The iconic game show “The Price Is Right” recently celebrated a major milestone by airing its 10,000th episode. Drew Carey, who has been hosting the show for the past 18 years, took a moment to reflect on his experience. “They told me it was my 3,317th episode.
Sometimes I feel like it’s not that long, and sometimes I feel like I’ve always been there,” Carey said. He jokingly added, “Bob Barker is two-thirds. I’m still the new guy!”
Carey vividly remembers his first day on set, particularly the loud environment.
“I couldn’t believe how loud it was,” he recalled. “I thought my hair was gonna blow back. I used to wear an Apple Watch, and I had to change the settings because all of a sudden, my watch was going off all the time during the show, telling me I was in a loud environment.”
Before joining “The Price Is Right,” Carey was well-known for his comedy club appearances and hosting the improv show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” He knew he had big shoes to fill when taking over from Bob Barker, who hosted the show from 1972 until his retirement in 2007.
“I want to honor the show and the importance of Bob,” Carey emphasized. “It’s very important to keep his memory alive.
Marking 10,000 episodes
I’m not replacing anybody. I’m just doing a show that he used to do.”
Carey introduced some changes to the show, such as being announced as “Here’s your host” instead of “the star of the show.” He explained, “I am not the star of the show; the contestants are the stars. People tune in to see the interaction of the contestants, and they want somebody there to interact with them in a good way.”
The 10,000th episode, which aired on February 26, featured a “life-changing” cash prize for one lucky contestant.
The show gave away $90,000 in cash and rewards to mark the special occasion. “It’s the 10,000th episode. So the games are going to be supercharged,” Carey teased.
He also shared his personal connection to the show, saying, “It started in 1972, I watched it in college, and ‘The Price Is Right’ just stood out because there’s people going bananas. It’s a really good cross-section of America.”
Over the course of its 10,000 episodes, “The Price Is Right” has had 75,000 people “called on down” to participate and has given away over $300 million in cash and prizes. The show has become an American institution, resonating deeply with its cast, crew, and fans alike.
Carey reflected on his tenure, saying, “It’s been one of the best experiences in my professional life. No matter how my day is, as soon as I get to ‘The Price Is Right’ and walk through the door, it all goes away. It’s just vibing all day!”
As “The Price Is Right” continues its remarkable run, Drew Carey remains committed to carrying on the show’s legacy while bringing his own unique style and charm to the beloved game show.