There has been no shortage of contestants willing to line up for hours outside of CBS Television City in Los Angeles to appear on The Price is Right with Drew Carey — but there are definitely fewer viewers tuning into the CBS game show now that Bob Barker is gone. According to comparisons of the first quarters of 2007 and 2008, Carey has attracted an audience that’s 15 percent smaller in the first half-hour of the show (4.5 million viewers vs. 5.4 mil) and 13 percent smaller in the second half-hour (5.6 mil vs. 6.5 mil).
But there is hope. To help boost awareness of the Carey-hosted Price, the net aired two primetime specials last month to favorable results. The first special on Feb. 22 won its time slot in viewers (9.35 mil) and key demos. The second, on Feb. 29, got an even bigger audience (9.49 mil) — and gave away $1 million in cash, a first for the long-running game show. Four more Price specials are already in the can, the third of which airs March 7.
Media buyers say the dip in viewers shouldn’t be cause for concern. “I think any time you make a transition, especially from somebody as established as Bob, you’d be worried if he were off 50 percent,” says Bill Carroll of the Katz TV Group. “But if he’s not off by more than 15 percent, it’s a positive sign. Over time, you have to assume he’ll build back the audience. CBS is probably pleased.”
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I’m curious what Barker’s ratings were in the first quarter of 2006. I think he may have had a boost in viewership after announcing his retirement on Oct. 31, 2006. It’s likely more viewers tuned in between then and his final eps in June just to see his much-ballyhooed swan song performances. Making Drew live up to those inflated numbers in his first year just isn’t fair — let’s see Bob’s pre-retirement-annoucement numbers for a more accurate comparison.
I watched a little of TPIR with Drew Carey last week and I have to say it was THE WORST!! I like Drew and think he’s very funny, but a game show host or replacement for Bob Barker he is not. TPIR was one of my fave game shows and it was mandatory that I watched it every day during the summer or on days off from school, but this version is beyond bad. Maybe they should’ve just pulled the show when Bob retired.
Yeah, Drew Carey is awful as the host. It’s actually really odd how uninvolved and unenthusiastic he is on the show. He looks bored to tears, and it drains a lot of the excitement from the show.
to purpleone: i do respect ur opinion but to judge drew carey as a host after seeing “a little of TPIR last week” may not be a fair gauge. i had the same feeling in the beginning since i never did like him from his other shows but im hooked on him now (or the show, whichever it is). he is a natural comedian, if not a natural host. i also disagree with graeme’s comments about him “uninvolved and unenthusiastic/looks bored to tears.” i thought that his snaps are well timed and he also often laughs at himself. please give the show, and him, a longer view. a “little” time will probably not convince u to be a drew-carey-fan-convert.
i think drew carey is horrible. the beauty of bob barker was that he seemed to really enjoy being there. drew carey seems to make fun of everyone. he’s condescending and rude at times.
I co-sign your post. I can’t believe they picked Drew Carey to play the host of TPIR. Then they even change up the script at some points to make it different for him? (offering tickets for a small part in a soap as a prize, etc.) SMH
Condescending and rude? Umm, I think those were Bob Barker’s middle names as host. He pushed away and mocked fat people and other enthusastic minorities people like they were lepers, he often ridiculed those who didn’t know every single game rule like he did (after 4.5 billion years of rote emceeing), and he rarely seemed genuine and often put out with contestants during his last several years as host.
If Bob seemed to enjoy anything, it was the mindless adulation of the totally compliant come-on-down-ers who managed not to fall in any of the aforementioned categories (among others). Drew acts down to earth, mentioning the models by name, easily sharing two-shots with contestants while cutting to commercials and not acting above contestants as if he’s some made-for-TV deity.
Heck, even Vanna White said Bob was “rude” to her when she was a contestant in 1980. And has Vanna White ever said anything negative about anyone???
I think Drew is a bit uncomfortable, he stumbles often while explaining things. with a bit of time and practice, I think he’ll be fine.
I enjoyed Bob on Truth or Consequences, but I thought he got “creepy” on TPIR
What’s sad is that this was a pretty cool game and they ruined it by using a host who doesn’t know it. It’s all about the game, not the host. They should have used Frank Nicotero or Chuck Woolery, people who actually have respect for how a game show works. The worst thing is when Drew Carey makes mistakes that actually cause people to lose, like not telling them they can wait for a spin off. Bob Barker was a great host because he loves game shows and he knew what he was doing. I think they should replace Drew Carey before this show goes from being a car wreck people still watch, to the abandoned car no one notices. The show is absolutely horrible and there is no excuse for keeping a host who has proven so incompetent.
He’s made so many mistakes that I can’t even believe they don’t have damage control take care of that.
At times he is even off with timing when ending a game.
And what’s up with that corresponder in the backround, do we really care what he looks like??
drew carey is under-enthusiastic and boring. I tried and I mean tries to watch TPIR and it hurt my head. it has turned into the most boring game show ever. I’m never watching it again.
Drew Carey is absolutely awful as host of TPIR. He’s the anti-Bob. They should have gone with John O’Hurley, who is genuinely charming, engaging and enthusiastic.
I grew up watching TPIR, and it definitely is not the same without Bob.
