the villages the Family visited. The awards were: Friendship Award, Strength Award, Idiot Award, Pitiful Award, and Repulsive Award. Reminiscing clips from previous shows aired as well. All members of the family were present for this special occasion.

The following are the nominees for each category (The winner is bolded):

Digital Single

The family recorded a song, titled 패밀리의 하루 (Family Day), on the episode of April 12, 2009. The music was written by Yoon Jong-Shin, whereas the lyrics were written by the entire family, and feature many of the events that have happened in the family. The digital single was released on June 8, 2009.

Tracks

1. 패밀리의 하루 (Family Day)
2. Lyrics : Yoo Jae-suk, Lee Hyo-ri, Yoon Jong-shin, Kim Su-ro, Lee Chun-hee, Park Ye-jin, Kang Dae-sung, Kim Jong-kook / Music : Yoon Jong-shin / Performed by : Yoo Jae-suk, Lee Hyo-ri, Yoon Jong-shin, Kim Su-ro, Lee Chun-hee, Park Ye-jin, Kang Dae-sung, Kim Jong-kook
3. 패밀리의 하루 (Family Day) (Soft Version)
4. 패밀리의 하루 (Family Day) (Instrumental)

Ratings

In the ratings below, the highest rating for the show will in be red, and the lowest rating for the show will be in blue.