Game Show NewsNet - Block Party with Jason Block

The Price is Right...or is it? - July 31

This is Jason Block, and I was almost right when it was announced that Drew Carey would take over as Bob Barker's replacement as host of The Price is Right. Todd Newton was in the final 3 along with Mark Steines.

To me, Drew Carey is a good choice. He is funny, has hosting experience (and more of it as of August 7th with "Power of 10"), good improv skills, is ex-military and from the Midwest...the same state as Rich Fields in Ohio. He wants to treat the property with respect (and he was the only candidate to mention the show as an "American Institution". And most importantly he is a name. He was the name Rosie O'Donnell is, without the blatant self-promotion and obvious homosexuality (Don't send me hate mail...she stated herself she wanted to "gay up" TPIR.).

But to me, I personally believe Todd Newton got hosed. Does that the fact that I met Mr. Newton, like his work, and know him color my judgment? It does a little, but I have watched his work and he seems like "always the bridesmaid, never the bride" to me.

He did everything right. He is still the host of "The Price is Right Live" with Randy West and does a very good job. He studied the tapes and attended multiple tapings to get the rhythm down. I really feel for the guy. What does he have to do to get a shot at the big time?

Here is an interesting theory. We all know that Ricki Lake was the WRONG choice for the disaster known as "Game Show Marathon". And we all were wondering what Todd Newton was doing giving away sweepstakes prizes instead of hosting all those shows. But, play this out with me folks if you will.

Let's say Todd Newton made GSM a hit. He would have been the choice and the only choice. I think that decision, along with other factors outside of his control, made the difference in him not getting the gig.

Don't get me wrong, I want to see Drew Carey succeed just as much as the next guy. As I write this, I am on my way to attend the first tapings of "Power of 10". But, even with all that...I truly think that if the show were to make the BEST choice...Todd Newton would have been it.

Cleveland does rock...but St. Louis would have rocked harder.

You agree or disagree? Fire me off a letter at jb.regis@verizon.net.