The Price Is Right Million Dollar Spectacular

As everyone undoubtedly saw tonight, someone hit the big jackpot on The Price Is Right Million Dollar Spectacular. Check out the Million Dollar Moment. Very exciting!!

These Million Dollar Spectaculars were originally started during the Bob Barker era and were an attempt for TPIR to gain some traction in prime time. It was an uphill struggle, since previous iterations of the show have not translated well into the evening hours (see Doug Davidson). Also, the MDS shows allowed TPIR to compete with other big money game shows. It was tough for a show like TPIR to increase the prize amounts because you can't exactly give away a $100,000 car.

The MDS shows have done a better job over time with how they integrated the million dollars into the show. Tonight's format worked very well -- having a "hidden" million-dollar prize during one of the games is a nice touch. And, offering the million dollars to any Double Showcase Winner really brings the show back to the old days when winning both Showcases was an ENORMOUS deal.

Drew Carey did a better job as host tonight. I think he is slowly getting used to the complexities and nuances of a hosting a show like this. He still needs to do a better job pacing the show. There are situations where he rushes through the games and the show loses a lot of suspense and excitement. There are other times when he tries to build up the moment but it doesn't quite work on TV (e.g., holding hands and "a-la-Kazaam"). Drew also speaks far too quickly, which is a problem when you consider that a big chunk of the viewing audience are senior citizens (hence, those Liberty Medical commericals).

And, Drew needs to show more empathy for the contestants. I'm sure working in television is much less glamorous and exciting (maybe even mundane) than it is for the viewers. But the fans often have an intense personal interest in the show and it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the contestants. One way to "connect" with the viewers and contestants is to experience the highs and lows of the game with them, just as some of the best sportscasters cheer and groan along with the fans at home.

I think Drew will find his rhythm as host with time and experience. Being a host is a much tougher job than most people assume (partly because some of the best emcees do it so well and make it look so easy). Drew did a good job tonight and the Million Dollar Moment was everything it should have been.

And check out my fellow TPIR fans on Golden-Road.net for more stuff about TPIR than you ever knew existed :)