Exactly what the title says.

It's been a week...how Drew doing? Is the show better or worse with him? What are your first impressions? Is he too much a Bob clone or is he so far off the deep end that it's not even close to TPIR anymore?

Don't be afraid to post, remember, we are allowed to challenge opinions (for the good, of course). Might make some really good debate over hosting styles, personality, etc.

I figured we should do this at least a couple more times...sometime around the midway point and at the end of the season.

I'll post later so not to cloud opinions.

There is no question, the show is much better with Drew at the helm. Little things that would irritate me when Bob hosted go by unnoticed. It's nice to have a host who can hear bids, who is clearly enjoying himself, and doesn't cause backstage strife.

Yeah, I think it's an improvement. Drew still has some work to do, learning more games, how to do the Showcase reveal, and so on. But I will absolutely take a nervous Drew over a cantankerous Bob.

It's absurd to say that he's off the deep end, and that it's not TPIR anymore. (Which may not be what you think personally, but you put it up as a spectrum bound, so there it is)
Drew's hosting proves that it's not the man that makes the show, but the contestants, the games and the atmosphere. He's hosting his way, and I like it. No more "That's the first time that happened since 1981!" things, no more Temple of Bob, and much less being silly. (There's still the jumping up and down, the screaming at the car reveal, and so on, but it's not always at volume 11.)

I think Drew is doing fine, and I think he'll improve over time. We just need to be patient. As pointed out, his performance will vary from show to show, as he'll look less polished on some shows than others.
I think Bob retired at just the right time, and I would dare say that Price would only get WORSE if Bob continued. I think if he was still hosting 5 years from now, he'd only become more forgetful and more fragile. At this point, I say Price is in VERY competent hands. It's not "better", but it's certainly not "worse" either! Drew is going to continue finding his own way to host the show, and at the same time, hold on to traditions and elements that made Price so popular.

I put that spectrum end up there so that it would cover everyone's opinion. We've seen plenty of opinions (that blog, some people over there, etc.) that does get very close to that boundary, but I don't think gets there.

And no, "off the deep end" is not my descriptor of Drew.

My happiness with his enthusiasm, effort, and creation of a happy place to work behind the scenes, all combine to far outweigh my concerns with his handling of some of the show's mechanics. And there's plenty of time for him to fix those. It's going to be a far goofier show under his watch than Bob's, but when you get down to it, it's a pretty goofy format.

As always, this is just my view but it is always quite entertaining.

ERRR... as always, I offer the disclaimer that I've been a huge fan of the guy for almost 15 years now.

I LOL'ed. :-)

/One of these days I owe you a drink for that.

Right. I wanted to make sure that you were just setting up the rules, is all. Frankly, I thought that anyone who opens with "Your thoughts on DREW, please" knows what's what. So, turnabout's fair play; where are you on the spectrum?

(Understand, I'm at a point where I'm actually enjoying the show again. I would watch because it was ten o'clock and that's all there was. I'm actually seeking it out now. That ought to tell you something.)

I think he's comfortable but he talks way to low and way too fast when describing the games and giving the Actual Retail Price of a prize or Showcase. I missed Tuesday and Wednesday, did he stumble through Check Game yet? I'm sure he will. I'm only watching the show for the same reason I watched Tic Tac Dough with Jim Caldwell, it's the same old game and the revamped set looks really cool. The one thing I hate is they replaced the contestants row seats with dollar signs instead of the usual (The Price Is Right).

I lol'd hard for the first time in a LONG time. Good work. :D

It's been a rough first week, but from the Monday show to the Friday show, I've seen a vast improvement, or shall I say evolution of Drew's abilty to host this show. It's only going to get better with time folks, you wait and see.

From the start, I knew when I heard the annoucement, Drew was going to be a perfect fit for the show, just by watching how he worked on PoX and by knowing his style from his other TV projects.

Just watching Drew interact/engage with the contestants in a way I never imagined Bob doing is such a very fresh change of pace. I've been a fan of Price for years now, and watching it/DVR-ing it was just routine, but until I feel otherwise I have a new excitement and anticipation for this show.

