So, did you hear that they did a poll they did to determine which presidential candidate people would like to hang out with at a barbecue? Obama won 52 to 45 percent over McCain, which may not mean very much in the long run, but the day before July 4th it made news.
The thought of barbecues and July 4th parties got me thinking about which TV characters with whom I'd like to spend Independence Day. I wouldn't want them here at my place, though, I want to go to their places. I have high expectations, too, and a vivid imagination.
Here's the six TV characters who could expect me to join them to watch the rockets red glare -- if only they were real live folks and not just my fictional faves.
If anyone thought Bob Barker was going to miss being on stage at The Price is Right, then they'd be wrong. At least if you listen to Bob; he not only thinks he left "at just the right time," but is keeping himself extremely busy.
Barker spoke to the Long Beach, CA Press-Telegram recently, and he explained that "I enjoyed the show right up to the last minute of the last show. But, I don't miss it so much that I want to go back and do it again. I think I'm going to be very happy in retirement." He's currently working with various animal-rights organizations and is writing an autobiography, which he expects to be out late this year (ah, the publishing world moves quickly when they have to, know what I mean?).
While CBS pulled Bob Barker up from daytime into the prime time spotlight a few times the past few years, they've yet to do so since Drew Carey took over as host of The Price is Right this season. But that's all about to change. For six weeks, starting February 22, CBS is shifting Ghost Whisperer back an hour so they can squeeze in all new episodes of The Price is Right at 8pm/7pm Central. Possibly to avoid double-Drew confusion, The Power of 10, also hosted by Carey, has been pulled from the schedule effective immediately, though it will likely return in the summer.
We've talked a lot here at TV Squad about how Drew is doing on TPiR this year and, while the jury may still be out, I think he's settled into a nice groove. No, he's not Bob Barker but do we really want someone who would go up there and act just like Bob did? They kept all the crazy games that make the show a classic, so I say let Drew be himself, and we'll get used to it. And if you haven't given him a try, here's a chance to curl up at home on a Friday night and see for yourself.
About three months ago -- October 15th, 2007, to be exact -- the face of daytime television changed, and some say not good. It was the day that the first Drew Carey-hosted The Price is Right aired on CBS' daytime schedule. Reviews of that first performance (which was actually the seventh show taped) were mixed. Some said that the first show was good, but there were obviously things that Drew needed to improve on. Others didn't even give him the benefit of the doubt and were already calling for his replacement. Still others used the word "disgusting" in expressing their opinion of Carey as a host and a person.
Well, about 92 days have passed since that initial show and Drew is still the host of TPIR. People are still filling the audience, bidding on items, playing games, and spinning the Showcase Showdown wheel. The question then is if Drew has improved since he first took the microphone? In my opinion, yes. But, he still has a little bit to go.
The year 2007 was definitely one of great change for television. The award-winning The Sopranos faded to black on HBO, Rosie O'Donnell left yenta-talk show The View to the relief of many, and there was nary a mention about Joey. Well, at least no mention except from me, that is.
However, none of those events paled in comparison than to what took place June 15th on the CBS television network. That's the day when Bob Barker took his microphone, his spayed and neutered pets, and his sexual harassment suits and left the hosting job of The Price is Right after 35 years. And, as he kissed his last contestant and waved his last good-bye, fans of the show thought a replacement host would never be found.
*It's not like we're going to review every episode this season. Do you think we're insane?
Drew Carey's new career should be hosting the premiere of any new network game show that comes down the pike. That's because he has the Luck of the Irish on these shows. On the premiere of his primetime game show Power of 10 the first contestant on the first show won one million dollars. On the 36th season premiere of The Price is Right, which Drew Carey is now hosting after the retirement of legendary host Bob Barker, everyone won.
Drew Carey and The Price is Right will premiere on October 15th on CBS. Just like Bob Barker's final episode, Drew Carey's inaugural episode will include some pretty spendy prizes. While the network isn't saying exactly what will be won, it does say that contestants will have a chance to win "some of the most expensive cars" ever on the game show.
Carey began filming the 36th season of The Price is Right on August 15th. He had a slight mishap when he got his arm wrenched in one of the games, but now it sounds like smooth sailing for Carey. The Price is Right continues filming through October and apparently free tickets are still available, if you're going to be in the Los Angeles area. CBS has now made tickets available on this website.
(S01E01) Normally, I wouldn't be reviewing the premiere of a primetime game show like Power of 10. I mean, other than the object of the game, the concept is cookie cutter to the other nighttime game shows that are currently airing. You have the loud music, the spotlights racing across the stage, the reveal of the answer after the commercial break (which I find soooo annoying) and another stand-up comedian who has taken on new duties as show host.
No one will replace Bob Barker as host of The Price is Right. Not the statement you probably had in mind when you read the title of this post, but it is undeniably true. With 35 years and tens of thousands of episodes under his belt, Barker and TPIR became a single entity. And, at least in the short term, his successor would always be compared to Bob, no matter who was chosen to host the mother of all daytime game shows. Heck, the Pope could have been chosen to host and people would say 'Yea, the Pontiff is good, but he isn't Bob.'
