The Host Is Right

Nobody can possibly replace Bob Barker. But for The Price Is Right to continue its 6,371 episode run, somebody needed to step into Barker's shoes. Many people (some famous, some not-so-much) auditioned for the role. CBS was in no hurry to make a decision, allowing Barker to ride off into the sunset with no clue as to who his successor would be or when he would be named. TPIR's future was uncertain.

Until today. CBS made a fantastic decision in selecting Drew Carey as the new host of The Price Is Right. The self-effacing, happy-go-lucky, impeccably likeable Carey is a dynamite choice to take over the show. Barker was a tall, dark, and handsome commanding presence that you knew was calling the shots on that show. Colorful contestants would come and go, but the star was Barker. While someone like John O'Hurley could pull off that leading man role, CBS went in a different direction. Like he did in Who's Line Is It Anyway, Carey will inject his talent for off-the-cuff humor into the now-familiar pricing games without demanding (or even desiring) that people bow down and worship at the altar of him.

Carey is one of the nice guys of Hollywood -- a true everyman, an average Joe. For a show that's all about giving regular people their chance to "Come on Down!" and enjoy the spotlight for a few minutes, Carey is the perfect fit. Plus, he's a huge soccer fan and a libertarian. How could I not love the man?