The seventy-sixth TV show: #32 The Price Is Right
Let's be clear here, while the book starts this in 1956, we really want to look at what was known as "The New Price Is Right" for a few years starting in 1972 - the rework starring Bob Barker that is still ongoing, Drew Carey having taken over a decade ago. All shows revolve around the prices of items - a selection game on small items, "price is right rules" of who gets closest without going over. We then get different games each time for other prices, followed by spinnings of the great wheel to decide who gets to the end game - all about prices and winning money if you get close.
There's a lot of variety to it, which keeps the show watchable. The enthusiasm is incredibly loud (although not in the first episode of the format), with Bob Barker moderating it slightly, and it's easy to be swept up in it yourself. It's fun, but also such a sign of its times from both the prices you see and fashion. It's the presenting that really sets it apart. Bob Barker is a delight to watch, dealing with whatever comes in, staying positive but with his frustration showing through while keeping it entertaining. You can see clearly why it survived.