Finally, while I am here, I also want to send out a big shout out to the CBS exec or execs who decided to put the show online to watch. I didn't even bother watching the show on my DVR the other day when it was announced there would be a pre-emption...I just went to my computer and dialed it up and enjoyed.

My opine........ he's off to a solid run. He takes the show a LOT less seriously than Bob ever did (oh noes, Drew doesn't act like the show is the end all to be all of television? Blasphemy!), yet has a warmness to him that endures throughout the show. My only real complaints is that he tends to rush to commercial where it seems like he just wants to get it over with, where several times they stay on him and the contestant for 10-15 seconds before the fade to black, and a few times it seemed like he wanted to say "Sucks to be you, we'll be right back!" But those are easily correctable mistakes.

Overall, I'd give him a B, good start, could easily be a great start.

Tyshaun

I like the way he realizes the silliness inherent in much of the show, but enthusiastically jumps right in himself (jumping up and down along with the contestants, for instance).

He is a bit rusty on moving from point A to B to C, but the person we have to directly compare him to did this for 35 years. I have little doubt that that, along with some of his other quirks (like repeating the essentials of the Showcase Showdown to every contestant to, I'm guessing, avoid any chance of forgetting to mention it at all), will fade away with experience.

And I have to say, I have a great appreciation of everything he's done to not make the models seem like second-tier participants in the events. Mentioning their names repeatedly has come up, but I can think of at least three other great moments: 1) saying in all seriousness that the model was helping him keep track of the order of punches on the Punchboard, 2) complimenting a dance that "accompanied" a trip to Scotland, and 3) the self-conscious poke about a model "going snowboarding in high heels and no pants". Without actually saying it, Drew is clearly indicating that the models are never going to be "his beauties".

(And yes, I realize the irony in my inability to remember which model was being addressed in all of those cases.)

Anyway, I'm very enthusiastic about the show now, and I fully intend to keep watching, online if not on TV.

I give him a 7.

PROS:
-He GETS IT.
-He takes a step back to let the contestant shine.
-He seems genuinely happy when a contestant wins.
-Has great interaction with contestants.
-Very cordial and sincere.

CONS:
-He rushes, esp. when going to commercial or closing out the show (not his fault as its not even 40 mins. of show)
-Gets kinda repetitive (saying "Welcome back to 'The Price is Right!" after every commercial break, "Rich Fields, who's next?")...he'll get that when he loosens up more.
-Sometimes, the interaction comes across as awkward, but that's not his fault. Getting less "420" fratboys (which the producers seems to be doing) could correct that.
-He could also stand to inject more drama into his voice (i.e. on reveals), and maybe use better transitions to commercial, dependent on when a contestant wins or loses. He'll figure that out, though.

That being said, he makes mistakes that any rookie should make. At least he doesn't look like a blithering ninny who's there just for the paycheck.

And as for the show itself, I love how it seems energetic, yet not over-the-top. Feels like the TPiR of the early-80s, where everyone was there to have fun. I love how the audience "soul-claps" during the theme song now. :-)

I would like to echo everyone else's comments. He's off to a good if not great start, but he does have one flaw; I don't know if it's his own habit, but he talks a wee bit too fast. What I would like to see in the future is Drew giving each contestant a short interview and establishing an on-camera relationship with the models and especially Rich Fields just to enhance the family-like feel of the show. But so far, TPIR seems to be in good shape as far as the hosting goes; let's just hope we see success in the future.

I think Drew is doing fine. I don't think you can say the show is better, because it's still early, and Bob was the consummate professional. In a couple of years, yeah.

The one thing he does I really dislike is the always asking each contestant in the wheel spinning to say hello to someone. This was always my least favourite part of the show under Bob, when they'd grab the microphone and start yelling out props to the homies back home. Frankly, nobody cares, and you're sitting with them watching the show by the time it airs anyway. And it always seems to take the focus away from the wheel. So often a guy is still in his spiel when he's just hit a $1.00, or gone over, or whatever.

And now, instead of being occasional, now it's practically required. Grrr.

