Movies

Come on down to the 10,000th episode of ‘The Price Is Right’

BBG News

Heads up, fellow movie enthusiasts! If you haven’t caught up with yesterday’s episode of “The Price Is Right” on CBS at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, beware, there are some juicy spoilers ahead that might just ruin the surprise for you. Enjoy your movie-like experience when you finally watch it!

Today, at 8:30 a.m., it’s Tuesday in early February and a lively celebration is taking place at a church in Glendale. Although this isn’t a religious gathering, it does hold significant historical value. This morning, the 10,000th episode of “The Price Is Right” will be recorded at Haven Studios nearby.

Enthusiasts of the popular TV game show have gathered at a church that serves as an audience waiting area, dressed in vibrant, DIY “The Price Is Right” themed clothing – T-shirts, hats, and accessories. They are clapping, dancing to lively melodies blasting through the speakers, and sporting wide grins from ear to ear. For these fortunate few who snagged tickets for this historic episode set to air on Wednesday, it’s a unique opportunity to become a part of the enduring legacy of the longest-running game show on television.

The popular game show ‘The Price Is Right’ first aired in 1972, lasting for half an hour initially. Prior to this, it had been hosted by Bill Cullen from 1956 to 1965. In 1975, the show extended its duration to an hour. With Bob Barker as host and Johnny Olson as announcer, famous for his phrase “Come on down”, ‘The Price Is Right’ established itself not just as a daily fixture but also as a cultural icon.

The program is still going strong and flourishing, largely due to Drew Carey who stepped into the hosting role in 2007 after Barker retired (he passed away in 2023). Fans remain just as devoted, with tickets for the latest recording being sold out in just a few days.

According to Richard Shannon, a moderator of the “The Price Is Right” subreddit, this is an exceptional chance that may not come around again in a lifetime. To emphasize its financial significance, he donned green attire representing wealth and a unique tie specifically tailored for the event.

From Key Largo, Florida, Shannon and his family have made a familiar journey to attend the tapings of the show; this marks their 16th visit. Having been a devoted fan since time immemorial, “The Price Is Right” has become an integral part of Shannon’s daily life. Every weekday, he concludes his workday to catch the show at home with his elderly mother, who he and his wife, Sherry (a past winner on the show), take care of.

Ryan Digman, who hails from Sacramento, has a profound emotional bond with the show as well. Wearing a yellow T-shirt emblazoned with “I am a dad on a mission to spin the wheel,” a reference to the famous Big Wheel, he discloses that his 8-year-old son Nick, who has autism, picked up some of his first words by watching “The Price Is Right.” A picture of Nick adorns Digman’s shirt, accompanied by bedazzled dollar signs and lucky charms. To secure a spot at the front, he showed up at 4:30 a.m., expressing hope that he would be chosen. “I believe my chances are excellent,” he says. “My son is eager to see me up there.

Before the show’s recording, contestants undergo brief interviews with a producer, but they don’t learn they’ve been selected until their names are announced live. Out of the 166 audience members, nine are chosen to move towards Bidders’ Row, and six of those nine eventually make it onto the stage.

At exactly 9:45 in the morning, it’s time for the boisterous group, who temporarily hand over their mobile devices for recording, to make their way into the studio. The room, bathed in bright lights, buzzes with vitality as the dance party persists amidst the vibrant set decorations. The show’s distinctive logo, a blend of dollar signs and daisies, adorns the walls, with references to the 10,000th episode such as a floral arrangement shaped like 10K.

The energy among spectators swells as host George Gray welcomes everyone, his words accompanied by a lively atmosphere. Clad in a glittering black sequin jacket and matching shirt adorned with golden stars, he provides instructions while maintaining a cheerful vibe, even engaging the audience with humorous banter. “This is nothing like you’re lounging at home in your pajamas, munching on Cheerios and shouting at the television,” he quips.

At 10:35 a.m., he initiates the recording process. “Alright, let’s get started, it’s time to create a bit of history,” he declares before revealing the identities of the initial four competitors. One of them is Digman.

Enthralled by the crescendo of cheers, I can’t help but feel the electric charge in the air as Drew, radiantly clad in a gleaming gold metallic tuxedo jacket that echoes the allure of Old Hollywood, confidently strides onto the stage. The crowd erupts with a heartening “Drew! Drew! Drew!” that resonates through the venue, making me feel as though I’m part of something truly special.

