Who Disturbed “The Price is Right” While I Was on Vacation?
It’s been a recurring trend for the past couple years that if I take a vacation some big story takes place or there’s a major fan meltdown of massive proportions which ranges from catastrophic to unbelievably amusing. Coincidentally, all of the above happened while I was away. Major thanks to Nick who posted updates about The Price is Right host Drew Carey’s new Twitter and blog which is a great fan resource. I love when hosts get involved like this. Not to mention the fact that Twitter’s a great marketing tool for spreading news quickly and easily. Then I look in my inbox at all of the freaked out people about set changes. It goes back to my “amusing meltdown” item at the top.
I see that the set is getting a technology overhaul and adding monitors in where the old lightbulb style displays used to be. Interestingly they are keeping the same classic look and feel, but just using monitors instead of the crusty old devices. Good move by them. I’m always up for updating. But then we get into the people emailing me in a tizzy about losing the “charm” of the old version by having monitors. Even though the monitors do the same exact thing and essentially look the same as the old displays. It goes back to my whole argument that I always have of, “If you have new updated technology which works better than the old version both financially and from a production standpoint, why not use it?” Especially if this new technology does the exact same thing as the old one. I don’t know if it’s because people are so set in their ways or if it’s the golden fanboy rule of, “(Insert favorite item here) has to stay the same way from when I first loved it or it sucks.” Or it may be something else. I never know. But I don’t see how any of the new monitors or displays or doors can be a bad thing. It opens the stage up and allows for some fantastic camera work and unique directing, and as far as I’ve read I haven’t seen a single detractor of the new Price director R. Brian Dipirro.
But that’s small potatoes. Then we get to my favorite. I read Drew Carey’s blog and again it’s a great tool for fans to get an inside look. The Price is Right seems pretty secretive these days so any look inside is fantastic. And then, of course, people have to take a dump on it by being unbelievably rude or offensive in comments (thanks to people who copied and pasted them for me). I could prattle on about it but Drew summed it up far better than I could conceivably. Here’s the entire paragraph.
What bugs me the most is that it was all spill-over from a TPIR “fan” site that seems, at first glance, to be chock full of people that are metaphorically out on the street with their pants down yelling at a telephone pole. It’s not, totally. But like it always happens, a few people start screaming at telephone poles and next thing you know you can’t hear yourself talk. And a couple of them were treating my blog like it was nothing more than another thread on their message board, and then the one guy went over what, over there probably isn’t even a line, but over here is. I’m trying to have fun here and let fans in on what’s happening on the show, okay? Not moderate your arguments. Seriously. You can hate what I do, hate the show, whatever. But let’s be civil and have a reasoned discussion. I won’t tolerate people pooping in my pool while I’m trying to splash around with my friends and get some sun.
Again, he said it better than I could do. Of the few shows I watched this season I will be glad to admit the beginning of the season was a bit rough, but they were trying new things. You never know what works and what doesn’t if you don’t try stuff. Some things didn’t work (some things bombed to a massive ugly proportion) and they essentially went back to what does. You can’t ask for them to do much more than that. I really just think there is a semi-large group of people who have a major issue with anyone but Bob Barker or an exact replica hosting the show. If you follow game show news at all you know the fan site is Golden-Road.net. What I essentially read each time I browse there is, “Bob Barker wouldn’t have done this,” or, “Roger Dobkowitz (former producer) wouldn’t have done this.” I respect that people cling to the past and really treasure the old shows, but it’s time to move on a small amount. It’s not the same show. It’s not The Bob Barker Show, plus pricing boxes of rice, anymore. I’m not saying abandon everything you once knew. I’m saying if you dig your feet as far into the dirt as you are, your feet are going to be ripped off because the show’s moving forward whether you like it or not. It’s not massive change. It’s just being updated for the modern times, which it sorely needs.
And all of this goes back to my article I wrote a while ago about why I think The Price is Right is doomed. I almost want to correct this and say why it was doomed, because Drew laid out a very specific and fantastic line in the sand recently that was needed. It was a line that a good deal of people have been saying for a long time. But if nothing else, I’m seeing The Price is Right being linked to in news sites and blog sites for the first time in eons because of Drew’s blog and Twittering. Any press is good press, and Drew as well as the rest of the staff is getting the word out. The set pictures Nick posted look like the crew is updating the show respectfully, in a modern-retro way. Drew’s blog posts are incredibly entertaining. It’s no secret that I’m not a big fan of The Price is Right, but all of the updates are actually making me want to actively watch the new season. I’ve been a supporter of Drew Carey since day one and I still enjoy him on the show immensely. It’s been long overdue that we welcome the show into the 21st century. It’s also nice to see people actually talking about The Price is Right for what the show actually is and what’s happening to it for a change instead of nerdy things like the lineups.
