For decades, this iconic game show has captivated audiences with its thrilling prizes, energetic contestants, and unforgettable moments. From luxurious cars to quirky giveaways like a live peacock, it’s a staple of American television history. With legendary hosts, an electrifying atmosphere, and some surprising behind-the-scenes secrets, this show has remained a fan favorite since its debut in 1956. Think you know which game show we’re talking about? Here’s your hint: “Come on down!” and take a closer look at the facts!

Everything You Need to Know About “The Price Is Right”

For over six decades, The Price Is Right has captured the hearts of millions of viewers across the United States. First debuting in 1956, this beloved game show allows contestants to guess the prices of products to win prizes ranging from luxurious cars to extravagant vacations, and even some surprisingly quirky items. The charm of the show lies not just in its simplicity but also in the relatable contestants, high-energy atmosphere, and charismatic hosts like Bob Barker and Drew Carey.

Beyond the vibrant stage and the familiar cry of “Come on down!” lies a treasure trove of little-known facts and behind-the-scenes stories. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a casual viewer, here are 30 fascinating details that reveal the rich history and quirky charm of The Price Is Right.

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A Long-Standing Game Show Legacy

The Price Is Right premiered in 1956 on NBC, and from the start, it was a hit. Within a decade, the show aired over 11,000 episodes, surpassing other long-running game shows like Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune in sheer output. After initially airing on NBC, the show moved to ABC and eventually found its permanent home on CBS in 1972. This remarkable longevity has made The Price Is Right one of the most enduring game shows in television history, and it shows no signs of slowing down.

Bob Barker’s Silver Hair Transformation

Bob Barker became the face of the show in 1972, replacing original host Bill Cullen. While audiences loved him from the beginning, a personal grooming decision in 1987 elevated his status even further. During a vacation, Barker stopped dyeing his hair, letting his natural gray shine through. When he returned, viewers adored his new look, and ratings actually increased. Barker’s decision to embrace his “silver fox” persona added to his charm and cemented his iconic status.

“Free” Prizes Come With a Catch

Winning a brand-new car or a dream vacation sounds amazing, but contestants quickly discover there’s a catch. In California, all prizes are considered taxable income, meaning winners must pay taxes based on the full retail value of their rewards. Some contestants have even turned down big-ticket prizes to avoid the financial burden. One infamous case involved a man declining $10,000 in cash to prevent sharing it with his ex-wife!

Bob Barker’s Passion for Animal Rights

Bob Barker’s dedication to animal welfare is well-known, thanks to his signature sign-off: “Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered.” But his advocacy went far beyond words. In 1987, he threatened to quit hosting the Miss USA Pageant unless contestants replaced real fur with faux fur. After retiring from the show, Barker donated $2.5 million to PETA, funding their Los Angeles headquarters, which now bears his name: the Bob Barker Building.

Mistakes That Cost the Show Big

Live television always comes with the risk of mistakes, and The Price Is Right is no exception. In one memorable incident, announcer Rich Fields mistakenly described a prize as a Dell computer when it was actually an HP. Even though the contestant overbid by $5,000, the show awarded the prize because of the misinformation. These rare slip-ups remind us that even seasoned professionals aren’t immune to human error.

Bizarre Prizes You Wouldn’t Expect

While most contestants dream of winning a car or a tropical vacation, The Price Is Right has occasionally surprised players with some truly oddball prizes. One lucky winner took home a live peacock, while others have won a Ferris wheel, a submarine, and even an entire island. Perhaps the most eclectic prize was a full suit of armor, paired with a trip to Scotland and a horse to complete the medieval fantasy!

Drew Carey’s Winning Strategy

When Drew Carey replaced Bob Barker in 2007, producers worried about maintaining the show’s fan base. To ease the transition, they decided to make the games slightly easier to win. For Carey’s first few months, contestants saw higher success rates, which kept the energy high and viewers tuning in. Over time, Carey established his own style, proving that The Price Is Right could thrive with a new host.

