When Drew Carey took over as the host of The Price Is Right in 2007, he found himself
stepping into the shoes of a television icon. Bob Barker, who had been at the helm of the beloved game show for 35 years, was a household name and an integral part of American pop culture. His departure marked the end of an era, and for Carey, the pressure to live up
to Barker’s legacy was overwhelming. In recent interviews, the comedian and television
personality has opened up about the fears and doubts he experienced when he first took on the role, admitting that he was deeply worried about whether he would be able to keep the show’s legacy alive—or worse, if he would be responsible for its downfall.
Carey, best known for his work on The Drew Carey Show and Whose Line Is It Anyway?, was no stranger to television, but hosting a long-running, fan-favorite game show was an entirely different challenge. Unlike his previous gigs, which relied heavily on scripted comedy or improvisational humor, The Price Is Right required a specific kind of hosting style—one that balanced enthusiasm, warmth, and a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics. Bob Barker had set an incredibly high standard, and Carey worried about whether he would be accepted by audiences who had grown up watching Barker guide contestants through the famous pricing games.
“I didn’t want to be the guy who came in and ruined everything,” Carey admitted. “It’s such an institution, and people love it so much. I was terrified that I was going to be the one who killed The Price Is Right.” His concerns weren’t unfounded—whenever a long-time host leaves a show, there is always a risk that viewers may not embrace the replacement. Even shows with strong fan followings can suffer from a change in leadership, as audiences often struggle to adjust to new personalities and styles.
Adding to Carey’s anxiety was the fact that Bob Barker himself had become synonymous with The Price Is Right. For decades, Barker’s smooth delivery, quick wit, and signature sign-off—”Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered.”—had defined the show. The thought of stepping into that role was daunting. Many game show hosts develop a personal connection with their audience, and Carey knew that Barker’s relationship with The Price Is Right fans was deeply ingrained in the show’s identity. It was a challenge not just to take over the job, but to convince longtime viewers that the show could continue without Barker at the helm.
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