CBS, Game Show Network Set Tributes to Bob Barker

CBS and Game Show Network have set special tributes and marathons to honor the late Bob Barker, who died at the age of 99 on Saturday, August 26.

First, CBS will air THE PRICE IS RIGHT: A TRIBUTE TO BOB BARKER, a “new one-hour special honoring the life and career of the beloved late television legend and animal rights activist” on Thursday, August 31 at 8/7c. Drew Carey, who stepped into Barker’s role as host of THE PRICE IS RIGHT, will host the tribute.

“This tribute to the legendary Bob Barker will bring back great memories for generations of THE PRICE IS RIGHT fans who loved Bob, his humor, his ability to connect with contestants and his innate talent for making the most out of every moment,” said Margot Wain, SVP of daytime programs, in a statement. “Bob was one-of-a-kind; he’ll be remembered as an extraordinary host, a devoted animal activist, and, as he would put it, ‘a loyal friend and true.’ We’re so pleased to be able to salute his many accomplishments and honor his memory in this way.”

According to CBS, “Featuring an array of ‘priceless’ on-camera moments from throughout Barker’s 50-plus year career, the special showcases his talents as a charming, charismatic and razor-sharp ‘master of ceremonies’ who created special connections with countless contestants on THE PRICE IS RIGHT – and his evolution into a pop culture icon appearing as himself in prominent projects on both the silver and small screens.”

The special will include:

• Historic memories of Barker:
• Appearing as host on the first episode of what was then “The New Price Is Right” in 1972.
• Announcing the transition from 30-minute to one-hour episodes of the show in 1975 and introducing a very different-looking big wheel.
• Introducing the game Plinko to excited contestants (and viewers) for the very first time.
• Acknowledging with pride that CBS was renaming his show’s soundstage “The Bob Barker Studio.”
• Appearing in his final episode of “The Price Is Right” in 2007 prior to retiring.
• Returning to the show, with Drew Carey as host, for his 90th birthday, April Fool’s Day and to promote his book Priceless Memories.
• Special THE PRICE IS RIGHT appearances by stars at the height of their popularity.
• Barker with Adam Sandler as Sandler read his poem “Ode to Bob Barker” during the 2007 CBS special A CELEBRATION OF BOB BARKER’S 50 YEARS IN TELEVISION, shortly prior to Barker’s retirement as THE PRICE IS RIGHT host.
• Video montages of emotional contestants literally jumping for joy – often pulling Barker into their orbit – after the call to “Come on Down,” or when he bestowed the winners with cars, cash, trips and more.
• Barker’s perfect handling of mishap moments with contestants, sets and prizes while hosting.

CBS will also air an encore of the broadcast on Monday, September 4 in TPIR’s regular time slot.

Additionally, Game Show Network will host a special Barker-themed marathon of MATCH GAME with an eight-hour block on Saturday, September 2, starting at 9 am. (Barker appeared as a panelist on the show from 1973-1980.)

Follow @GiveMeMyRemote and @marisaroffman on Twitter for the latest TV news. Connect with other TV fans on GIVE ME MY REMOTE’s official Facebook page or our Instagram.

And be the first to see our exclusive videos by subscribing to our YouTube channel.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made through links/ads placed on the site.