The search is over

At last the host search is over, and now we can get back to what's important - getting ready to welcome Season 36 of TPIR!

If you haven't heard the news yet, it has been confirmed by CBS and Fremantle that actor/comedian Drew Carey was selected as Bob's successor. At first I was a little hesitant with the choice, but after thinking about it for a good long while I believe he is deserving of a chance to show what he can do. He has wit, energy, and already has a built-in fan base thanks to his work on his sitcom and on Whose Line is it Anyway, the latter of which I'm a huge fan of (I have volume 1 of the first season on DVD).

What I think will be interesting to see is the chemistry and interaction with Rich. They're close in age, and they're both from the same area - Drew is from Cleveland while Rich is from nearby Bay Village - which is why I have decided to call the two of them the "Cleveland Connection".

How the show will change and/or retain certain elements of the past will be a mystery, but I guess we'll have to wait until September to find out. In the meantime, I wish Drew the best of luck in his new role and can bet that I'll continue to be a Loyal Friend and True to the end!

And so the madness continues...

Last week, we said our official goodbyes to Bob as host of TPIR. But the search continues for a new host. Names like Drew Carey and Ian Ziering (whose ex-wife Nikki was a Barker Beauty) have been thrown into the ring, and there are even rumors that Rosie O'Donnell (*shudder*) is interested. If you ask me, they've lost sight of what is important - finding a host who's able to keep the show going. They've been too busy throwing out big-name stars that it's turned into a kind of three-ring circus!

I found this video on YouTube today, it features a segment from a Tampa radio morning show that was broadcast last week. After listening to it several times, it pretty much summed up my feelings about all this. I may be supporting a second candidate, but Rich has been my top favorite since day one (the day the retirement news broke). Watch and listen, and you'll know what I mean.

The Mason Dixon Prophecy
Uploaded by fieldsfan336

3 years ago today...

Do you recall what happened 3 years ago on this date? If not, watch the video below:

Introducing Rich
Uploaded by fieldsfan336

On April 27, 2004, Bob introduced us to Rich - the third permanent announcer in TPIR history. And 3 years later, he is still enjoying his dream job. Congratulations Rich, and here's to many more great years doing what you love!

A Rich fan's endorsement

If you can't tell from the image above, my second choice for TPIR's new host is still in the running - it has apparently been trimmed down to three candidates. But who knows what CBS is thinking, there could be a wild card. If not, then I really hope Todd Newton gets the job as the heir apparent.

Who is Todd, you may ask? For any of you non-game show people, here's a little bio. He is 36 years old and is one of the rising stars of the game show world. A former radio DJ in his native Missouri, an avid animal lover and environmental activist, he has hosted a couple of popular originals on Game Show Network - "Hollywood Showdown" and the recent revival of "Press Your Luck". He practically stole the show in a 2003 episode of "Lingo" when all the hosts from the various GSN original shows at the time played as contestants. He hosts the TPIR Live stage show in Vegas (and has also done it in Reno), is host on the TPIR and Press Your Luck interactive DVD games, was the prize delivery host on last summer's "Gameshow Marathon" and has even made a few visits to Studio 33 to watch the master in action. As well, he has covered many major award shows for the E! network. He currently resides in California with his wife and two young children.

Why do I think Todd deserves this job? I credit his experience, his energy and his passion and love for the game. He interacts well with contestants and in my opinion would be a great chemistry match for Rich (as long as Rich continues to do the job he loves, I am happy). He would be an excellent edition to the "Price" family and I hope you agree!

PS: For more about Todd, check out http://www.toddnewtononline.com

PCS Update

Greetings everyone, and Happy New Year!

I thought I'd share with you the latest updates from the Project. The online petition has collected over 200 signatures, and the YouTube video from my previous entry has been doing well too. A great user on the Tube named pricefan has put up a lot of great Rich videos, one of which I'm sharing with you in this entry - you may recognize part of it from the other video.

If this doesn't convince you that Rich has the goods to be the next host, I don't know what will. Sit back and enjoy a portion of his audience warm-up before a show taping

Warming Up The Audience
Uploaded by fieldsfan336

More stuff: Buzz on some of the message boards has increased, especially at Golden-Road.net, where I'm a member. This is great, because fan support is greatly needed for Rich right now. I hear tell he has done 500 shows as the third permanent announcer, only missing one due to illness. Way to go!