With his friendly demeanor, Carey guides contestants through a show that’s kept its original format since 1975: Bidders’ Row, pricing games, the Showcase Showdown featuring the Big Wheel, and the final round, the Showcase. For the 10,000th episode, the cash prizes have been substantially increased.

Today’s special episode deviates from the usual format by featuring six models: Rachel Reynolds, who has been with us for over 20 years, Amber Lancaster, Manuela Arbeláez, James O’Halloran, Devin Goda, and Alexis Gaube. (Usually, we showcase only four models per episode.)

As a fervent admirer, I find myself recounting an extraordinary moment: Digman, whose successful bid propelled him onto the stage, ultimately triumphed in his pricing game. Overwhelmed by disbelief and the staggering sum of $100,000 in his hands, he broke down in tears and collapsed, overwhelmed by the torrent of emotions. The crowd erupted in a frenzy for Digman!

The charm of ‘The Price Is Right’ is undeniable; it comes very close to challenging Disneyland’s title of ‘the happiest place on Earth.’ The enthusiasm from the audience can be overwhelming at times, making it difficult to focus on what’s happening on stage as they cheer for contestants and offer suggestions, aiming to help them win big. The atmosphere in the crowd is like a joyful family gathering, with everyone equally invested in the results, just as much as the contestants themselves.

Following a 90-minute recording session, the crowd departs from the studio as festivities persist on stage. Additional cast members of the program, such as executive producer Evelyn Warfel, who made history by being the first woman to hold this position, and veteran director Adam Sandler (distinct from the actor), join in the celebration.

Carey appears radiantly pleased. “I found the performance exceptional,” he shares gleefully. “It’s wonderful when the crowd consists mainly of die-hard fans, as their enthusiasm is palpable and they’re well-versed in the show.

He muses over the remarkable milestone the show has reached, implying that the original creators, Mark Goodson and Bill Todman (who passed away in 1992 and 1979), would be astounded by this development. “Industry professionals dream of a pilot being selected. They hope for a successful first season leading to a second. But reaching 10,000 episodes? That’s unheard of. They typically aim for a good run and maybe even buying a house.

Two days after the event, free from the glare of spotlights and excitement, Carey takes a moment to ponder the path that led him to this significant point. Relaxing in a laid-back outfit featuring a plaid gray button-down shirt and beige trousers, he enjoys iced tea at a secluded booth in Swingers Diner, West Hollywood. As an investor in this cherished eatery, he is well-known for footing the bill for writers’ meals here and Bob’s Big Boy during the 2023 writers’ strike. His patronage began when “The Price Is Right” was filmed nearby at Television City, where it had been stationed for over five decades.

To be honest, when the suggestion of hosting a game show came my way, I initially turned it down flat, saying something along the lines of “Absolutely not!” I remember thinking, “There’s no chance I’d ever do a thing like that.” But here I am, hosting this show, and I have to say, it’s been quite an unexpected joy ride!

Following the success of “The Drew Carey Show” and “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”, Drew made a decision to focus on work that brought him joy. With some hesitation, he filmed a pilot for “Power of 10,” a brief-lived CBS prime-time game show he later hosted. However, he was firm about not expanding his game show portfolio further. As he puts it, “I thought ‘The Price Is Right’ was a show only the elderly watched … that game shows were something you got stuck with.

Television

As it prepares for its 52nd season, the famous game show “The Price is Right” is moving from its long-standing Television City studio to a brand new location in Glendale.

Initially hesitant due to doubts about its enjoyment factor and cost, he eventually reconsidered when he recognized it could be fun. It’s accurate to state that the price was indeed favorable for him. Notably, this opportunity served as a significant financial aid in his pursuit of co-owning the Seattle Sounders FC soccer team.

Initially, he wasn’t well-versed in “The Price Is Right’s” specific details, thus he needed to catch up swiftly, watching numerous episodes and learning roughly 75 pricing games. Carey also reached out to Barker for guidance, who urged him to put his unique touch on the show. During his first season, Carey felt like he was preserving the show for Bob, not wanting to mess it up. However, by the next year, he found his rhythm, blending his freer, more improvisational approach into the character.

Currently, boasting over 3,000 episodes behind him, Carey exudes a level of self-assurance that’s never been stronger. “I believe I’m at my best now,” he asserts. “People often express their admiration for how I’ve continued to evolve and improve, year after year.