Drew “You have a chance to win. Wouldn’t that be nice?” Is he being condescending or sincere? I can’t judge from his voice.
Drew Carey is a terrible host and a terrible choice! They need someone with more personality and who appears to actually want to be there!
Too bad Howie Mandel is busy.
I wondered if CBS is trying to destroy the Price is Right. Drew Carey is aweful. He was so clueless at the beginning. He looked so clumsy. He actually had an accident on the set even before he was aired. What’s more, instead of him being taylored to the Price Is Right, it looks like the Price Is Right was taylored to Drew. I seen a Price Is Right logo with Drew’s black glasses. And, to boot, at the beginning of the show, it doesn’t sound right when Rich says “Drewwwwwwwwwwwwwww Careyyyyyyyyyyy”. Bye everybody. Don’t forget to brush your teeth before going to bed.
I am watching Drew one more time and he still stinks as bad as the last time I watched him. He just seems to hate being there. No fun, no enthusiasm…the show doesn’t even fit his personality…he never should have taken the job.
For fxcking real!! I just wanna see him in person so I can tell him how much he sucks as a host.
I just got finished watching TPIRMDS and I must say it looks like Drew is definitely not having fun. He was so monotone tonight that it was pathetic. There was no excitement when the contestants won. I’ve been a lifelong game show fan as well as a TPIR fan. I realize that anyone who took over for Bob Barker would have a hard time filling his shoes, but I think Drew has had plenty of time now. Supposedly, he knows more than 30 games, but still has trouble explaining them. Even I know more games then he does. Now I have always been a fan of Drew Carey’s shows, but TPIR is getting painful to watch. Drew was definately a better game show host on Power of 10 then he is on TPIR. Drew has signed for five years, but I don’t think he is going to last. CBS should start looking for a replacement now, before it is too late. I would like to throw my hat into the ring as possible replacements. I know I can do a better job than Drew given the chance to prove myself.
I have to take a dump.
Watching it right now. He seems like he’s in a hurry to get through the show, like he has somewhere better to be.
Watching Drew Carrey is like watching paint dry. He is so boring.
I am an African American who also has grown up watching & enjoying The Price is Right over the years. But I must say Drew Carey is a train wreck! He is absolutely horrible in so many ways, & has only gotten worse. I used to record TPIR daily to watch when I got home. But since Drew took over, it became a total waste of recording space so I stopped recording it. I’m sure that Drew is probably a great guy, but he clearly has never thought enough of his opportunity to properly prepare and bring professionalism & class to what was a classic show. Or perhaps more likely he just does not have what it takes to host this show. His delivery & contributions are unprofessional, silly & juvenile. I abhor when he tells people to hold his hand & say, “alla kazam.” Also, how he ends the showcases and the show is so low-key, anticlimatic & depressing. And his sloppy delivery & lack of passion for the pet message at the end is so bad that it would be better left unsaid. Better choice: John O’Hurley.
HOLY SHHT!! I thoughtI was the only one who was annoyed and caught the stupidity behind saying “alla kazam”. What a jerk-off. (excuse my french)
I faithfully watched the Price is Right with Bob Barker by recording it for later viewing. Drew Carey has got to go; he acts like he doesn’t really want to be there and he doesn’t enjoy it either. After Bob Barker’s last show, I continued to record TPIR, but no more; I don’t even watch it anymore. If the network wants to save TPIR get rid of Drew Carey.
Drew is not suited to this show- he needs more opportunity to exercise his wicked sense of humour, otherwise he appears lack-lustre
I’m watching it now, and Drew Carey looks like he hates his job. He looks like he’s saying a more than a few curse words in his head when he talks and when he looks into the camera. That’s why I googled his name and the show to see if I was the only one who noticed. I guess I’m not! They really should do something soon! Something else! I hope they are “shopping”.
I am watching Drew on the show right now. He appears to be only half ‘there’. He seems distracted, bored and looking at the previous comments, he does look like he’s cursing in his head. I like Drew, but not on this show.
carrey is not suited for this job. he is awkward and stiff. what were they thinking?
Drew Carey is going to do in TPIR, he seems totally uncomfortable on the show and does not seem to enjoy the game. They need to replace him, he makes watching the show unbearable.
Regarding Drew Carey on TPIR, is it necessary he ask every cotestant “would you like to say hi to anytone?”–Boring!! The other day he called a woman an old lady and a young girl babe and sweetheart, How rude is that? His remarks about products are not funny and do you think the sponsors appreciate it?
I only look for Drew to host till Season 40 then I look for someone like Doug Davidson or John O’Hurley to take over. Drew’s kinda like Richard Karn.
With Drew, the show doesn’t have near the appeal that it did with Bob. Drew has no charm. I can’t see women wanting to go up and kiss him.
I think he hates his life or at least appears to. I wish he could have some enthusiasm instead of going through the motions like it is some kind of inconvenience to be there. Even a million dollar showcase did nothing to get an emotional response. I think stephan hawking could show more emotion than drew
Get off drew’s back, even I think he’s
doing a great job! Drew has added some much needed humor and life to this previously dead-pan show. So, BACK OFF!!!!!