LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - The field of candidates to succeed Bob Barker as host of CBS' venerable game show "The Price Is Right" might be narrowing.


Sources indicated that Mark Steines, George Hamilton and Mario Lopez have emerged as top contenders, with Steines, co-host of "Entertainment Tonight," getting the strongest buzz at the moment. Tapes of "Price" auditions have been sent out and are being shown to test audiences around the country, sources said. The list also includes Todd Newton, John O'Hurley and former "Beauty and the Geek" host Mike Richards.

Representatives for CBS declined comment, as did FremantleMedia North America, which produces the long-running show. Barker said in October that he will retire in May after 35 years as host of the show. It now appears that he will tape his last show in June. The network is planning to give him a sendoff that includes a primetime special celebrating the TV veteran's career to air May 17.

I'm not familiar with Mark Steines but if George Hamilton or Mario Lopez is chosen as host, My days of watching this show are probably history. IMO, This would be the biggest mistake made by CBS since Katie Couric was hired to replace Dan Rather. I like Todd Newton and John O'Hurley but I'm also unfamiliar with Mike Richards. No mention of Rich Fields which kinda makes me wonder if he was even considered.

John O'Hurley is too busy with Family Feud, Mark Steines, maybe, same deal with Mario Lopez, although he does have game show hosting experience, George Hamilton, I can't see him hosting, Mike Richards, possibly, but I'm still going with Todd Newton, because he's hosted TPIR Live and has attended TV tapings of the show, so he knows what he would be getting hinself into. I'm voting for Todd Newton to succeed Bob Barker as host of The Price is Right.

I think there will be alot of unhappy people around when the new host is announced

I think there will be alot of unhappy people areound when the new host is announced

If Mario or George is chosen, Grab your Kleenex!!!:crying:

If Mario or George is chosen, Grab your Kleenex!!!:crying:



GET YOUR KLEENEX READY...

Here's the star of the Price is Right...


Daaaaaaaaaaave Price!!!

former "Beauty and the Geek" host Mike Richards.
That guy was so dull on BatG. God knows I wouldn't want to see him on TPiR.

In regards to the possibility of Hamilton or Lopez being chosen:

CBS = Can't Be Serious. :rolleyes:

In regards to the possibility of Hamilton or Lopez being chosen:

CBS = Can't Be Serious. :rolleyes:

You're right! That would damage the integrity of what the show is all about. Only an experienced host, especially one who has had involvement with the show, either live or on TV, would be suitable. I've already spoke about Todd Newton, whom I feel is most qualified to succeed Bob Barker as host of The Price is Right, because he's hosted the show live in Las vegas and has also attended tapings. Of course, there's also Marc Summers or even, Mark Goodman, who has hosted Illinois' Instant Riches/Luckiest on WGN Superstation and was also one of MTV's original VJs.

Mark Goodman, who has hosted Illinois' Instant Riches/Luckiest on WGN Superstation and was also one of MTV's original VJs.

I never even thought of Mark as a possible candidate, Aside from Newton, He's the best one I've heard yet. Another former VJ that might have been a good choice was John Roberts who was robbed out of the Anchor's chair when Katie Couric was hired.

I think CBS is going to have to be extremely careful with who they give the job to. It could decide the future of the show in reality.

While I am relatively young - 26 - I believe that they should stick with an older host. Price is Right is one of the few shows that has an older star, as Barker is in his 70's or 80's, and I think they should stick with that. Price is Right has already started catering to young people by having them as the vast majority of the contestants, even though they watch the program the least, so a younger host might mean that the show has sold out.

I like John O'Hurley, but I'm not totally sold on him yet. I thought he was great as J. Peterman on Seinfeld, but he seems to have more of a comical approach to game show hosting as opposed to outgoing. Given that TPIR is the head honcho of daytime game shows, it wouldn't mean that O'Hurley wouldn't leave Family Feud for it.

Is Rich Fields that guy that announces TPIR nowadays? If so, his bland approach doesn't even qualify him for the job he has IMO, so promoting him to host would be a huge mistake.

I like Mario Lopez, but he's kind of a "B-lister" And heaven knows there's been no shortage of those on game shows this decade (Millionaire, Weakest Link, etc.) Plus, I think they should go with somebody that has a lot of game show hosting experience.

