36 Responses

1. Dave Frye

   1

   October 15th, 2007 at 10:56 am

   From what I have seen from the youtube clip, Drew has something. I am not one to judge a book by its cover, however, I would wait for the premiere here on the east coast as I am typing this from NYC right now at CBS. Yes I am at CBS awaiting the premiere episode to air here. I will have details on my little visit during school. Right now it is cold here and I am in a $600 suit with an overcoat still freezing while walking outside. I may be heading to letterman tonight, but that looks like a no go for me. Drew may be here for the party here in NYC. I may ahve to get a few snaps off If I see him. Unfortunately though my flight back to Pittsburgh is at 3:30pm and you know the security at airports, LONG AND A PAIN IN THE ASS! I will have details on the trip. Yes to those I know somehwere on this internet real well, I went at the last minute. My flight was at 6:30am and I arrived at 7:55am in Laguardia. OOPS, 3 mins to go here and I must go quickly. I will have stuff after the show premieres here on the coast. Cheers and enjoy it all.

2. Neville

   2

   October 15th, 2007 at 11:08 am

   Well, after the first act, I can say that the show looks very different. Like a new show. Not in a good way, though. The opening camera looked shifty, and Drew doesn’t keep it moving. He does too much small talk :( Thank goodness for Rich :) I do still have hope for Drew, and I’m not going to stop watching. Also, I think I saw a new Liberty Medical commercial :)

   Check your blood sugar, and check it often!

3. Marc Power

   3

   October 15th, 2007 at 11:20 am

   well, despite your reminders, this idiot (me) forgot to put a disc in the DVR before I left for class and I didn’t have time to get home on break or lunch. This may be a little off topic but can someone trade me a copy on VHS or DVD (DVD preferred), website is: http://www.gameshowfreak.tk it hasn’t been updated in a while but I’m sure you’ll find something you’d like in exchange and I can check if I’ve got anything else.

4. josie

   4

   October 15th, 2007 at 12:14 pm

   Drew was wonderful!! I’m looking forward to watching Price is Right every day now!

5. Intelligentfan777

   5

   October 15th, 2007 at 12:30 pm

   I have the day off today so I caught the first “New Era” episode.

   Well, the first show has come to an end. I must say, Drew is a little shaky to start. But, I’ll think he’ll be just fine. Also (to Voltaire) apparently, today’s “season premiere” was NOT the show you were describing on these boards. Don’t get me wrong, is was still a VERY good show today…..

   Caution: SPOILERS!

   Today’s episode was a…………….PERFECT SHOW!

   So, I guess the “more Exciting” show will air later this week? Can you confirm, Voltaire?

   In addition there are newly designed win graphics. The CNAOS cue is now different, as well as more modern and jazzy. “Dig we must”, has also been replaced with a similar jazzed up stereo-styled version.

   One other thing, I regret to inform everyone that one thing has been retired that may not sit well with a lot of people, in fact, it was probably the last on screen visual reminder of one of the greatest game producers of all time, and now it’s gone. You’ll see what I mean at the very end of the show.

   All in all, a very good start.

6. Patrick

   6

   October 15th, 2007 at 1:05 pm

   Not a bad start for Drew.

   He needs to tighten it up and explain a few things just a bit more thoroughly (”get the wheel all the way around or it doesn’t count” and so forth), and he needs to get more comfortable with the flow of things (don’t keep the “actual retail price” reveal card in your pocket when doing an item up for bids because it’s awkward when you have to dig it out).

   Those things will clear up in time, I’m sure. And when they do, Drew will be just fine. It’s obvious just from one show that he’s got the personality for the job, and when he gets the mechanics down, he’ll make it his own.

   He’ll never be Bob, of course…but he doesn’t need to be, and nobody can be. But given time and exposure, I think he’ll grow into the role and the fans of the show will embrace him fully.

7. insaneben

   7

   October 15th, 2007 at 1:36 pm

   Marc Power, your site’s a mess. It needs a bit of a cleanup.
   Criticism aside, I have that episode on tape. No idea how I can contact you, though…

   I thought he did fine for his “first” time out (more on the quotes later).
   Sure, he seemed to struggle a bit, but then again, no new host gets it right the very first time. I have a feeling Drew’s going to do a-okay (unlike a certain someone with a difficult-to-pronounce name on a lousy remake of an established favorite).