With that out of the way I can say that Drew Carey is the right man to take the microphone as host of The Price is Right.
It looks like the long search for the new host of The Price Is Right is down to two: Sarah Silverman and David Hasselhoff.
Just kidding! The New York Post is reporting that producers have narrowed it down to two contestants: Mark Steines and Todd Newton. Steines is a host on Entertainment Tonight (he'll keep the job if he gets the PIR gig), and Newton has hosted several game shows, including a PIR show in Las Vegas. The pay for the job is reportedly near $3 million a year. Nice.
Hmmm...I'm not sure about this. But I guess they're both competent hosts. It looks like producers are going for the safer choices (male, slightly older, experienced) than going with someone like Mario Lopez or Ian Ziering.
There seems to be some confusion over what the term "OpEd" means. Well, let's concentrate on the Op part. Op is short for opinion. That's what I and many bloggers like myself express in our pieces, our opinions. As a fan of TPiR, I would be very upset to see Rosie hosting, mainly because I am not a fan of hers. I don't find her funny or entertaining. Aside from the fact that she bores me to tears, I have nothing against her.
I know most of you are going through Bob Barker withdrawl, so I thought I'd post this little clip to brighten your weekend a bit.
It comes from Bob's 50 Years in Television special that aired back in May of this year. It's been 10 years since Bob kicked the snot out of Adam Sandler in Happy Gilmore and he reminisced by playing that classic clip. After that, Adam makes an appearance on the special and woos Bob with a poem specifically written for The Price is Right host's retirement.
It's a cute little moment, and it reminds us that Bob was more than just the man who kissed all of the women and gave away all those brand new cars. He also had a mean right and left hook.
Here are the weekly TV ratings, by number of viewers.
1. America's Got Talent (NBC) 2. So You Think You Can Dance - Thurs (FOX) 3. NBA Finals - Game 4 (ABC) 4. NCIS (CBS) 5. Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader (FOX) 6. CSI (CBS) 7. NBA Finals - Game 3 (ABC) 8. CSI: Miami (CBS) 9. Two and a Half Men (CBS) 10. Cold Case (CBS) 11. So You Think You Can Dance - Weds (FOX) 12. Law and Order: SVU (NBC) 13. Hell's Kitchen (FOX) 14. Without A Trace (CBS) 15. Shark (CBS) 16. The Price Is Right - Primetime special (CBS) 17. Daytime Emmy Awards (CBS) 18. CSI: NY (CBS) 19. Deal Or No Deal - Weds (NBC) 20. 48 Hours Mystery - Tues (CBS)
So, did you hear that they did a poll they did to determine which presidential candidate people would like to hang out with at a barbecue? Obama won 52 to 45 percent over McCain, which may not mean very much in the long run, but the day before July 4th it made news.
If anyone thought Bob Barker was going to miss being on stage at The Price is Right, then they'd be wrong. 
While CBS pulled Bob Barker up from daytime into the prime time spotlight a few times the past few years, they've yet to do so since Drew Carey took over as host of The Price is Right this season. But that's all about to change. For six weeks, starting February 22, CBS is shifting Ghost Whisperer back an hour so 
About three months ago -- October 15th, 2007, to be exact -- the face of daytime television changed, and some say not good. It was the day that the first Drew Carey-hosted The Price is Right aired on CBS' daytime schedule. Reviews of that first performance (which was actually the seventh show taped) were mixed. Some said that the first show was good, but there were obviously things that Drew needed to improve on. Others didn't even give him the benefit of the doubt and were already calling for his replacement. Still others used the word "disgusting" in expressing their opinion of Carey as a host and a person.
The year 2007 was definitely one of great change for television. The award-winning The Sopranos faded to black on HBO, Rosie O'Donnell left yenta-talk show The View to the relief of many, and there was nary a mention about Joey. Well, at least no mention except from me, that is. 
(S36E01)*
Drew Carey and The Price is Right will premiere on October 15th on CBS. Just like Bob Barker's final episode, Drew Carey's inaugural episode will include some pretty spendy prizes. While the network isn't saying exactly what will be won, it does say that contestants will have a chance to win "some of the most expensive cars" ever on the game show.
No one will replace Bob Barker as host of The Price is Right. Not the statement you probably had in mind when you read the title of this post, but it is undeniably true. With 35 years and tens of thousands of episodes under his belt, Barker and TPIR became a single entity. And, at least in the short term, his successor would always be compared to Bob, no matter who was chosen to host the mother of all daytime game shows. Heck, the Pope could have been chosen to host and people would say 'Yea, the Pontiff is good, but he isn't Bob.'
It looks like the long search for the new host of The Price Is Right is down to two: Sarah Silverman and David Hasselhoff.
Before we get to this week's question, I want to respond to a number of comments I have received regarding 
I know most of you are going through Bob Barker withdrawl, so I thought I'd post this little clip to brighten your weekend a bit. 
Here are the weekly TV ratings, by number of viewers.
Celebrate the 4th by watching television!
Stargate Atlantis season five - An early look
Saving Grace season two: An early look