One aspect of his appealing hosting style is his close rapport with contestants, a relationship deeply rooted in his past as a member of a working-class family from Cleveland. Carey openly admits that he once harbored resentment towards the wealthy, but with a chuckle, acknowledges the irony — his success has placed him among the affluent. However, he emphasizes that he feels most connected to ordinary people.

The participants on ‘The Price Is Right’ are ordinary people like us,” he explains. “What makes the show special is the shared joy and camaraderie we all feel during those moments. Contestants might thank me for their cars, but it’s actually CBS that bought them. My role is to ensure everyone has a positive experience throughout this process and, hopefully, wins.

After careful consideration, Carey decided to alter his opening line during the program, choosing “Here’s your host” over “Here’s the star,” a phrase reminiscent of Barker’s time. He expresses, “I don’t believe I’m the main attraction of the show. The contestants are the stars of the show.” He further adds, “The reason people tune in is not to see me, but rather to witness the contestants, individuals they can identify with, claiming prizes.

Ever since it first graced our screens, “The Price Is Right” has welcomed over 75,000 contestants and doled out an astounding $350 million in cold hard cash and tantalizing prizes. As a devoted cinephile of this TV game show, I can’t help but dream about the thrill of winning a gleaming new automobile or state-of-the-art appliance. Yet, as I ponder its quirky history, I find myself chuckling at some of the peculiar prizes that have made an appearance, such as the recent butter churn. “Are you kidding me?” I’d think, staring into the camera with wide-eyed disbelief!

He clarifies, “Not every award is meant to inspire or motivate, they’re more about testing your knowledge of their value. They were included as a condition for winning something larger.

For decades, “The Price Is Right” has been known for its hostesses presenting the prizes. However, the relationship between the show and these models hasn’t always been smooth. Throughout its history, several lawsuits were filed by ex-models, many of which were privately settled. The charges ranged from sexual harassment, racial bias, to unjust dismissal. Notably, none of these lawsuits involved Carey.

Since 2012, the show has moved forward and embarked on a fresh phase, incorporating male models for the first time. Carey has made sure that these models are given due credit by displaying their names in the end credits. He expresses his disdain towards the previous nickname associated with the models, “Barker’s Beauties.” He states, “I never liked it and had no interest in using it. I won’t label them ‘Carey’s Cuties.’ Instead, I will call them by their names. They are individuals.

In a more personalized manner, Carey has incorporated heartfelt sentiments into the show’s conclusion. He continues Barker’s custom by advocating for pet spaying and neutering, but ends each episode with a warm “I love you” and emphasizes the importance of self-care, particularly mental health. This is a matter close to his heart; he battled depression following his father’s death at the age of 8 and the traumatic experience of being molested at 9. He made two suicide attempts, once when he was 18 and again in his early twenties.

Approaching his 67th birthday in just a few months, Carey appears far younger than his age. He achieved this youthful appearance by shedding an impressive 80 pounds back in 2010 and giving up alcohol. Mental health is crucial to him, which he attributes to therapy, meditation, self-help literature, and a tight-knit circle of friends who offer unwavering support. Each member of this supportive group wears a matching friendship bracelet, a symbol of their bond that Carey proudly displays today.

Despite facing numerous hardships in his life, such as the heartbreaking murder of his ex-fiancée Amie Harwick in 2020 (who had briefly appeared on the Valentine’s Day episode of “The Price Is Right” in 2018 and later parted ways with Carey), Carey finds solace and meaning in hosting the show. In the wake of this tragedy, he explains that the program, which temporarily halted production following her death, serves as a source of comfort for him. As he puts it, “The past few years have been like a living nightmare in many ways…extremely challenging for me to get through, making me want to stay in bed all day.” However, hosting “The Price Is Right” provides him with a sense of purpose and something to focus on. He shares that when he’s at the show, he feels loved, cared for, and free from pain.

After the 10,000th episode airs on February 26, “The Price Is Right” will take a break from taping until the summer. During this time, Carey intends to travel and has also planned to attend Phish’s upcoming concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Interestingly, he had shared racy posts about Phish on social media last year, and on New Year’s Eve, he deejayed their after-party while wearing a custom black T-shirt that read “I don’t know the price of anything,” showcasing his unwavering connection to the program even when off duty.

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2025-02-26 14:32

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