When Drew Carey took over as the host of The Price Is Right in 2007, he found himself
stepping into the shoes of a television icon. Bob Barker, who had been at the helm of the beloved game show for 35 years, was a household name and an integral part of American pop culture. His departure marked the end of an era, and for Carey, the pressure to live up
to Barker’s legacy was overwhelming. In recent interviews, the comedian and television
personality has opened up about the fears and doubts he experienced when he first took on the role, admitting that he was deeply worried about whether he would be able to keep the show’s legacy alive—or worse, if he would be responsible for its downfall.
Carey, best known for his work on The Drew Carey Show and Whose Line Is It Anyway?, was no stranger to television, but hosting a long-running, fan-favorite game show was an entirely different challenge. Unlike his previous gigs, which relied heavily on scripted comedy or improvisational humor, The Price Is Right required a specific kind of hosting style—one that balanced enthusiasm, warmth, and a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics. Bob Barker had set an incredibly high standard, and Carey worried about whether he would be accepted by audiences who had grown up watching Barker guide contestants through the famous pricing games.
“I didn’t want to be the guy who came in and ruined everything,” Carey admitted. “It’s such an institution, and people love it so much. I was terrified that I was going to be the one who killed The Price Is Right.” His concerns weren’t unfounded—whenever a long-time host leaves a show, there is always a risk that viewers may not embrace the replacement. Even shows with strong fan followings can suffer from a change in leadership, as audiences often struggle to adjust to new personalities and styles.
Adding to Carey’s anxiety was the fact that Bob Barker himself had become synonymous with The Price Is Right. For decades, Barker’s smooth delivery, quick wit, and signature sign-off—”Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered.”—had defined the show. The thought of stepping into that role was daunting. Many game show hosts develop a personal connection with their audience, and Carey knew that Barker’s relationship with The Price Is Right fans was deeply ingrained in the show’s identity. It was a challenge not just to take over the job, but to convince longtime viewers that the show could continue without Barker at the helm.
In the early days of his tenure, Carey struggled with self-doubt. He worried that his comedic background might not translate well to the game show format, and he wasn’t sure if he could bring the same level of credibility and authority that Barker had naturally exuded. “Bob Barker had this way of making everything feel so official,” Carey said. “He had that voice, that presence. I didn’t know if I could measure up to that.”
Despite his fears, Carey gradually found his footing. Rather than trying to imitate Barker, he chose to bring his own personality to the role, infusing the show with his trademark humor and a relaxed, friendly energy. Over time, he developed his own style of hosting—one that resonated with both new viewers and longtime fans alike. He focused on making contestants feel comfortable, keeping the energy high, and ensuring that the show remained as fun and engaging as ever.
As the years passed, Carey grew more confident in his position, and audiences embraced him as the new face of The Price Is Right. What once felt like an impossible task became second nature, and today, he is widely recognized as a successful successor to Barker. The show has continued to thrive under his leadership, proving that while transitions can be difficult, they don’t have to mean the end of an era.
Looking back, Carey acknowledges that his initial fears were valid, but he is grateful for the way things turned out. “I was so worried about ruining something that people loved,” he said. “But at the end of the day, The Price Is Right isn’t about me or any one person. It’s about the game, the contestants, and the joy it brings to people. I’m just lucky to be a part of it.”
Now, more than a decade into his tenure as host, Carey has firmly established himself as a worthy successor to Bob Barker. He has embraced the legacy of the show while making it his own, proving that even the most daunting transitions can lead to continued success. Although he once feared “killing” The Price Is Right, he has instead helped it evolve, ensuring that it remains a beloved staple of daytime television for generations to come.
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