   As for “first”, during the 2nd Showcase, when they showed the TV, it had a clip of one of Drew’s TPIR episodes (possibly an earlier one), which leads me to believe this wasn’t really the first taped episode of Drew’s run, and that the powers-that-be chose to air this episode in order to get him off to a good start. Make of it what you will.

8. Erskine Thompson

   8

   October 15th, 2007 at 1:45 pm

   In response to insaneben, yeah, I kind of got the feeling after the first Showcase Showdown that we were headed for a perfect show. The wins just seemed to come too easily, and Drew actually helped a couple of people along. The girl who played (It’s) In the Bag, for instance, would have lost under the former regime, wherein once you chose an item, you weren’t to change it. That was part of the difficulty of the game.

   In all, however, I’m happy with it. I think Drew will grow into the role, but it will help if he (a) stops referring to the prizes as “stuff,” and (b) cuts back on the small talk. I know that contestant relationship stuff is his strength, but I’d rather him reserve that exclusively for the contestants playing pricing games, rather than asking everyone on Contestant’s Row how they are, where they’re from, etc.

   Also, I was very happy with the sound of the remixed music. I thought it sounded very much like a marching band version, which helped make it Drew’s own, without getting away at all from the original. It’s distinctive, and yet exactly the same, which is the perfect way to handle the music.

9. Mr. Brown

   9

   October 15th, 2007 at 1:48 pm

   Insaneben - according to the CBS airing order list on their website, this was one of the first episodes taped back in August. An October taped show airs later this week and will give us a much better idea of how Drew has progressed.

10. David Howell

    10

    October 15th, 2007 at 2:03 pm

    Sounds better than many feared. A rearranged but unchanged music score is a superb call, and I trust they did a better job than UK Millionaire did. :)

    If Drew’s image is going to be ‘chatty guy on the players’ side’, that’s smart - I guess it’s what we should have expected after PoX though.

11. Gene

    11

    October 15th, 2007 at 2:10 pm

    I give him a c he was okay not the best or the worst hes in the middle

    He seems like he was bored/Don’t care most of the time.

    I understand the forgetting of the rules of the pricing games i seen other hosts do it

    I like the part when he said Rich whats missing? And Rich said Uh a contestant…. And Drew said Then get us one then.

    I guess this is what we get for someone who told the producers no the first few times

12. steve baxley

    12

    October 15th, 2007 at 2:34 pm

    My 2 cents on Drew’s first day as host of Price is Right

    Not a bad VISUAL open: i do miss the transition from art card to the main door..
    Music: a mish mosh that well just hit a few clunkers

    Drew as host, he was pretty good, a bit nervous at times (which is understandable)
    but his interaction with the audience and contestants was good

    The Set: ok…not bad a bit retro,but good

    The closing, ok a little fast but subtle none the less and not preachy or barkeresque

    The one regret..: we lost the last thread (unless you watch match game or the old family feud) to the best production companies PERIOD when Rich Fields intoned

    “A FREMANTLEMEDIA Production”

    then they did the paint blotch logo for the usual highlights of CBS tonight..

    “This is Johnny Olsen speaking for ..THE PRICE IS RIGHT, A MARK GOODSON BILL TODMAN PRODUCTION”

    Score:B+

13. BT14

    13

    October 15th, 2007 at 2:37 pm

    I am still watching it as I speak. (DVRed on the west coast ;) ) A few things to point out:

    I liked during the first IUFB that Drew said hi the each contestant as a kind of welcome to the game.

    To address the envelope not being out at the end, I saw Drew with it out early later on so I think he’s picking up.

    I do agree he needs to move it along a bit but he’ll learn that in time.

    I just watched the playing of One Away and I like the first “drewism” of the show. “Oh mighty sound effects person, do I have one number right?” LOL. That’s gold!

    Still looking at the rest, but I think the show will settle in nicely with Drew. He’ll only get better!

14. Marc Power

    14

    October 15th, 2007 at 2:48 pm

    to insaneben:

    yeah, I know and I apologize, I work 2 jobs and go to school so I haven’t had time to fix it up. I have about 9 weeks of school left and I’ve learned about flash, goLive etc. so I’ll be able to fix it up soon. my email is on the tape trading page, I updated that with my more recent address.

