Drew Carey is the new Bob Barker

Comedian Drew Carey will become the new face of CBS' "The Price Is Right," network sources confirmed this afternoon. The decision concludes a yearlong search to replace the iconic Bob Barker, who hosted the hit daytime program for the last 35 years and retired earlier this summer.

Carey is scheduled to announce his new position tonight on "Late Show With David Letterman."

"During your ‘Harry Potter’ bit," Carey said to Letterman. "Honestly it was like 15 minutes ago – they called me. It’s a done deal.  I’m the new host of ‘The Price Is Right.’”

Letterman's sidekick, Paul Shaffer, and the CBS Orchestra played the theme to “The Price Is Right” in honor of Carey’s announcement.

Carey said that he’s not sure when he’s going to start working on “The Price Is Right,” but did say that already “my girlfriend was on the phone with a personal shopper from Bergdorf’s.”

Carey is also host of CBS's new game show “Power of 10,” which premieres Tuesday, Aug. 7.

-- Martin Miller

(Photo: Ann Johansson / AP)

Comments

[Renee]

I cannot think of a more appropriate successor. Drew is the prefect selection.

[Cheryl]

I think Drew will do a great job hosting TPIR. I'm really glad CBS didn't go with Rosie O'Donnell as a replacement for Bob. I'm sure she would have turned it into some political show.

[Charles Johnson]

I Think Drew Carey Is The worst person for the job to replace Bob Barker.

[Martin]

What a disappointment! Drew Carey may have made a good replacement for the Maytag Repairman, but not for Bob Barker. Selecting a good emcee for the Price is Right could have made the show remain a big hit, but with Drew Carey at the helm, I'm afraid it's going to be a sinking ship. All the shows Drew Carey has done have been average at best with he often as the worst part of the show. The only selections who would have been worse are Rosie O'Donnell or Michael Moore. Blah, shame on you, CBS.

[Marti]

CBS made a terrible choice in selecting Drew Carey for The Price Is Right. Drew Carey was not funny on his own sitcom show and the other comedians on Who's Line is It Anway made the show. I just could not envision myself coming down and kissing Drew Carey as I don't find him attractive. I believe that Chuck Woolery would made the best choice! I guess I won't be watching The Price is Right anymore.

[Average Viewer]

I'm not exactly a Drew Carey fan, but he's pretty funny. He's spontaneous with his humor, laughs with his guests and has had game-show success in the past. I grew up watching Bob and he seemed to laugh a bit more and more as the years went on. I think this will be a good transition.

[Mary]

Very disappointed!!! Of course there is NO replacement for Bob Barker, but Drew is way to crude for the show. Rosie? NEVER!

[Michael Collins]

Drew Carey cannot replace Bob Barker (no one can) - but with a slighty different format, Drew can make the PIRS go onward with its continued success and have the support of its long time viewer (like me - since day one).

CBS you did good ...

[William A. Lewis]

Drew is doing good so far as the new star of The Price Is Right give him time he will get better as the months go by.

[D.L. Chandell]

Here's the deal.

Let me clarify that I am indeed a Drew Carey fan indeed.
However, I am more so a fan and an advocate for classic television and said format.

That having been said, let me clarify this for the people reading out there.
While Carey is doing his hardest to carry the show and not necessarily emulate either the vibe of TPIR nor the wit and ambiance of Bob Barker, of which Drew himself would tell you he cannot replace, better candidates for the host (in order from top to bottom) included John O'Hurley, George Hamilton, and Todd Newton (who was actually in the audience on a 2005 episode of "Price", without one mention by Barker, for some VERY strange reason). Drew Carey is funny, possesses a certain wit, and carries a personality all his own that pleases many a soul in America.

But the show tends to carry itself these days, thanks to the remaining classic music cues utilized on the show, not to mention the success of remaking the "TPIR" theme song without killing it all together as it was done back in 1994 on the syndicated half-hour, three-contestant, alternate version of the show that was indeed a major travesty.

The ONLY reason why Drew Carey was hired to host "TPIR" today, if you pay careful enough attention, is his ability to speak fast... fast enough to close out segments fast and go to commercial breaks.

Thus, advancing the cause to denigrate the integrity of television in the 21st century.

Always Watching,
D.L. CHANDELL
Music & Entertainment Analyst and Historian,
DLC IndustryWatch

[No longer at TPIR fan]

I used to love TPIR with Bob Barker, but now I find it very boring, thanks to Drew Carey. I swear, if you took everything he said over and over, it would be a 20 minute show. I have actually heard him say the contestant's name SEVEN TIMES in a row. He just repeats the same lines over and over which Bob Barker never did. Surely, there had to have been a better choice to be the new emcee....and personally I think Rosie would have been way funnier, assuming she didn't use the show as a venue for her political beliefs.