Excellent points on all fronts. GR-Net can be comedy gold, the level of self importance and angst over such trivial changes. And for self-professed experts, most of the, shall we say, more vocal critics are utterly clueless about the TV business and flatly refuse to acknowledge facts when pointed out to them.
TPIR is being dragged — sometimes kicking and screaming — into the 21st century; and I am very happy about it. It needed it badly. And I'm thrilled Drew is blogging and tweeting.
What amuses me the most was that I read the exact blog post that Alex quoted, and one of the labels is "telephone pole screamers".
That being said, I've thoroughly enjoyed Price for the few occasions I could (and can) watch this season and last–although evidently I've missed some horrible…"experiments", shall we say? With a new host will obviously come a new direction in the show, and some people just aren't willing to see it. Drew is doing a great job as a host and I think his foray into the blogosphere is a great way for him to connect with fans of him and of the show. But he's also showed some willingness to change, and he's obviously got the show's best interest at heart (even though, to some, it may not seem that way). It's a brave maneuver for him and I commend him for doing it.
Some people tend to overreact to the slightest of changes. (This applies to pretty much anything shared with others over the Internet.)
Me? I'm looking forward to whatever comes down the pipes next season.
If they do retire some pricing games, does that mean the TPIR staff will be putting them up on eBay?
(What about donating them to the Smithsonian? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the old WOF puzzle board resides there. Off-topic, but does anyone else know any other game show props that have been donated to museums?)
Admittedly, I'm probably one of the more well-known posters on G-R.net, with something in the neighborhood of 1500-posts. But the vast majority of the board does NOT represent me. At times, I don't even think it's a Price is Right fan board… it's more of a Bob Barker/Roger Dobkowitz fan board. I liked Bob and Roger, and their work, as much as the last guy, but times change – you gotta move on.
Unlike a vast majority of their users – I couldn't tell you what makes a good lineup, what makes a good "fake", or how the heck Shower Game was played. I don't memorize prices, and I'm not even very good at the iPhone TPiR game. I don't see the difference between a big giant painting that's peeling and a plasma screen television with art displayed on it.
I'm just a fan – I like the show, it's enjoyable to watch, and it's enjoyable to see live (I was supposed to go for my Bachelor Party, but that was the week Drew has pneumonia…). Drew has been a breath of fresh air after those last few years of Bob phoning it in. He's done an admirable job filling Bob's shoes, and has really made the show his own. He's a little rough at times, but the majority of the time – he's really got the swing of things.
I can honestly say because of my membership on G-R, I worry about going to the studio and being blacklisted as one of "those" people. I worry that I won't have a chance in being a contestant because of the bad things being said about the host and the staff. I mean, they've pretty much called everybody incompetent, even though they are most certainly not – Kathy's worked on the show for nearly 35 years, Mike has been in the production business for over 10 years, Drew's an accomplished entertainer… they even harp on Stan for not playing 40 year old monaural music cues! Would you want to let that person in your studio? I think not.
I occasionally lurk on GR, and I can safely say that you are one of the most logical posters on there, and I almost always find myself agreeing with your posts. I don't think you have to worry when you go to Studio 33.
BTW, how about our Tigers tonight?!
Very well said by Drew: "I won’t tolerate people pooping in my pool while I’m trying to splash around with my friends and get some sun."
It is quite a shame, because Drew is apparently doing this on his own as a give-back to his fans. Yes, there are going to be all sorts of comments needing moderation, but so soon. I was looking forward to his perspective and conversation with fans, but something like this right out of the starting blocks certainly would dampen his enthusiasm.
That said, the subset of malcontents at the telephone poll screamer site are unfortunately marginalizing themselves more every day. Even the site's creator had to walk away after 10 years. Very telling.
"I’m trying to have fun here and let fans in on what’s happening on the show"
Drew is doing this for us! He enjoys his job and is having fun sharing all the new bells and whistles for the new season of the show. Drew is very tech-driven and is using it to share this information with the fans, and even draw in newer fans. This isn't the 80s and 90s anymore. We are just about done with the first decade in the 21st century and with all the changes we've seen thus far in the show, you still have that nostalgic feel of the game (with the bells, losing horns, marvelous showcases, whacky contestants and priceless moments), but with a new technique of delivering them through high-definition, more creative directing and a set that holds both a classic and modern feel.