Oh, and a couple of times he's come close to mocking the sponsors with things like "Yum, those hot dogs will be really tasty on that fine china", etc. I'll be interested to see how that goes in the future.

I think he's done pretty well myself..he just needs time to get really familiar with the games and get comfortable in the role. He'll have ups and downs (especially since the episodes are going to be shown out of order), but once he gets, say, about half a season under his belt, I think he'll settle in nicely. With rumors that Guiding Light and/or Young and the Restless might be asked to make signifigant cost reductions or even be axed entirely, that sort of helps TPIR in a way, as it gives Drew and the gang time. I wouldn't worry about ratings just yet- I think CBS will give it two or three seasons before making any major announcements about the shows future.

I don't really mind the mandatory shout-outs while the wheel is spinning, except for something that Drew has no control over--Mr. Director, when the wheel is about to stop, CUT TO IT. I don't care if Thomas hasn't finished naming his golfing partners yet.

Excellent point. I've really enjoyed the increased interaction with them, like we used to have with Holly and Dian etc, when we got to hear them speak a lot, etc.

And not just in an eye candy manner. More interaction makes them more interesting, turns them into actual components of the show, instead of just being a pretty face waving a hand in front of a dishwasher. Made them much more attractive too, still lust after Holly after all these years. :)

Definitely a big improvement.

I like Drew, I like how sincere he is, I like that he obviously cares about doing well, I like the fact that he seems to be trying to turn the models into a part of an on-air "family" like the good old days, and I like that we're hearing rules to pricing games explained again. (Toward the end, it would get on my nerves when Bob would just hand a contestant seven dollars and say "Give us the second number." Yes, Bob, and...?)

I wouldn't have been able to watch the new episodes had CBS not put them online. So MAJOR POINTS to CBS for the move...

I think Drew is doing a fine job so far. He's doing a great job making sure the contestant is the star... and I truly love that laugh!

One thing I was discussing with my mom (who has not seen Drew's hosting yet; she picks The View over TPIR...shame!) was this exact thing, and she brought up that one of the things that annoyed her the most about Bob was when somebody didn't remember how to play a particularly well-known game like "Check Game" or "Ten Chances," and he'd make some snide comment about how the person must not be a true fan of the show. I agreed with her, and am very glad Drew's not doing it...yet, anyway...:)

I'll say that I, too, am really liking Drew's hosting thus far. He's funny, seems to really care about the contestants, and looks like he's having a great time. Any of my complaints are just things that I'd expect any new host to make, and I'm sure he'll fix them over time, like the super-quick throws to commercial even after a big win and the cliche comments after coming back from a commercial break (though I do laugh when he says, "I hope you enjoyed your trip to the bathroom or the fridge," basically acknowledging that most of us aren't seeing Wilford Brimley telling us to check our blood sugar and check it often!).

As far as him building suspense goes, I LOVE that he's not doing the whole "I'm going to fake like I'll reveal this and stop midway five times" like Bob did, but I do think that, for big-prize reveals, he could stand to drag it out just a tad, time permitting. That being said, though, I thought the way he handled Punch-a-Bunch on yesterday's show was perfect.

I look forward to seeing Drew improve over time and really make the show his own. I've enjoyed watching the show this week probably more than I have in a long time, and I, too, must thank CBS for putting the episodes up online...it's great for a busy grad student like myself...:).

Anthony

The ONLY knock I had on that was that he showed the audience the card before the player ever got to see it, which could have ended badly if the player thinks "oh, the crowd popped, I must have won the $10,000! Oh, only $5,000? Wow, great." Ended up working out, but it seems to me the audience should feed from the player, not the other way around.

Other'n that, I thought yesterday's was his best show yet. I am really truly enjoying watching him have fun at his new job.