15. Adam

    15

    October 15th, 2007 at 4:28 pm

    Drew did a excellent job. I love his interaction with the contestants, models and Rich. The new theme music is awesome and so is the new set. Price is in good hands with Drew Carey. I’m looking forward to Price every day now. A new era has begun for TPIR. And it’s all uphill from here.

16. Chad

    16

    October 15th, 2007 at 5:53 pm

    Mmmm, not as good as Bob, but then again who can replace Bob Barker? I thought Drew has room for improvement; he can do better. After a few weeks I’ll tune back in maybe and see how he’s doing.

17. Andrew

    17

    October 15th, 2007 at 6:12 pm

    Not as good as Bob. Maybe CBS and Fremantle would have been better off retiring TPIR along with Bob.

    Drew mumbles, talks too fast and I couldn’t quite understand him.

    Also, saying “Welcome back to the Price is Right” after returning from commercial gets pretty old after a while.

    If he doesn’t improve, I predict TPIR will be cancelled within the year.

    FINAL GRADE: D

18. Quincy Hughes

    18

    October 15th, 2007 at 6:38 pm

    I didn’t see the show (member of the Rat Race here), but my mom did and I asked her about it. I fully expected criticism because before she could even start to answer, I ended my question with, “Keep in mind it’s his first show!” Well, she LOVED the show and she LOVED Drew. She was lit up talking about the show and how fun it was, and she didn’t stop for 5 minutes.

    Drew has this job as long as he wants it.

19. mrquiz

    19

    October 15th, 2007 at 7:22 pm

    Since I’m old enough to remember the ORIGINAL version of TPIR (when Drew Carey near-lookalike Bill Cullen-LOL-hosted), and remember Barker’s first day on the job in ‘72, for the most part, Drew hasn’t a thing to worry about. My only criticism thus far, is when, unlike Barker would say something like “…and here’s something I don’t think you can do without…” (or whatever), it was almost always, “here’s Rich to tell you about it…” (again, or words to that effect). THAT’S definitely a real game-show cliche, and he needs to lose that one, ASAP.
    On the other hand, I like it when he “mixes it up” with the contestants, who, in effect, are the real stars of the show; it humanizes them a bit more; gives the viewer a reason to either want to root for or against them. I, for one, don’t mind an ever-so-slightly slower pace.

    In summation, Drew Carey is a wonderful “fit” for this show, and he’ll only get better!

    …And I agree with Steve; it’s truly the end of an era, now that we’ll never hear “…A MARK GOODSON TELEVISION PRODUCTION.” (for me, it ended with “…A Mark Goodson-Bill Todman Production.” It doesn’t matter whether it’s TPIR, FEUD, any of their shows; regardless of whether it was Johnny-O, Gene Wood, Jack Clark, Don Pardo, or any other announcer who had an association with any or all of these iconic game shows).

20. mrquiz

    20

    October 15th, 2007 at 7:24 pm

    Oh, and since the crux of this blog is about TPIR, I’d be remissed if I didn’t mention one Rod Roddy!

21. Voltaire

    21

    October 15th, 2007 at 9:44 pm

    I don’t think that today’s show was intended to be the Season Premiere - I think that would be Tomorrow’s show, which I was told by the producer Roger Dobkowitz would be the season premiere. If you watch it, you’ll quickly realize why it could be a premiere show, but I think someone decided the perfect show was better to air instead.

    Today’s episode was the 7th or 8th taped episode. While I think he talked a bit fast, even during the first half before the hurry-up mode, as long as he is able to explain the games well enough that a clueless contestant understands the rules, I’m ok with it. Some of his jokes didn’t exactly land with the audience, and that clearly showed on TV too.