Game Show Fun at Home

The popularity of The Price Is Right has led to the creation of numerous spin-offs, including video games, board games, and even a card game. The first official Price Is Right card game was released in 1958, predating classic strategy games like Risk. Today, fans can still find these games in stores, allowing them to recreate the excitement of the show at home.

Retail Prices Reflect California Costs

The retail prices featured on The Price Is Right are based on stores in California, where the show is filmed. This regional pricing can make it challenging for contestants from other states to guess accurately. The show keeps the specific retailers anonymous to prevent fans from trying to verify prices or lobby for changes.

Delayed Gratification for Winners

Contestants don’t get to drive off in their new car or board their cruise immediately after filming. To keep results under wraps until the episode airs, winners must wait weeks or even months to claim their prizes. While the delay can be frustrating, it helps preserve the suspense for viewers at home.

Strict Anti-Cheating Measures

Unlike some game shows that have faced cheating scandals, The Price Is Right has maintained a squeaky-clean reputation. The production team takes every precaution to ensure fairness, from verifying contestants’ eligibility to closely monitoring gameplay.

The Grueling Casting Process

Getting on The Price Is Right isn’t just a matter of showing up. Audience members must wait for hours and undergo interviews with casting producer Stan Blits, who looks for high-energy, personable individuals. If you’re not enthusiastic enough, you won’t make the cut!

A Unique Microphone Design

The show’s distinctive long, thin microphone wasn’t just chosen for aesthetics. Its design helps contestants feel more comfortable and prevents them from instinctively grabbing it, allowing the host to maintain control of the conversation.

Drew Carey’s Generosity

When contestants guess the exact price of a prize, Drew Carey pulls $500 in cash from his own pocket to reward them. Unlike other prizes, this mini-reward isn’t funded by the show—it’s a personal gesture from Carey himself. Over the years, he’s given away over $187,000 this way.

Vanna White’s Humble Start

Before becoming a household name on Wheel of Fortune, Vanna White appeared as a contestant on The Price Is Right in 1980. Although she didn’t win anything, the experience marked the beginning of her game show career.

Male Models Join the Team

In 2012, The Price Is Right broke tradition by hiring its first male model, Rob Wilson. Since then, both male and female models have graced the stage, reflecting the show’s evolving inclusivity.

The Gatekeeper of Contestants

Stan Blits, the show’s casting producer, has the final say on who gets to compete. He evaluates each potential contestant for energy, humor, and sincerity, ensuring they’ll bring excitement to the stage.

Bob Barker’s Movie Cameo

Bob Barker famously appeared in the 1996 film Happy Gilmore, where he hilariously fought Adam Sandler. The scene became a fan favorite, and Barker even reprised the bit at a charity event years later.

A Bathroom Break Gone Wrong

One contestant hilariously missed her name being called because she was in the bathroom. The delay caused a funny on-air moment as Bob Barker joked about her absence.

Hundreds of Cars Given Away

Cars are one of the most iconic prizes on the show, and with an average of three cars featured per episode, the total number given away is staggering. To keep things fresh, the show rotates through a wide variety of makes and models.

The Ferrari That Got Away

In 2013, The Price Is Right showcased one of its most luxurious prizes ever: a Ferrari 458 Spider worth $285,000. The sleek sports car dazzled both the audience and the contestant playing for it. However, to avoid overspending, producers didn’t purchase the car outright—they rented it, only planning to buy it if the contestant won. Unfortunately, the contestant failed to secure the victory, leaving the Ferrari untouched and viewers sighing in disappointment. It remains one of the rarest prizes ever featured on the show.

