What Happened to The Price Is Right (TV Game Show)?
The Price Is Right is an iconic American television game show franchise that originated in 1956 and was famously revived in 1972. It continues to be a daytime television staple, hosted by Drew Carey since 2007, and remains highly popular, celebrating its 54th season in 2025-2026. The show recently announced its first-ever live primetime Christmas special for December 2026 and saw a contestant win a record-breaking prize of over $240,000 in May 2026.
Quick Answer
As of May 2026, The Price Is Right continues its successful run on CBS, hosted by Drew Carey, airing its 54th season. The show remains a top-rated daytime program and is set to air its first-ever live primetime Christmas special in December 2026, marking a significant format change. In a notable recent event, a contestant achieved a record-breaking single-game win of over $240,000 on May 8, 2026. A Canadian primetime spinoff, 'The Price Is Right Tonight,' hosted by Howie Mandel, also premiered in March 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline16 events
Original 'The Price Is Right' Debuts
The original version of 'The Price Is Right' premiered on NBC, hosted by Bill Cullen.
Original Series Canceled
The initial run of 'The Price Is Right' concluded after nine years on air.
Revived Version Premieres on CBS
A revamped version, initially titled 'The New Price Is Right,' debuted on CBS with Bob Barker as host, introducing many of the distinctive gameplay elements still seen today.
Bob Barker Retires, Drew Carey Takes Over
Legendary host Bob Barker retired after 35 years, and comedian Drew Carey was announced as his successor, continuing the show's enduring popularity.
George Gray Becomes Announcer
George Gray took over as the show's announcer, following in the footsteps of Johnny Olson and Rod Roddy.
'The Price Is Right at Night' Primetime Specials Begin
CBS began airing special primetime editions of the show, featuring celebrity guests and themed episodes.
50th Season Premiere (1972 version)
The 1972 revival of 'The Price Is Right' kicked off its milestone 50th season on CBS.
50th Anniversary Primetime Special Airs
A two-hour primetime special celebrated 50 years of the CBS version, featuring a look back at memorable moments and a tribute to Bob Barker.
Inducted into NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame
The Price Is Right was honored with induction into the National Association of Broadcasters Broadcasting Hall of Fame.
Bob Barker Passes Away
Longtime and beloved host Bob Barker passed away at the age of 99.
10,000th Episode Airs
The Price Is Right aired its 10,000th episode, marking a significant milestone in its continuous run.
Canadian Spinoff 'The Price Is Right Tonight' Announced
Citytv announced a new Canadian primetime version of the show, 'The Price Is Right Tonight,' to be hosted by Howie Mandel, with production starting in December 2025 for a Spring 2026 premiere.
Season 54 Premieres; 'The Lion's Share' Game Debuts
The 54th season of the show premiered, introducing a new custom-branded game called 'The Lion's Share,' sponsored by BetMGM.
Canadian Spinoff 'The Price Is Right Tonight' Premieres
The Howie Mandel-hosted Canadian primetime version of 'The Price Is Right' officially premiered.
First Live Primetime Special Announced for December 2026
CBS announced that 'The Price Is Right' will air its first-ever live episode as a primetime Christmas special in December 2026, offering behind-the-scenes access.
Contestant Wins Record-Breaking Prize
Vanesa from Virginia won over $240,000 in cash and prizes while playing 'The Lion's Share,' setting a new record for the largest single-game prize in the daytime show's history.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Price Is Right has a rich history, beginning with its original run from 1956 to 1965, hosted by Bill Cullen. The show was then revamped and relaunched on CBS on September 4, 1972, with Bob Barker at the helm, a version that would become one of television's longest-running and most beloved game shows. Barker's charismatic 35-year tenure, which concluded with his retirement in June 2007, solidified the show's format of contestants guessing merchandise prices to win cash and prizes.
Upon Barker's retirement, comedian Drew Carey took over as host, successfully continuing the show's legacy and maintaining its popularity. The show has consistently been a ratings leader in daytime television, frequently ranking as the #1 daytime program. Production is currently handled by Fremantle, and the show has adapted to modern viewing habits with streaming availability on platforms like Paramount+ and dedicated streaming channels for past episodes.
Key turning points include the celebration of its 50th season (of the 1972 revival) in 2021, marked by a primetime special, and its induction into the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2022. The show also reached its 10,000th episode milestone in February 2025. In recent developments, a significant format change was announced in April 2026: The Price Is Right will air its first-ever live primetime Christmas special in December 2026, offering unprecedented behind-the-scenes access.
Controversies have occasionally surfaced, including past lawsuits from models during a previous producer's tenure and some fan accusations of a new game, 'The Lion's Share,' being 'rigged' upon its debut in September 2025. Despite these, the show continues to innovate, with 'The Lion's Share' game itself making headlines on May 8, 2026, when contestant Vanesa from Virginia won over $240,000 in cash and prizes, setting a new record for the largest single-game prize in the show's daytime history. Furthermore, a Canadian primetime spinoff, 'The Price Is Right Tonight,' hosted by Howie Mandel, premiered in March 2026, expanding the franchise's global footprint.
As of May 8, 2026, Drew Carey has expressed his intention to continue hosting as long as he is able, following in the footsteps of Bob Barker's long tenure. The show remains a cultural phenomenon, consistently introducing new pricing games and prizes while maintaining its beloved core format, ensuring its enduring appeal to generations of viewers.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if The Price Is Right (TV Game Show) made different choices?