Former Price Is Right producer insists show host Drew Carey should be fired

Former Price Is Right producer insists show host Drew Carey should be fired

Former Price Is Right producer Roger Dobkowitz reportedly wants Drew Carey fired, saying his reported $10 million salary could fund extra prizes.

Former The Price Is Right producer Roger Dobkowitz is reportedly calling for Drew Carey’s firing, arguing that replacing the longtime host could free up money to improve the CBS game show.

Dobkowitz, who spent 36 years working on the program before leaving in 2008, criticized its direction in a lengthy Facebook post Thursday. His proposed remedy centered on redirecting Carey’s reported salary toward prizes and production.

“I am a little worried about The Price Is Right,” he wrote. His concern comes after a contestant secured a record prize in a jaw-dropping episode.

His sharpest criticism targeted Carey, who succeeded Bob Barker in 2007. Dobkowitz suggested the comedian should be “cut loose,” arguing that his compensation could fund improvements throughout the show, The U.S. Sun reported.

“[Drew’s] reported $10 Million a year salary would go quite far in remaking the show…a second model could be hired ($150,000-200,000 thousand a year).”

Dobkowitz also objected to displaying pictures of prizes instead of bringing the items onto the stage. He argued that savings from a host change could support more car giveaways and more contestant victories.

“More cars could be given away, and most importantly, the show could afford to have more wins. As I wrote earlier, $10 million dollars can go a long way,” he wrote.

The salary figure was presented by Dobkowitz as a reported amount. His post offered his assessment of how that money could be spent.

Dobkowitz acknowledged that Carey has supporters but questioned his contribution to the broadcast.

“I understand many people like Drew’s presence on the show…but it is obvious he ADDS very little to the show…he ushers contestants to their game, recites the rules quickly, and always asks if they want to say hello to anyone at home,” he wrote.

He pointed to the program’s continued success following Barker’s retirement as evidence it could withstand another transition.

“The show is strong…it easily survived the departure of Bob Barker. A new host would gladly work for the fraction of what Drew Carey is being paid. And most likely, we would get someone that actually ADDS to the entertainment of the show.”

“There are lots of good candidates out there…there were 18 years ago when we did auditions. I am sure there are just as many today,” he added.

Some commenters supported his proposal, questioning Carey’s performance and suggesting a less expensive replacement.

Dobkowitz joined the show when its CBS version premiered in 1972, initially working as a production assistant and associate producer.

The Express US has contacted Carey’s rep for comment.