I love how far the show has come with Drew as the host and I look forward to what is in store for the new season!
Hey Mr. Brown, you do know that if Marc and John see your comment HERE, they can ban YOU THERE, just because. ANY critcism of THEM or THEIR PRECIOUS SITE, ANYWHERE, ON THEIR INTERNET(AL GORE HAS NOTHING ON THEM LOL) IS SUBJECT TO A PERMANENT LIFETIME BAN :D :D :D . And believe me, you have their minions who monitor the internet 24/7(Gavazzi, Capitano, Rob, etc., the no lifers that don't work)
If they want to ban me for speaking my mind, so be it – it wouldn't be a reflection of me. Everything I've said here tonight is pretty much what I have said over there, and I feel safe saying it here with no repercussions.
Alex, I'll be completely honest – it was my fault this happened. I spoke out against Drew on his blog (specifically regarding his behind-the-scenes mannerisms), which in turn caused another person to get VERY vulgar toward the moderators of Golden-Road.
And "Sawber"…are you perchance Mighty Dyckerson, the guy who posted said vulgar comment on Drew's blog? If so, you have no room to talk. Dyckerson posts vulgar things most everywhere he goes – YouTube, Invision, etc.
But regardless, I humbly apologize for my actions…do I regret it? Of course. I only hope that my inability to sign in to my G-R account is due to a mechanical error on my end…
I appreciate the kind comments – I'm glad to hear that I'm not crazy.
That was a hell of a game tonight… Tiger baseball is back, baby!
The charm of TPiR was, and I say "was" for a reason, the fact that things never changed since 72, or barely changed. Frankly, these changes the past few years look like changes a college graduate finally moves out of their parents' house. Just because Bob the Boss left doesn't mean that they have to change the show so dramatically from what it was in season 35 with Bob. I don't understand why they need to "come into the 21st century." The charm of the show was the retro feel, with retro displays and retro coloring, and a retro setup. While I can understand why they decided to replace the Contestant's Row podiums with LCD screens, they didn't need to change anything else, IMO. I still hate the use of the HD monitors. I still hate the designer crap. I still hate the fact that they let Roger go.
Frankly, it comes down to the blind leading the blind. Almost nobody in the higher up, other than 2 or 3 people, have been with the show long enough to know what has ALWAYS worked for the show, and not what they THINK will work for it. Drew taking the show in ANY direction is just wrong. While he's a good host, he has no place doing any sort of producing. Someone who admittedly never saw the show before taking up the hosting job should not tell people what they like and don't like about a show and use those opinions to point the show in a certain direction. OK, if you don't like something about the show, fine. Just deal with it, because the show has been that was for 35 years. Just deal with it. You came in to take over the spot from Bob. While I don't expect him to be exactly like Bob, I do expect him to concentrate on hosting the show, and not how the set looks or what jokes to put in the horribly written showcase.
Sigh…I guess I will never win an argument on this. I am a purist at heart. I still watch the show because it's TPiR, and I've always watched it. I do, however, have the right to complain whenever I want about the show and the direction it is going. It is changing for the sake of changing. Who says that a show that never really changed since 1972 has to change? If it's been successful all those years, who says it can't be now as the same show?
Juliaz,
One could make the argument that the show has continuously evolved. The show itself is an upgrade from the original Bill Cullen version. Barker's shows of the 80s look different than the shows from the 70s. Through the years, the set has gone through a series of small, subtle changes. A lot of the pricing games have changed props over the years (any number, lucky seven, pick-a-pair come immediately to mind). Even the one-bid displays aren't the same ones used in the premiere back in 1972. I'm guessing that some of those egg-crate displays they use are so old that it'd be hard to find parts for them today. So if you can use newer technology that can save you money in these tough economic times and still maintain some of the traditional look and feel, why wouldn't you?
A few fans are ecstatic about the fact that they used trilons instead of monitors in the recent pilots for The $1,000,000 Pyramid. Yeah, its a nice shout-out to the original, but if I'm the producer and I'm looking at buying clear plexiglas and the expense of cutting them to size, printing category names on them and storing them for repeat use (780 of them for the big pyramid alone…if the show goes just 13 weeks!), not to mention paying 2 or 3 stagehands to turn the trilons…I'm sorry, but I'm making the one-time purchase of six monitors (or one giant video display) and one computer program to enter the categories and simulate trilons turning…and one hand to run it. Old school does not mean cost effective.