22. Tim Land

    22

    October 15th, 2007 at 9:55 pm

    I really liked the opening/ come on down music but I did not like the new panning camera arm over the audience. The graphic was OK. The turntable was hard to get used to at first but now I like it. Same thing for the doors. I like Drew Carey doing this show. Only thing is I did’nt like it the way he “spoiled” both car games by saying…”Did you drive here? Then maybe you can drive this home!”..The remix TPIR theme is great (Where can I get this on the internet?) as well as the showcase showdown theme.. I’m glad they kept the same prize music and kept the name “Barker’s Bargain Bar”

23. Ben Z.

    23

    October 16th, 2007 at 1:32 am

    The only thing that I sort of had a problem with kind of ties in with what Tim Land said abot the “spoiling” of some of the games. I didn’t mind the “Did you drive here?” line too much, because there are so many car games. However, when the one contestant came up on stage, the first question Drew asked her was, “Let me hear your best yodel.” Immediately we knew what game she was going to play. For those not in the know, the pricing games are concealed by a screen, the giant price tag, the turntable, etc., and then revealed during the prize description. Unless that has changed, it’s kind of a suspense killer as to wondering or trying to guess what game is next. I think this is a small detail, and one I think will easily be fixed. Other that that, I think Drew did a wonderful job. It will be interesting to see how it will evolve.

24. Bill Todman's Ghost

    24

    October 16th, 2007 at 11:07 am

    First thing I noticed is the audience crowd is MUCH smaller — probably 50% smaller than when Bob was on. The crowd isn’t as loud obviously but they tried to do well with what they had. Audience size reminds me a bit of “Let’s Make a Deal”. Hopefully they’ll be able to ‘grow’ it somewhat because the first thing I noticed is that they knocked out a fair bit of the crowd, especially in the back. It seems a lot more intimate.

25. Scott

    25

    October 16th, 2007 at 11:30 am

    This was a great early effort for Drew. The new music is freshly arranged, and if you listen carefully it sounds more orchestral / big band sound and less twinkly and synthesized. The opening music and main theme are fantastic, as are the newly-arranged bumpers. They needed some updating and this was perfect timing.

    The set is fantastic, retro-cool colors, catchy yet easy on the eyes. And the graphics of amounts won are striking.

    Let Drew be Drew, and he’ll not disappoint. Actually, it is Rich Fields who now sounds somewhat over-the-top-kitchy and out of place in the refreshed format. He’s okay, I guess, but I am so glad they did not go with him as host. It is probably worth it having him there for continuity’s sake. I hear he does a great warmup for the contestants (see Stan Blits’ new book).

    I cringed when I heard the outro “A FREMANTLE MEDIA Production.” No more Mark Goodson…sad, sad, sad. But I can see why they did that. It’s a new team now.

26. mrquiz

    26

    October 16th, 2007 at 7:33 pm

    Now that Scott brought it up about announcer Rich Fields’ delivery, le’me say this: I’m a radio DJ by trade, and back in the days of the so-called “Golden age of Top 40,” many stations across the country had what what was referred to as “the Boss Sound.” The DJ’s on-air delivery then was usually in a fast-talking, exaggerated style some in the industry referred to as “shuck ‘n jive;” others referred to those air personalities who used that style as “pukers.”

    In context, it’s all a stereotypical image/perception that those who don’t really know any better, associate with DJ’s and game-show hosts and announcers. Keep this in mind next time you see or hear a TV or radio commercial where the setting is a game show. I’ve criticized lots of radio production directors and creative people I’ve worked with over the years (the people who write and/or produce radio commercials) when they want that over-the-top style for the game show HOST, and I challenge them, “when was the last time you heard Bob Barker, Alex Trebek, or any of those guys talk like THAT?” The responmse I get would be something like, “well, THAT’S what the client wants…”

    Now, getting back to Rich Fields…it’s possible that the suits at Freemental may have wanted him to “pump it up a bit.” Bad move, on many counts; not to mention mocking the memories of Johnny Olson and Rod Roddy (whose styles allowed them to pull that “IT’S A NEEWWWWWWWW CARRRRRRRRR!!!!!!” delivery without sounding like shit), even if it’s unintentional. IMHO, only Burton Richardson can get away with that style, albeit barely. Rich Fields is an adequate announcer. But, he’ll never make some of us forget Messers.Olson & Roddy.

27. Greg

    27

    October 17th, 2007 at 12:17 pm

    Rich Fields is just the messenger. He doesn’t have the relationship with Drew that Bob had with Johnny O. If Gene Wood was still alive and well, he might have announced it. Heck, why don’t we bring back Bob Hilton? He was going to do it when Olson died.