I wasn't thrilled when I heard Drew was chosen to host because I wasn't sure if he'd fit into this type of format. I was a big fan of his with Who's Line.. but something with a rigid format might be a bit much. I started to soften up when I saw all the previews and interviews because it was showing about how much he was enjoying himself and was taking the show as serious as he could but still keep it fun. I'll always be a huge Barker fan but you could tell he was just not happy being on stage anymore. Body language gave it away. From this first week Drew has shown he's thrilled to be there, lend his own way of interaction, and relates to the contestants like Bob hasn't done in quite a long time. Everyone has just about summed it up best about Drew's hosting style and I won't rehash them but what won me over is when on Friday's show someone did the whole $1 over bid in Contestant's Row and Drew said, "Way to make friends down there." I hadn't had that good of a laugh over a comment in some time. Drew and TPIR are going to be fine.

I don't know, I still feel that if they'd have hired Todd Newton, they'd have a host who's funny and everything but also more polished, taller, and with better eyesight. I really enjoy him on the DVD home game. I'm sure he'd do the showcase reveals better.

I was just kidding. Not that he worried about it, but Bob retired at an auspicious time, since ratings were still good and they were able to get a really good guy to take his place.

It has simply been a pleasure to watch the first week of shows with Drew at the helm. I had no idea how much better the show could be simply with a change of host.

Personally, I hope Drew continues his remarks about Hot Pockets and silverware, and all that. Let Drew be himself-his easygoing nature and sincerity is a refreshing change.

Now the *real* question-how are the ratings?

For an "average viewer's first week" of work, he good. Real good. He know how to let the stars of the show (the contestants, prizes, and Yodelman) be the stars of the show. Drew's almost a gatekeeper in a sense...just there to keep explain everything and get from point A to point B (and not let his ego run the show). And do it with class.

I fall with what will be probably the most common description: Drew Gets It and the show and him gel very well.

I watched every show this week (except for Wednesday's half-show pre-emption) and thoroughly enjoyed them. I don't think I'd actually watched the show more than once in any week for years. Part of it was probably curiousity over how Drew would handle the job, but I like the new theme music and the fact that everyone does seem to be having much more fun. He's still a little rough around the edges, due some things previous posters have already mentioned, but that will improve in time.

My prediction: this show will keep its strong ratings and the lineups will start at midnight again.

I just hope Drew keeps the same frame of mind that he has now. Bob seemed like a nice guy in the beginning too...



Personally, I understand why it was said, but that's part of the strategy of the game. You do what you have to do to get up on stage.

Drew is doing a great job with the show. His joie de vivre makes the show fun to watch. CBS and Fremantle made the right choice.

I thought the thread title was a reference to the fanb0ardz, personally. The joke was used before, was it not?

Anyway, I put him in the B range. He's decent and will find his stride soon enough, but he needs to do something other than speed through the segments in which he has little to do or doesn't deem as "fun."

I think "they" are enjoying the show, too, in spite of themselves. A lot of the "Things Drew Does But Bob Didn't" are still things Bob did, even as recent as last season (eg mocking the one-bids+supplies of__ combinations) and god forbid we have a host who emits energy.

Here's what Mark Evanier has to say... I think he makes some cogent observations.

Specifically, a reference to Joe Capitano, who was stiffly offended that Tyra Banks might violate the Holy Sanctity Of TPiR by having a sense of humor.

Drew gets it, and CBS has found a way to make me interetsed in The Price is Right...even more so because it's a fun experience everyday. As I said in another thread, Go Drew Go!

The Inquisitive One

/I just hope he stays calm in the next taping sessions, now that his hometown baseball team noosed themselves this past week. :)

When you get paid nine million dollars a year for hosting a game show, I imagine mundane things like your team losing are easier to take.

/'sides, he's used to it
//Harry Doyle approves

Even better, BRING BACK THE SPLIT SCREEN.

Do the math and give the guy a break. Say he's learned 30 pricing games, enough to get through a week without repeating. If the episode you're watching was taped on the third taping week, he's only played any given game twice before, in addition to the 29 other games he has to know. Contrast this with any other game show (except LMAD and BTC) where you only have one game to learn.

Check back in 26 weeks and see how he's doing.

The show has far bigger issues in directorville and announcerville than Drewville.

Guess how many fingers I'm holding up. Now guess which ones I'm holding up. :-)

Knowing how much of a Cleveland sports fan Drew is, I'm sure he's probably a smidge disappointed in the end result. Taking a page from Mr. Lemon, Drew's probably wiping any shedded tears with a crisp new $100 bill.