And in fairness to Drew, he was a producer before he came to TPIR…and it's not like Barker was merely a hired gun who showed up and only did what he was told. I think hosts should have some buy-in and should have a say in how things go. And fresh eyes on a 35-year-old show aren't necessarily a bad thing.
TPIR is not the ratings champ it was 20 years ago. It doesn't make the money for CBS that it did 20 years ago.
If they didn't freshen it up every so often, it would die…and probably be brought back a few years later as "The All-New Price Is Right."
And you wouldn't recognize it.
See, it's people like him & other "wahoos" that rile me up & make me more upset & agitated everytine there's a hot-button issue going on like the new changes at TPIR & the like. Can't we all get along just once? Even if we agree to disagree, we have to respect each other's opions & move on from there. No need to overreact, overanalyze & oversimplify EVERY little detail. We just have to learn to make honest opions whether they're right or wrong, factual or hypothetical, real or otherwise, the point is, you say what you want to say & someone else does likewise WITHOUT resorting to name-calling, back-stabbing, snarky remarks. Please, give me a break!
I am also a G-R.net member, but in a unique position, I only started watching the show loyally in the middle of Drew's first season. Thus, I've gone back and enjoyed the DVD sets and the numerous classic episodes online. I enjoy them both. I admit, considering my name, that some things from the classic show are better than now (mainly retired pricing games), but I still enjoy the show and DiPirro's directing has been awesome. So far, these season's changes seem alright and no big deal.
As for the comment kerfuffle, sad to see that happen. It was cool to see the pictures from Drew's blog, but yeah, there are commenters like that on every site (especially one's like Drew's blog where no reg. was required). Hopefully, that commenter will stay gone and we can all move on. Looking forward to the season premiere in September, and hopefully, the series premiere of the $1Mil Pyramid as well!
I didn't read through all the replies here, so I apologise if this is a repeat comment. However, the one thing I remember is the advice Bob Barker gave to the incoming host – not to try to duplicate his style, but to make the show and hosting style their own. I have always watched TPiR, it probably one of my favourite game shows. I am a traditionalist too, I will admit that. What is more important to me is that they remain true to the game play, everything else is just eye candy. As far as I know, the basis of gameplay is still the same. Honestly Alex, I couldn't agree more with your statement on technology. I mean, if they want to use old technology, that is fine, but you can't fault people for moving into the 21st century.
I've always wondered how people could think that TPiR could change hosts without changing nothing else and still go strong. The 'retro charm' of the show has always hinged on having the anchor of the host. Freemantle knew full well that no one could replace Bob and very wisely decided to drag the show–kicking and screaming, no doubt–into this decade. However, they did so without sacrificing a single ounce of what was always the core of TPiR: audience participation in pricing games that any savvy shopper should be able to win. There's still the excitment of seeing the new car, the tense moments of waiting for the reveal, and the clamor of the crowd who's playing the game just as much as the contestant, and as long as that core is celebrated and cherished, bring on the brighter sets, new directing, and flashy graphics. What could they possibly hurt?
Here's something I've been wondering.
There are conflicting reports about the displays in Contestant's Row. Based on the photos that Drew has provided, they seem to be LED displays – that is, light emitting diode – that utilize the old cases and will, in effect, look exactly the same.
However, some people are saying that they are in fact LCD monitors – liquid crystal displays – instead. Do we know which one it actually is?
Drew's allowing comments back on his blog, but they are moderated from now on, and the topic which Drew said had the incriminating post (Lanisha's pictures) has been deleted.
Also, I don't know what else I can say about G-R.net that Homer Jay and Tony haven't covered except…there's degrees, and I think a lot of us do try to be balanced and in the middle, but it's tricky when there's so many different opinions of strengths on both ends of the table.
Providing a unique perspective(pun intended),
Jordan
I like the new changes. Granted I am on game show sites but I didn't hear much complaining about when Conan o' Brien replaced Jay Leno on the tonight show. The set got a whole new look, they moved to universal studios, and got a new house band, replacing kevin eubanks with max wienberg. And I didn't hear people complain. LIke i said, I am on gs sites and not a talk show site. Also I understand it was like 19 years instead of 35, but the same principle is there.
I am also not trying to complain about anyone here.
Out of sheer curiosity, I checked out the GR website. While evryone is entitled to an opinion, some of the complaints are sheer BS, to put it mildly. I'd be the first to admit that I never cared for (what I perceived at a given time to be) "change"- be it anything from wholesale, to a "tweak here and a goose there," but, c'mon, people! GET A GRIP, DAMMIT! I mean, what the hell are we talkin' here, REALLY?
