7/24/2007
Drew Carey Come on Down!
Calling all game show fans, if you have not already heard the news, the long awaited answer to the question of who will replace Bob Barker has finally been answered. So instead of seeing the image of a silver haired man with a big smile and wrinkly skin walking through the door, you will now be treated to the sight of a heavyset guy with a crew cut and thick-rimmed glasses walking through the door. If you don't know who I'm talking about, his name is Drew Carey, a man who has spent the bulk of his career in stand-up comedy. He has now been asked by the brain trust of the Columbia Broadcasting System to transition himself into a competent and fun-loving game show host. The added pressure for Drew is that he is replacing a legend within the industry. A man who is without question the gold standard for every new and aspiring game show host worldwide. A man who is probably the only television that is beloved by both the elderly and young. It will be hard to replace 35 years of Bob Barker, but Drew Carey is a combination of wit and charm that will prove to be a nice contrast to the nervous and overly excitable contestants that "The Price is Right" has to offer. Here now, I like to offer you three reasons why I feel Drew Carey was selected to at least attempt to try and fill the shoes of a television legend.
1. He was the most high profile name in the running: I based this on that fact that Drew had both a highly successful situation comedy and improv show on the air for the better part of the last decade. While Price's core audience of elderly people and housewives most likely have no idea who he is, he is well known enough to keep the show's ratings strong. I'm confident that his everyman approach will win viewers over in due time.
2. No Ego: Most Comics who end up hosting a game show do it to further their career and perhaps move on to something better. These hosts usually ignore the importance of the game and put the importance of the show on themselves. Drew has already had a good career, and seems like a down to earth guy who will try to make the contestants the stars of the show rather than himself.
3. Has the ability to Ad-Lib quite well: Drew showcased a knack for coming up with quick jokes on Whose Line Is It Anyway, and given the unpredictable nature of the contestants, it should create for some funny moments between Drew and the players.
In conclusion, I like to offer you Barker Devotees a word of advice: Although there will never be another Bob Barker, I feel that at the very least you should give Drew a chance at his new job. He may flat out stink or he may be really good but there's no denying that he is at least worthy of your viewing. The Barker era is now officially over, here's to the Enjoyment and prosperity of the Carey era. Good luck Drew, I'll be watching!
1. He was the most high profile name in the running: I based this on that fact that Drew had both a highly successful situation comedy and improv show on the air for the better part of the last decade. While Price's core audience of elderly people and housewives most likely have no idea who he is, he is well known enough to keep the show's ratings strong. I'm confident that his everyman approach will win viewers over in due time.
2. No Ego: Most Comics who end up hosting a game show do it to further their career and perhaps move on to something better. These hosts usually ignore the importance of the game and put the importance of the show on themselves. Drew has already had a good career, and seems like a down to earth guy who will try to make the contestants the stars of the show rather than himself.
3. Has the ability to Ad-Lib quite well: Drew showcased a knack for coming up with quick jokes on Whose Line Is It Anyway, and given the unpredictable nature of the contestants, it should create for some funny moments between Drew and the players.
In conclusion, I like to offer you Barker Devotees a word of advice: Although there will never be another Bob Barker, I feel that at the very least you should give Drew a chance at his new job. He may flat out stink or he may be really good but there's no denying that he is at least worthy of your viewing. The Barker era is now officially over, here's to the Enjoyment and prosperity of the Carey era. Good luck Drew, I'll be watching!
