"The Price Is Right" first aired way back in 1956 with host Bill Cullen. Although the show took a break, it was later revamped and brought back to television in 1972 with legendary host, Bob Barker. Barker has been telling contestants to come on down for over 35 years, however, his time came to an end after he announces his retirement in 2007.
Although Bob Barker will forever remain the face of "The Price Is Right", newly appointed host, Drew Carey has been doing a stellar job. With over 8,000 episodes and 35 years on-screen, it's only fitting for us to wonder just how much in prizes Bob Barker has given away. Here's the shocking number that "The Price Is Right" has gifted its winners over the last 4 decades!
Come On Down!
If there is one television host that will go down in history as being one of the best, it is without a doubt the incomparable, Bob Barker! Barker first began hosting "The Price Is Right" back in 1972 and did so up until his retirement in 2007. With 35 years of hosting under his belt, Bob Barker has truly seen it all. The star joins the ranks of other major game show hosts including Pat Sajak and Alex Trebek of "Wheel Of Fortune" and "Jeopardy!".
While Drew Carey, who took over Bob Barker's job in 2007, has been doing an absolutely stellar job, there is no one that can ever come close to the magic that Bob Barker brought to the hit game show. According to Mental Floss, during Barker's reign as host, the studio saw 2.4 million audience members and ran for nearly 8,000 episodes! Everyone remembers those lazy mornings at grandmas or sick days from school where you'd hear "come on down" and pure bliss would follow.
Whether the show was giving away a blender, motorized scooter, gym equipment, outdoor furniture, or a BRAND NEW CAR, the prizes were endless and could be won if contestant guessed the correct price! While the show itself was always a fun time, it was the final showcase that really got fans going. Whether it be a week-long lavish vacation, an at-home spa, or an entertainment set, "The Price Is Right" was always ready to hand over the best of the best, but only if the price was right!
After 35 years on air, Bob Barker has managed to give away a whopping quarter of a billion dollars! The biggest prize to date was won by Sheree Heil back in 2013 who took home an Audi R8 Spyder, which costs roughly $150,000! While the studio offers prizes, contestants do have to pay tax upfront on them, since it is technically considered an income.
With that being said, many contestants are unable to collect their prizes due to the hefty tax fee, meaning many prizes get left behind and recycled back into the show! So, who knows just how much "The Price Is Right" would have really given away if every single winner collected their prizes!
