[Ccook50]

Most of western civilization is aware that next month, Bob Barker will retire as host of The Price Is Right after 35 years. Consensus speculation seems to indicate that whoever the production company (Fremantle) and CBS get to replace him that the show will tank in the ratings.

When CBS brought The Price Is Right back to TV in 1972, nobody thought Barker could host it as the original version (1956-65)* was hosted by Bill Cullen and he was associated with the show by name alone. Barker proved the naysayers wrong. There have been some speculation as to who will be the new host based on tryout tapings, some reasonable, some way out in left field.

Rich Fields, Price announcer. The audiences love him and he seems to bring some enthusiasm and knowledge of the show.

Todd Newton. He's had seasoning from the Harrah's Price Is Right shows he's done in Las Vegas, Atlantic City and San Diego.

George Hamilton, actor. They claim he's testing well, but fans say he's too laid back and could be unfamiliar with the set-up.

John O'Hurley, actor, currently hosting Family Feud. He's already off the short list, but his future on Feud is unclear as the show's renewal for fall hasn't been announced.

Rosie O'Donnell's name has even been bantered. She'd love the job but Fremantle isn't interested. She's become too much of a polarizing figure of late.

Whoever gets the gig will have to give it the best shot they can and maintain the same enthusiasm Barker has. 'Tain't gonna be easy.

*--This version was done from New York City and had the contestants participating in auction-style bidding. Quite far from the current show, it still had the same objective--come closest to the price without going over.