Never liked Todd Newton. Can't really put my finger on it. Just not distinctive enough I guess.

Richard Dawson might be a possibility, if he can stop from spending half of the program kissing the female contestants. His failed 1994 attempt to bring back the Family Feud is a notch in the con column however. But, he does a great job at making the contestants feel at ease.

A major decision indeed.

If age and experience were the main focus then I would love to have seen Peter Tomarken as host but of course that won't happen now. Tomarken was in his early 60's when he died and I think he would've been a very good host.

Richard Dawson might be a possibility, if he can stop from spending half of the program kissing the female contestants. His failed 1994 attempt to bring back the Family Feud is a notch in the con column however. But, he does a great job at making the contestants feel at ease.

A major decision indeed.

Are you sure about Richard Dawson? Remember, he's 74, going on 75, right now. There's no guarantee he will stay on that long. Bob Barker's successor needs to be a young, but experienced game show host, who understands what The Price is Right is about, and this succeeding host must fully know how to host the show. You don't just pick his successor and expect him to immediately know what the show is about-he has to be qualified enough to know what he's doing and interract well with announcer Rich Fields and the contestants as well as with the studio audience.

Here's the star of the Price is Right...


Daaaaaaaaaaave Price!!!


Well at least i don't have to worry about that Brian!! HA HA

I think there will be alot of unhappy people around when the new host is announced


The normal thing to do would just to be to end the show

Price is Right-1972 to 2007,


I think 35 years is a nice run for a Game Show

The normal thing to do would just to be to end the show

Price is Right-1972 to 2007,


I think 35 years is a nice run for a Game Show


I kind of agree, however, people said the same thing after Johnny Carson retired and Jay Leno filled in nicely.

They should pick Tim Allen. He'll definatley bring in those ratings!

The normal thing to do would just to be to end the show

Price is Right-1972 to 2007,


I think 35 years is a nice run for a Game Show
If they're just gonna pick a crap host, they might as well just end it. I'm all for continuing, just as long as they pick a decent person to host. Get someone who has the perfect amount of energy. Someone who gives a damn about what they're doing and the contestants and viewers they come in contact with everyday. I agree with anyone that says they shouldn't just hire any Tom, Dick, and Harry right off the street. Or some has been or never was who doesn't deserve to be there. Hopefully that won't happen.

I kind of agree, however, people said the same thing after Johnny Carson retired and Jay Leno filled in nicely.


Thats a good point Brian & very true. The show from what I understand will be on a 6 month trial period thru feb sweeps next year, at which time things will be looked at. They have to try & keep the show going, it is a money making machine for fremantle & for CBS. Who knows what will happen With the new host but I am willing to bet that this new host will not have the same success that Jay leno has enjoyed

Are you sure about Richard Dawson? Remember, he's 74, going on 75, right now. There's no guarantee he will stay on that long. Bob Barker's successor needs to be a young, but experienced game show host, who understands what The Price is Right is about, and this succeeding host must fully know how to host the show. You don't just pick his successor and expect him to immediately know what the show is about-he has to be qualified enough to know what he's doing and interract well with announcer Rich Fields and the contestants as well as with the studio audience.
He'd never do it in a million years. A billion years.

George Hamilton= No. Sorry, but scary does not = good host.

Todd Newton= I've always thought he was good at hosting game shows. I could see him doing this.

John O'Hurley= can't see him doing 2 game shows at once.

Mario Lopez= excuse me a sec. :rotflmao: Sorry, but that was my first reaction. Child star turned nobody turned dancing fool does not a game show host make. If looks were the most important, sure, but they're not.

I can officially say I have shaken hands with Mr. Barker last year when I was on Price is Right. Enough bragging, I don't think anyone will be able to live up to his legacy.

I can officially say I have shaken hands with Mr. Barker last year when I was on Price is Right. Enough bragging, I don't think anyone will be able to live up to his legacy.

Agreed! Whomever Bob Barker's successor is will have to make his own legacy and not even attempt to duplicate Bob's.

George Hamilton= No. Sorry, but scary does not = good host.

