NPR: Drew Carey Agrees to Host 'The Price Is Right'

Drew Carey Agrees to Host 'The Price Is Right'

Drew Carey speaks about another game show he's hosting, Power of 10, at the Television Critics Association Press Tour in California earlier this month.

Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

At first, I thought I was hearing things. Driving to Dulles airport around 3 a.m. to pick up my wife, home from a month overseas, I heard the announcer say the new host of The Price Is Right -- an American institution rivaled only by Mount Rushmore and Old Faithful for longevity and durability -- was going to be ... Drew Carey.

Drew Carey?! The host of the hilarious, frequently ribald Whose Line Is It Anyway? taking over one of my long-dead grandmother's favorite shows? Drew Carey, who admitted in his autobiography that he got frustrated with censors while filming his eponymous TV show because they wouldn't let him tell more dirty jokes? It was like having an out-of-body experience.

But when I looked online later this morning, there was the news: Carey is taking the reins from Bob Barker, who had hosted the show since FDR was president. (OK, actually, it was Nixon.)

The Associated Press reports:

The deal was set shortly before a taping of CBS' Late Show with David Letterman, where Carey confirmed it. "I realize what a big responsibility this is," he said. "It's only a game show, but it's the longest-running game show in American television and I plan to keep it that way."

Twenty years ago, when I worked in Nova Scotia, I interviewed a popular local DJ, who told me that his real goal in life was to be a game-show host. I almost laughed out loud. What kind of ambition was that?

But I think I've changed my position. Game shows are a lot more fun now than they were 20 years ago. (Think Wait, Wait... Don't Tell Me!) Hosting one could actually be kinda cool.

11:39 AM ET | 07-24-2007 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

The interview today (10/12) with Drew Carey was hilarious...but you forgot to ask one very important question. Will the Barker Beauties now be called the Carey Cuties? Bye the way, I am one of those "scarce" youngins' that listens practically everyday! Twenty-six and counting!

Sent by Maia Hanron-Sanford of West Rutland, Vermont | 7:38 PM ET | 10-12-2007

Sweet. A host for the Price is Right. I watched the first episode yesterday with Drew hosting and almost died.. Do you know why? Because Rich Fields is the announcer!! At least he stayed, that makes me feel better..

Sent by Holly Hansonn | 10:50 AM ET | 10-16-2007

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