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Should '"The Price is Right" continue despite Bob Barker's retirement?
Results so far:
| Yes | 63% | 352 votes | Total: 555 votes | |
| No | 37% | 203 votes |
Yes
by Coleman Wigger
Created on: July 10, 2009
I have watched the Price Is Right off and on my whole life. It was one of the few shows that stood the test of time. I think Bob Barker was one of the main reason it was such a stable show over the years. He had the charm and personality that you rarely see on television anymore. Whether it's on live television or reality or just episodes. That was definitely why my relatives tuned in to watch it when I was young. As I grew up I continued to watch the show. I would always like to see the faces of the contestants when trying to win the various games. The host would play a large part in the overall atmosphere of what was taking place. Bob was one of a kind he knew how to play on the audience and interact with them. Whether they were young or old. He certainly got along with each generation of players and audiences throughout the years while the Price Is Right aired under his reign.
Would another host do as well and should the show continue? I believe it should. Although Bob was a big part, and the main character on the show I feel that a whole generation of viewers and contestants would miss out of a part of history were the show not on. The older generation will probably still enjoy the show because they can relate to the old saying that the show must go on. The younger ones can experience the same show but with new twists and maybe just as an exciting of a host.
I can see the concern over losing Bob but I can also see the need for the show to continue. As I said it has been a stable part of so many peoples lives over the years. It's like a member of the family to some viewers. People watch episodes like these because they can relate to the contestants. They may feel a special connection to the host but they realize things change as well. The Price Is Right should not die just because the host retires. Bob will surely be missed forever but we must make room for someone to take over on every show sooner or later. If not, all the great shows will suffer and be lost to the past greats.
They have been many game show host through the years on various timeslots and channels. Few have lasted long enough to get a following. The Price Is Right was fortunate enough to get an unmatched amount of groupies. Just because the main man steps down to retire and enjoy some time without working I don't think the fans should have to suffer by losing their television program. Bob deserves to retire and take it easy. He had a great time and maybe it's time to turn over the reigns to someone else.
Just to sum up my feelings on this issue I think the show should keep on airing. As long as they stay true to the atmosphere and tradition the show has had for so long I believe it will endure. I think it should endure. It was a part of so many peoples lives and we all look forward to tuning in every day to watch the Price Is Right not just the man of the hour. The show should keep going as long as the Price Is Right for its viewers.
Learn more about this author, Coleman Wigger.
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No
by Melody Landeros
Created on: September 07, 2009
Bob Barker is "The Price is Right," and anyone who tries to fill his shoes will not have feet large enough to fill them. The show was about more than games and prizes. The show was about everyone having fun because Bob Barker had that special charm that with one expression could make anyone laugh. The show was about the excitement of being chosen, and each contestant could be a family member, neighbor, friend or someone across town. Watching the reactions of contestants was more entertaining than the actual prizes they competed for. Some of the most memorable moments are the dances people performed in their excitement or their gymnastics of jumping up and down and looking as though they were about to faint from the shock of winning.
The show today with Drew Carey lacks the luster of Bob Barker. Drew Carey though trying to carve his style, his manner of running the show lacks the finesse of Bob Barker. Bob Barker had an air of reverence that people who were fortunate to get to the stage were obviously awed by his presence. He knew how to draw out the suspense making a person wait to the point of high excitement and with a sweep of his hand a smile and a "you've won" bring an entertaining end to a "Price is Right" game. And even when he became frail and had to be careful to sidestep people's extreme excitement, anyone could see how genuinely delighted he was that someone won the prize of their dreams.
Bob Barker knew his games, his sponsor's products and how to present a balance to all of them. Plinko or a new car didn't matter; he managed to bring excitement for all the games and prizes. Unfortunately today, the show is a predictable formula, three games, one of which has a car, spinning the big wheel, and finally the showcase. Without Bob Barker, some of the familiar games such as Cliff Hanger, Plinko or Hole in One are seldom played now. Too often the game is guessing the price of the car with the seven dollars or front end and back end prices. The Price Is Right is slowly becoming a boring source of entertainment. Perhaps the game show will cancel in another season, or slowly fade.
Many old familiar sponsor products are gone and the new products offered such as high-priced handbags by Prada or Coach have lost the charm for those of us in Middle-America. This lack luster excitement for some of the prizes is also obvious in the faces of contestants, so how is it possible for the audience to feel excited when even contestants do not have the excitement generated when Bob Barker stood in that spot?
"The Price is Right" was a fabulous game show hosted by a legend who is missed, and appreciated for all the years of entertainment he provided for us. He is missed for his legendary message to have pets spayed or neutered, which he said out of conviction for the need for responsible pet ownership. Bob Barker will remain in the memories and hearts of the audience who loves "The Price is Right," and remembered for all the laughter and touching moments he created. Kudos to you Bob Barker!
Learn more about this author, Melody Landeros.
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