Todd Newton= I've always thought he was good at hosting game shows. I could see him doing this.

John O'Hurley= can't see him doing 2 game shows at once.

Mario Lopez= excuse me a sec. :rotflmao: Sorry, but that was my first reaction. Child star turned nobody turned dancing fool does not a game show host make. If looks were the most important, sure, but they're not.

I agree on everything you pointed out! John O'Hurley would be too busy hosting Family Feud, George Hamilton isn't game show hosting material and I can't see Mario Lopez hosting TPIR. Todd Newton would be the most qualified to succeed Bob Barker, not only because he's hosted The Price is Right: Live in Las Vegas, but he's also attended tapings of the show at CBS Television City. He already knows how to interract with the audience, the contestants and he would interract well with Rich Fields, so I wouldn't at all be surprised if Fremantle Media selects Todd Newton as the next host of TPIR, succeeding Bob Barker. Newton would know what he's getting himself into if he's selected to host the show in it's 36th season.

I can officially say I have shaken hands with Mr. Barker last year when I was on Price is Right. Enough bragging, I don't think anyone will be able to live up to his legacy.


I have also had the wonderful pleasure of meeting Bob a few times & he is a great guy. I also got a rare look at the show as it happens from backstage. I happen to know a few people who work @ cbs & one of them has alot of pull & he made that happen 4 me. Bob is Bob & he is the ONE & ONLY STAR OF THE PRICE IS RIGHT

I think there will be alot of unhappy people around when the new host is announced

I totally agree! :(

Bob Barker's shoes aren't easy to fill, but the search for his "Price Is Right" replacement is reportedly narrowed to three.

After a lengthy audition process, the top contenders are "Entertainment Tonight" veteran Mark Steines, Vegas "Price Is Right" host Todd Newton and "Love at First Bite" star George Hamilton.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, options on all three candidates were picked up on Friday, while the other wannabe hosts saw their options expire.

But when will we know which man will be instructing contestants on how to utilize Plinko tiles?

Well, the trade paper suggests that CBS may wait until mid-May to make a formal announcement. The network's upfront presentation is May 16, while CBS has scheduled primetime salutes to Barker on the 16th and 17th.

Barker will tape his final "Price Is Right" show in June, ending a 35-year Emmy-winning run on the show.

George Hamilton will turn 68 in August of this year. I'm a little surprised that a person over 65 remains in the running at this point, but maybe I shouldn't be (?).

Bob Barker's shoes aren't easy to fill, but the search for his "Price Is Right" replacement is reportedly narrowed to three.

After a lengthy audition process, the top contenders are "Entertainment Tonight" veteran Mark Steines, Vegas "Price Is Right" host Todd Newton and "Love at First Bite" star George Hamilton.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, options on all three candidates were picked up on Friday, while the other wannabe hosts saw their options expire.

But when will we know which man will be instructing contestants on how to utilize Plinko tiles?

Well, the trade paper suggests that CBS may wait until mid-May to make a formal announcement. The network's upfront presentation is May 16, while CBS has scheduled primetime salutes to Barker on the 16th and 17th.

Barker will tape his final "Price Is Right" show in June, ending a 35-year Emmy-winning run on the show.

Thanks for the information, Brian. That narrowed list makes some sense, but of those three, clearly Todd Newton is the most qualified to succeed Bob Barker as host of The Price is Right. I could see Mark Steines as a game show host, somewhere down the road. George Hamilton isn't game show host material(he's a good game show guest and a character actor, but not a game show host). Keep us informed, Brian.

He'd never do it in a million years. A billion years.

What about a trillion years? :lol:

Thanks for posting that, that's the funniest post I've ever seen on this site. Just out of curiousity, why wouldn't Dawson do it. I'm not disagreeing with you, I was just wondering why he wouldn't do it, TPIR being the head honcho of game shows. I just mentioned Dawson because people think he has a lot of charm like Bob Barker, so I thought he would be a suitable replacment. Personally, I don't think Todd Newton has much charm, I would have to say.

P.S., was he the basis for your screenname. Just wondering out of curiosity.