In 1975, when the tote boards in Contestant's Row went from the original "eggcrate" displays, to the "slant-block" displays that's going to be displaced, I didn't much care for them. But, in time, I got used to them. And I'll also admit that I kinda loathe the flat-screen LCD video displays that are taking over. For one thing, they're either too stark- almost to the point of making "hi-tech" look cheap (IMO), or (using WOF and CATCH 21 as examples), the technology can be visually grating. But, let me make another point, here: though not nearly as widespread as they're now becoming, the use of video monitors as scoring devices has been around for over 25 years.
(Cont'd from previous posts) To wit: HOT POTATO (1984), BREAK THE BANK (1985), COUCH POTATOES (1989), and some Canadian game shows, like TALKABOUT and HONEYMOON GAME had used them long before the eggcrate, Solari-board, and whatever else had been in use at the time, became obsloete (or is headed there). I grew up watching game shows that incorporated just about every scoring device ever used (including, GASP! a chalkboard!!!) And, like many other die-hard, card-carrying "old skool" game show fans, nothing will ever "do it" like the "eggcrate." But, like it or not, we will somehow get used to the technology, to the point of mere toleration. However, I'm going on record with this. I draw a very hard line on the day we see lock-out devices with signs that flash "PICK ME!!" "I WAS FIRST!!" "OOH! OOH! ME!! ME!!!" "I KNOW IT!! I KNOW IT!" I have spoken.
I would like to add that the problem is exactly that- it hasn't changed since 1972. The set is old, and it's really falling apart. They're trying to make the change look as close to the old set as possible, but without the wear and tear. It's pretty much the same as if you had a 40-year old refrigerator that doesn't keep your food cold. Why wouldn't you try to replace it for something that essentially does the same thing? Really, the set shouldn't make people so upset, as long as it is the same show. remember, it's 2009.
I can't stand seeing change to TPIR. I am going to go outside,pull my pants down, and scream at the telephone pole. Anybody here from GR care to join me?
lmao(just kidding), but you looked!
Is it just me, or are these so-called "fans" in such desperate need of a hug, a hobby, TWO gallons of their favorite flavor ice cream, and most importantly, A LIFE? (and, what might these poor souls do when the end finally comes for Barker?)
As thick as Drew's hide is, I can't help but wonder if he still finds himself resisting temptation to scratch his head in disbelief over some of this BS…
I'd scratch my head too if I was in disbelief of whatever was going on there. I don't know anything about Twitter, but I do know is that whatever comes out of there has to come from a reliable source. Anything less & it'll be regarded as just hearsey untill proven otherwise.
This is to polescreamer – if you can't stand any change to "The Price Is Right", where were you when Barker fired Holly, Janice, Kathleen, and the others for BS reasons – sounds like a hypocrite to me! Thank God I never have been on Golden Road as a member – I would have been kicked off a long time ago!
Ya know, I've been watching TPIR since I was a baby and I might be the minority but I could honestly care less about all these changes that's been made or will be made OR was discussed but never came to fruition. I mean, I've been watching this show for years due to the pure entertainment of seeing people win money, trips, cars, and the such. I could care less if the add in a few HD monitors, LCD/LED screens, lightbulbs on stage, the new "door 5/homebase"! Does this alter the show ? No! As long as they stick to the format that made Mark Goodson Productions and CBS a buttload of money…..I don't care!
Now when they start altering game play and they might see ratings go down the drain…we'll talk then. Me personally, I think some folks need to get a life and stop fussing and complaining about everything. I think that their one chance to stay connected with the folks at 7800 Beverly Blvd has been shot to the ground by the contant bickering of the host, staff, and etc that's over there! But as for me, I will continue to watch the show and I really look forward to season 38! Folks in an age where tv shows don't last at the very minimum of one season and we have this crown jewel of daytime tv still bringing in the fun, entertainment, and revenue for the Tiffany Network…we should be very grateful that this show is still on!!!! BTW, was I the only one that liked The New Price Is Right 1994 ?
The show has changed of they years, but the changes weren't so drastic that they took away the familair feel of the show. I think that's why the Price Is Right has been succesful, the changes to the show were reasonable. I think having LCD readouts for the showcase podiums is a reasonable change. It's one of the better changes since Season 36. It's still one of the one of the few game shows that doesn't have a cold set that resembles a spaceship or dramatic music cues, but I don't like the directon the show has been going in since Season 36.