28. Scott

    28

    October 17th, 2007 at 12:47 pm

    Mrquiz, thanks for that inside scoop on announcers. Indeed, I was basing my judgment on classic announcers like Jay Stewart, Johnny Olson, Rod Roddy, and the like. They had a “big” style to be sure, but it always seemed to fit the context. It never seemed cheesy, always seemed who they were, not a put-on or impersonation of an announcer. Rich Fields just doesn’t sound, should I say it (and I really HATE to say it), genuine enough lately for a classic show like TPIR, especially now that Drew Carey is hosting. What is most ironic is that he actually idolized Johnny O growing up and wanted his job (and eventually got it). Sometimes I find it hard to believe that out of all those who did tryouts, Rich got the gig. Of course, Barker hand-picked him…

    I know Rich Fields is beloved and respected in most circles, and I do respect him — he did a great job on Game Show Marathon two summers ago, and it’s not as if there is that much announcing work to go around these days. But it seems that something has changed — he is trying too hard, or worse, he is being put under pressure to do what the “client” — Fremantle perhaps — wants. He is different from what I had seen in the final Barker episodes and the Million Dollar Spectaculars. If that is what is going on, it is a big, big mistake. I used to shy away from TPIR because of Bob Barker, and I don’t want to do now now because of how Rich Fields is sounding.

    Something has changed…am I the only one who has noticed this?

29. David Cooper

    29

    October 17th, 2007 at 1:39 pm

    The Price is Right, hosted by Drew Carey, is absolutely awesome! He is a wonderful host and what I like about him is that he’s funny and I like the way he laughs. In addition, the new set is totally cool and I like Drew’s wireless microphone. The only downside about the new Price is Right is the old-fashioned scoreboards. I prefer the computerized scoreboards, just like the ones on “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy!”. Otherwise, The Price is Right, on a scale of 1-10, gets a 9.5. I will continue watching the show for years to come. 8-D

30. Greg

    30

    October 18th, 2007 at 7:25 am

    The old fashioned scoreboards are there because of tradition. You don’t want to change everything, do you? Then, the show will lose its edge.

    How about this for a closing spiel…

    “This is Rich Fields speaking for The Price is Right, a Mark Goodson Television Production for FremantleMedia!”

31. Chris

    31

    October 20th, 2007 at 5:31 pm

    I never ever want to see computerized scoreboards, its why most new game shows don’t succeed … but the freshening of everything else was great .. Freemantle had cut the show to the bone so bad .. bob couldn’t catch his breath having to hurry ..the plugs were even down to 2 seconds ..so long love TPIR!

32. scott

    32

    October 21st, 2007 at 9:24 am

    drews a real boar hard to watch

33. Intelligentfan777

    33

    October 22nd, 2007 at 6:00 pm

    The Member of Red Sox Nation in me must come out here.

    Who wants to bet that Drew was at 33 today bumming a little about his Indians?

    We love ya Drew, but………GO SOX!

34. Bryan Hayes

    34

    October 23rd, 2007 at 3:15 am

    I think Drew Carey is doing a fine job as a host so far; he does have this habit of talking too fast, but he does a good job of making the contestants the stars of the show. Overall the flaws are few and the show seens to be in good hands. Bob Barker’s presence will be missed but I have a feeling that the Price will go on with Drew at the steering wheel.

    P.S. IMO Fremantle has mostly made up for ruining “Temptation.”

35. Mitch Muchk

    35

    October 23rd, 2007 at 12:33 pm

    With all this talk of announcers, why not that talented Rich Jeffries fellow. He’d be fun and his come on down would be great!!! There’s one name that should be drawn out of a hat.

36. Drew

    36

    October 28th, 2007 at 7:10 pm

    I really enjoy Drew at the driver seat. We finally get to see the interaction with the models, something the last 6.5 years have been severely lacking. And with Dismantle at the helm, I’m pleasantly surprised the changes were cosmetic. I was fully expecting them to F*** this up like they did with Bullard’s CS and Burger’s Match Game. And I fully expected them to pick a really awful host like:

    Patrick (YOOOOOOOOUUUUUUU WWWWWIIIIIIIINNNNNNNN!!!!!) Wayne
    Louie (Can you speak more clearly?) Anderson
    Or Richard (I’M GONNA DOUBLE THE SHOWCASES!!!!) Karn.