The Price Is Right: who will replace Barker?

[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.

[Cassini90125]

If I had to pick from the listed choices, I'd go with George Hamilton. He's a likable guy, and I think he could potentially do a dang good job. Alas, whoever gets the job has a very tough act to follow; one has to wonder how long TPIR will survive without Barker.

[AerostarMonk]

I'm going to let you in on a little secret, the next host is me. They said they wanted a fresh face and to bring in the youth audiences. So after a long auditioning process they finally decided on me. I'm so happy. I've watched Price Is Right ever since I was a little kid. And yes, I promise more Plinko.

[Medikor]

John O'Hurley... is he the guy who narrates the coarse light beer commercials? If I'm thinking of the same guy then I think he would be great for the role.
But why would they even keep the show running after Barker leaves? They know it will die out after he does, right? Oh and Rosie O'Donnell should not even be considered for anything. She has become such a bitter and hateful person that can't keep her feud with Trump from spoiling every appearance she makes and has no business on TV anymore. That's how I feel anyway.

[Cassini90125]

I'd consider using her as an anchor or reactor shielding but that's about it.

If they want to have a woman host the show, I would love for it to be former TPIR model Holly Hallstrom. Barker and co. fired her for allegedly weighing too much, and put her through legal hell for years afterwards. Her replacing Barker would be wonderful revenge for her fans.

[Medikor]

A female host would be neat. Good thinking Cassini! As long as the host is good and not just put in for the sake of change then it could be refreshing. I honestly can't think someone who would be good as a host but, for some unknown reason, I feel that Tyra Banks might be good.

[Ccook50]

Not Tyra. She's an egomaniac.

A female host wouldn't be out of the question, though. Last year, Ricki Lake hosted the Price Is Right portion of CBS's Gameshow Marathon, and in the early 1960s, Arlene Francis filled in for Bill Cullen on the show.

[Medikor]

[quote=Ccook50;42824]Not Tyra. She's an egomaniac.[quote]

I'll have to take your word on that. I've never really seen her show. I guess no one can really fill Barkers shoes and do it justice.

[Ccook50]

Keep in mind that three syndicated nighttime editions of Price had others hosting that weren't Barker. Here's how they fared:

1972-80 version: Dennis James. His tenure lasted four years. He retired in 1976 and was replaced by Barker.

1985-86 version: Tom Kennedy. Tom knew his beans about Price (especially since original Price host Bill Cullen was his brother-in-law), but this version lasted only one season. The juggernaut double shot of Wheel Of Fortune and Jeopardy! was taking firm hold in the syndicated arena at this point.

1994-95 version: Doug Davidson. He was one of the stars of the CBS soap The Young & The Restless, but on a game show he was a deer in the headlights. This version ran only four-and-a-half months, barely making a blip on the ratings radar.

[One Radical Dude]

Ugh, anyone but Rosie O'Donnell (why is she even being mentioned?). She has really lost it, and her radical statements are enough to make me be sick of her. I won't say anymore about O'Donnell than that.

Anyway, I believe it's going to be mighty difficult to replace Bob Barker.