Is "The Price is Right" Still Right with Drew?

Is the "Price is Right" Still "Right" with Drew?

Today was the first airing of "The Price is Right" since Drew Carey took over legend Bob Barker's place as the long time game show host. Mr. Carey had some major shoes to fill, and CBS searched through several people before deciding on him to take over the long running, popular game show.

It seemed a bit strange not seeing tall, lanky white haired Bob Barker on the stage. Instead, we saw a chubby guy with a crew cut and dark rimmed glasses. But Drew Carey handled the job well, all things considered...and his smile was contagious.

The fact that he was new stood out, in that he was not quite as skilled as Bob Barker was in the way the show should flow. Bob Barker always made it seem entirely effortless as one game led into another, and the bidding flowed so smoothly. There were no uncomfortable silences with Bob, whereas with Drew there were a few times he seemed to suddenly remember he needed to say something in order to fill in the quiet places. Drew seemed a bit confused a couple of times, but recovered quickly. This was not that surprising, and the more familiar he becomes with the various games and the bidding, the more comfortable he will be.

Drew did a good job at joking around with the audience, and making them feel at home. He seemed to be particularly amused at the great enthusiasm of the contestants. When one woman ran up on the stage turning cartwheels, he politely grinned and asked her what she was going to do if she won. As it turns out, she did win, and threw herself all the way down to the floor on her back. Drew just kept grinning.

The Price is Right is a show that is generational, and that has been one of its strong points. It appeals to everyone from grandmothers to children. Drew Carey is a well liked figure with his teddy bear looks, sense of humor, and his easy going charm. He will be able to see the show through many more years.

The "Price is Right" is still right. And that "Remember to get your pets spayed or neutered" line that Bob Barker always ended the show with? Drew ended it the same way. That, in and of itself, is a sign of good things to come.