What about a trillion years? :lol:

Thanks for posting that, that's the funniest post I've ever seen on this site. Just out of curiousity, why wouldn't Dawson do it. I'm not disagreeing with you, I was just wondering why he wouldn't do it, TPIR being the head honcho of game shows. I just mentioned Dawson because people think he has a lot of charm like Bob Barker, so I thought he would be a suitable replacment. Personally, I don't think Todd Newton has much charm, I would have to say.

P.S., was he the basis for your screenname. Just wondering out of curiosity.

I have to disagree with you about Todd Newton. It's all about experience, charm has to take a back seat. Todd Newton has enough experience with hosting The Price is Right: Live, that he's even attended tapings of the show at the Bob Barker Studio. He knows how to interract with the audience, the contestants and he can interract well with announcer Rich Fields. Bob Barker, himself, said he'd like a younger, experienced host to succeed him, hosting The Price is Right, and like it or not, Todd Newton is clearly the host that fits that criteria. I think it would only be appropriate that Fremantle Media announce Bob Barker's successor before his TV special on May 17, and that Bob, himself, introduce his successor on that TV special.

I think that Todd would be ok, as long as he doesn't act obnoxious like he did on Whammy!. If he doesn't do that, I'd have no problem with him taking the job.

I think that Todd would be ok, as long as he doesn't act obnoxious like he did on Whammy!. If he doesn't do that, I'd have no problem with him taking the job.

I agree! Eliminate the obnoxiousness, and he'll be all right.

I would lovce to see Tood as Host of The Price is Right-

What about a trillion years? :lol:

Thanks for posting that, that's the funniest post I've ever seen on this site. Just out of curiousity, why wouldn't Dawson do it. I'm not disagreeing with you, I was just wondering why he wouldn't do it, TPIR being the head honcho of game shows. I just mentioned Dawson because people think he has a lot of charm like Bob Barker, so I thought he would be a suitable replacment. Personally, I don't think Todd Newton has much charm, I would have to say.

P.S., was he the basis for your screenname. Just wondering out of curiosity.

Maybe a trillion! :lol:

I think, from what I've read anyway, that he's just happy in retirement and hosting another game show wouldn't be what he wants to do in life. But even at that, he makes more sense than George Hamilton!

Yes, that's where I got it. :) Thank you for not saying Dawson's Creek!

I think that Todd would be ok, as long as he doesn't act obnoxious like he did on Whammy!. If he doesn't do that, I'd have no problem with him taking the job.
Well, Whammy itself was pretty obnoxious, imo. So Todd may not have to since TPiR isn't so horribly bad.

John O'Hurley would be too busy hosting Family Feud,

You're forgetting that Barker hosted both the Price is Right and Truth or Consequences from 1972 - 1975.

I am certain Barker won't choose anyone that can be better than him. Johnny Carson did the same thing when he handpicked Jay Leno. He knew Leno couldn't hold a candle to him. Barker will make certain the next host isn't as good as he thinks he is.

Mario Lopez? DEAR GOD! John Tesh or Mark Steines? Two uneventful news personalities from "Entertainment Tonight".

I am certain Barker won't choose anyone that can be better than him. Johnny Carson did the same thing when he handpicked Jay Leno. He knew Leno couldn't hold a candle to him. Barker will make certain the next host isn't as good as he thinks he is.

Nothing against Leno but nobody could hold a candle to Carson. Even the ones before him (Steve Allen & Jack Paar) who are legends in their own right probably pale in comparison to Carson. I say probably because I've never seen an episode with them hosting so it wouldn't be fair to compare them without seeing them.

Since when did Bob Barker have any say in the choice of the new host? I haven't heard about this until now & I thought Fremantle media had final say.

Nothing against Leno but nobody could hold a candle to Carson. Even the ones before him (Steve Allen & Jack Paar) who are legends in their own right probably pale in comparison to Carson. I say probably because I've never seen an episode with them hosting so it wouldn't be fair to compare them without seeing them.

Since when did Bob Barker have any say in the choice of the new host? I haven't heard about this until now & I thought Fremantle media had final say.


Bob has no say in this & hasn't even been asked for his 2 cents. It is up to CBS & fremantle media

Bob has no say in this & hasn't even been asked for his 2 cents. It is up to CBS & fremantle media

That's what I thought but thanks for verifying it just the same.