Aaron Paul’s Early Appearance

Before skyrocketing to fame as Jesse Pinkman on Breaking Bad, Aaron Paul was a contestant on The Price Is Right in 1999. Dressed in a youthful outfit complete with glasses and a big smile, Paul enthusiastically proclaimed his love for Bob Barker, calling him his “idol.” Although he didn’t win any significant prizes, his energy and charisma foreshadowed the breakout success he would achieve as an actor. Clips of his appearance have since gone viral, delighting fans of both the actor and the game show.

A Perfect Showcase Bid

It’s incredibly rare for contestants to guess the exact price of their Showcase prize down to the dollar, but Terry Kniess achieved this improbable feat in 2008. His perfect bid of $23,743 stunned everyone, including Drew Carey, who initially suspected foul play. Production stopped for 45 minutes as the crew investigated the incident, but no evidence of cheating was found. Kniess later revealed that his strategy involved studying pricing patterns from previous episodes—a testament to his meticulous preparation.

22,000 Kisses for Bob Barker

Over his 35 years as host, Bob Barker became a beloved figure among contestants and viewers alike. Many contestants couldn’t resist the chance to give him a kiss on the cheek, and by the time he retired, CBS estimated that he had received approximately 22,000 kisses. Barker handled the affection with his signature charm, further endearing himself to fans as one of television’s most iconic hosts.

Deafening Cheers from the Audience

The energy of The Price Is Right audience is unparalleled, with cheers and applause filling the studio throughout each episode. Sometimes, the noise becomes so loud that contestants can’t hear their names being called. To combat this, producers use large cue cards with names written on them, ensuring no one misses their moment in the spotlight. Dedicated fans even bring earplugs to cope with the noise while still enjoying the excitement.

Wardrobe Malfunction on Stage

In 1977, contestant Yolanda Bowersley made an unforgettable impression when her blouse accidentally slipped during her enthusiastic dash to the stage. The brief mishap left both the audience and Bob Barker in stitches, with Barker quipping, “I’ve never had a welcome like this before!” Despite the embarrassing moment, Yolanda’s energy and humor turned the incident into one of the most talked-about moments in the show’s history.

Unrelenting Energy on Set

The vibrant atmosphere of The Price Is Right doesn’t drop during commercial breaks. Producers encourage the audience to continue clapping, cheering, and hollering even when the cameras aren’t rolling. This constant enthusiasm ensures a seamless transition back into the show. Audience members are expected to maintain high energy for hours, making it both an exhilarating and exhausting experience.

Plinko Game Mishap

Plinko is one of the most beloved games on The Price Is Right, but it once caused an unexpected headache for producers. During a promo shoot, the Plinko board was rigged to guarantee a win. Unfortunately, the rigging wasn’t reset before taping an actual episode, and a contestant hit the $10,000 slot three times in a row. Realizing their mistake, producers awarded the money and laughed off the error as a lesson in double-checking the set.

The Science of the Big Wheel

Spinning the iconic Big Wheel might seem like pure fun, but researchers have actually studied the psychology and strategy behind it. The Royal Economic Society published a paper titled “To Spin or Not to Spin?” analyzing how contestants make decisions under pressure. The study revealed that players often deviate from optimal strategies when faced with tough choices, proving that the thrill of the game can overwhelm even the most calculated minds.

Florence Henderson’s Funny Moment

In a 2012 Mother’s Day special, The Price Is Right welcomed Florence Henderson, known for her role as Mrs. Brady on The Brady Bunch. Henderson was asked to sit in the passenger seat of an SUV that was being offered as a prize. However, in the excitement, the driver accidentally drove the car into the set wall. Fortunately, the collision was minor, and everyone had a good laugh. Henderson’s presence and the unexpected mishap made the episode particularly memorable.

A Legacy That Lives On

The Price Is Right continues to delight audiences with its mix of fun, surprises, and unforgettable moments. From its legendary hosts to its eclectic prizes, the show has cemented its place as a staple of American television. Whether you’re spinning the Big Wheel, bidding on a showcase, or just cheering from your couch, the magic of The Price Is Right remains timeless.