Former Price Is Right producer demands Drew Carey be FIRED as host ‘adds very little’ to show
Former Price Is Right producer demands Drew Carey be FIRED as host ‘adds very little’ to show
A FORMER Price Is Right producer has criticized the show’s many changes over the years and demanded that Drew Carey be fired as the host.
Roger Dobkowitz, who worked behind the scenes on the game show for 36 years, didn’t hold back as he shared his thoughts on the dramatic format changes the program has undergone since he left in 2008.
A former Price is Right producer demanded that host Drew Carey be fired from the game showCredit: CBS
Roger Dobkowitz slammed Drew in a Facebook post, saying he should be ‘cut loose’ for bringing the show downCredit: Getty
On Thursday, the 81-year-old posted a lengthy Facebook message detailing how much the show has evolved over the years – and not for the better.
“I am a little worried about The Price Is Right,” Roger – who first served as a production assistant and associate producer from the show’s premiere in 1972 to 1984, when he was promoted to full producer – began his post.
However, his main issue is host Drew, whom he suggested should be “cut loose” so his multi-million salary could go back into the pot.
“[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).”
“Better prizes could be had, they could once again have the actual prize on stage rather than just a picture of it (I find that practice to be the worst!),
“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,” the ex-producer, who also worked on other games shows such as Family Feud, Double Dare, Now You See It, and Match Game, ranted.
“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,” Roger continued.
“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.
Roger worked alongside the show’s former host, Bob Barker, who departed a year earlier in June 2007.
Roger worked behind the scenes on the show alongside former host Bob Barker for 36 yearsCredit: Getty
Drew took over as the host in October 2007, and Roger left shortly afterCredit: CBS
Drew took over as the host for the show’s 36th season, which premiered later that October.
Bob made three guest appearances since his exit and before his passing in August 2023 at 99.
Many devoted fans agreed that Drew, who did not formally audition for the role and was sought out by CBS, should be cast aside, despite hosting for nearly two decades.
“I completely agree Roger. To be honest I haven’t watched ONE episode this season, I have seen clips, but that’s it. Hell, I saw very little of the previous season. Yes, it’s time to get someone who can ADD something to the show. Someone younger, and cheaper,” one person commented.
“I saw a lot of the people who auditioned after Bob for the prices right, and I thought majority of them were better than Drew if not every one of them,” said another.
“Roger, at the rate they’re going, they may return to the ’50s format of four contestants onstage for the whole show,” a third remarked.
The Price Is Right is the longest-running game show in television history and is currently airing its 55th season on CBS.
