At least that would be a great headline. I heard some DJs on the radio talking about it and I actually think Mr. T might be a good fit. The Price is Right is in an awkward position right now. They had a host that became a pop culture icon. Now in order to maintain popularity they have to have a host that has that type of quality, on top of being a good host.
If they pick a unknown for the host then the show will fall flat and will have to rebuild, which as we’ve seen, can takes decades. The other choice is to find someone with a built-in culture reference and audience base. But even that is tricky because Bob Barker got popular with that 18-34 demographic that equals money. If you pick someone that is known to many but not known to that demo, then you’re in the same place as if you had a nobody in the seat.
Mr. T is new on my list of Barker replacements and one I think that might work. He’s got built-in pop culture appeal, he’s got presence, and he’s got energy. But I’m not sure if Mr. T could stand aside and let the contestants do their dancing, hugging, and kissing. Barker was really good at being popular and cool but letting the players do their thing. He was in the background enough and also in the front enough, a delicate balance.
Existing game show hosts are always a good look. Names like Chuck Woolery and Pat Sajak may top that list. But I’m one for the actor list and turn them into a game show host. Mr. T is on that list and I would also nominate Hulk Hogan, Bob Sagat, Dave Coulier, Erik Estrada, Ellen Degeneres. Maybe even Gary Cole would be good - you know, Limburgh from “Office Space.” Possibly Jimmy Kimmel, he has a built-in younger audience and can play it down when necessary. And from left field, David Bowie - which would be incredibly cool but has a snowball’s chance.
It will be interesting to see where they go. I fear they will pick someone old, like George Hamilton, which fit the Bob Barker mold but is too old and too obscure to make a hit. I think they need an older host but one that actually has some life left in them.
“I pity da fool that don’t get their pet spayed or neutered!”
