Drew Carey to Host First Live Episode of "The Price Is Right" This Fall

CBS will air "The Price Is Right Live," a one-hour special during the holiday season, marking the first live episode in the game show's 54-year history. Drew Carey will host the special, which producers say will include unique elements designed to distinguish it from the show's standard taped format.

CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach announced the special on Wednesday, April 15, during the network's fall schedule presentation. Reisenbach noted that Carey's experience hosting live episodes of "The Drew Carey Show" made him the natural choice for the project. "I would never not do it without him," Reisenbach said at the press conference.

The producers pitched CBS on specific ideas to make the live broadcast feel distinct from regular episodes, according to Reisenbach. She emphasized that the appeal centers on live prize giveaways and the real-time reactions of contestants. "At the holiday season, I can't imagine anything more fun for everyone to witness people winning prizes live," Reisenbach said.

The announcement came alongside other CBS special programming for the fall and winter. The network will simulcast the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards for the first time in the award show's nearly 40-year history, which began in March 1987. CBS will also continue its second consecutive year of simulcasting the MTV Video Music Awards, scheduled for Sunday, September 27 at 8 p.m. ET in Los Angeles.

Context

"The Price Is Right" has maintained continuous production since its debut in 1972, making the decision to air a live episode a notable departure from standard practice. The show's longevity stems partly from its consistent format—contestants compete in pricing games with the chance to win cash and merchandise prizes. Drew Carey took over as host in 2007 following Bob Barker's 35-year tenure, and has hosted the show for 19 years.

Live television specials have become a strategic tool for broadcast networks seeking to drive viewership. The success of live award show broadcasts and live musical performances has demonstrated audience appetite for real-time television events. CBS's simulcast strategy with Nickelodeon and MTV reflects the network's effort to maximize reach across its parent company's portfolio of channels.

What's Next

The special will air during the holiday season, though CBS has not announced a specific air date. The success of this live format could influence whether CBS produces additional live episodes or extends the concept to other long-running game shows. The network's fall schedule announcement suggests this is positioned as a one-time event rather than the beginning of a recurring series, but viewership and critical reception will likely determine whether the format becomes permanent.