/Go Rockies!

This would be the perfect opportunity to bring it back since Drew is practically begging for you to give a shout-out.

However, this takes directorial skill, which is not evident.

Part of my enjoyment of watching Week 1 is totally self-serving -- it's that feeling of validation when your initial hunch when the announcement was made that Drew would Get It plays itself out on national TV.

I can only echo sentiments that have been already stated -- his weakest points so far surround the result -- the build-up to it and then some bit of congratulations or commiseration for the contestant before throwing it to commercial.

I'm also not sure that his "Variations on a Theme" -- the spay-and-neuter closing -- are working. The one that rang most un-true was when he prefaced it with "Be kind to your pets ...."

Also, he hasn't included his name in his goodbyes. Good? Bad? Not sure. Just noticing that is hasn't been in there.

I guess it was too much to ask that increased interactivity with the models would also mean a return to the two-piece.

Give 'em time--we all know that things move glacially at "TPIR."

I only saw Monday's show--is it true that meat grocery products are actually appearing now? (I assumed that that was one of the things they would be slow on, although they did have the model with the prop sandwich on Monday's show.)

And as far as I'm concerned, despite some nitpicks, I like what I see. The fun is back at 33 and Drew is smart enough that he will improve.

And to piggyback on that, I wonder if we'll see more foreign cars again?...

And yes, bring back the split screen during the Showcase Showdown. If they can use it on the Marathon, then by golly, they can use it here. :-P

I'm thinking the answer to the meat questions will be answered once the next round of sponsorships are picked up. I have a feeling that the prize/product pool is moderately limited to allow for quick transition between shows.

I have no problem seeing Ball Park or microwave bacon on the show.

/or in my fridge
//mmmmm, bacon

By "split screen," are we referring to the 80s throwback where...

(1) we see a shot of the contestant within a triangular border,

(2) the wheel is on the right side of the shot, static, and...

(3) both the triangle and the needle are pointing at where the wheel is landing?

If so, I'm all for it.

With Drew, there should be more room for flexibility: foreign cars, "Breslow designs," and more stylish wipes and camera shots. Roger should do his part: he's been there since day one, so he could make some of this happen. Drew Carey himself is a new, fresh, enjoyable element of the show. Work around it.

The Inquisitive One

/TV class did this to me; I'm sorry.
//Bring back the super fast zoom out when Drew comes through the doors!

You are correct, sir.

I, too, think the split shot would be nice. However . . .

Back in those days--i.e. before shout-outs were de rigueur--the contestant in the inset was usually facing the wheel, and the split reinforced that. Present-day spinners tend to face the audience for their shout-outs. Ceteris paribus, the shot of old would have them facing left for most of the spin. Blows the effect.

Maybe reserve it for bonus spins, where shout-outs are rarest.

/And, of course, Bet--er, Drew truly Gets It

Drew is doing great so far. TPIR has got to be THE hardest show to host and he is taking to it very well. Of course he is nervous--he's got some huge shoes to fill!! As the season goes on, and he has time to become relaxed, you'll see a marked improvement in his hosting style.

/The show is in excellent hands.

*ding*. I donno if it's been 26 weeks or not, but the season finale just wrapped in the East about 1/2 hour ago.

So, same question as before. Your thoughts on Drew, please. We've seen a lot of him.

The actual time is nearly 9 months. Sorry, you're over. *mrrp*

I didn't watch much of the second half of the season, so I'm not sure how much he has improved, but from what I've seen, it looks like he knows what he's doing and that's pretty a majority of what he needs to do. He's probably going to keep the rough-around-the-edges parts intentionally or not, but I have no problems with that.

Maybe not worth the obscene salary, but they could've done much worse.

Shoot. I thought the finale was tomorrow. Whoops.

I don't think he's a great host (he's not bad, though), but what he lacks in ability he makes up for in wit and charm (if that makes any sense). I loved the "well, they're not gonna edit THIS out" exchange with Rich.

He needs to work some variety into the way he handles business. He also needs to get better at building suspense than "1-2-3 alakazam".