The Price Is Right Reminds Me of Good Times with My Grandma

I’ve settled into a pretty consistent routine with my part-time schedule. My 1 p.m. start time, combined with the fact that I am NOT a morning person, means that most days my internal body clock wakes me up around 10 a.m.—just in time to watch, in part or in its entirety, The Price is Right.

When everything in the world seems uncertain and the only certainties are news of doom and gloom, the one hour of fun and games on The Price is Right serves as an uplifting respite filled with cheer and good fortune. It’s a show I love waking up to. Everyone is so happy on the show. Host Drew Carey has brought new life to it since taking over for the iconic Bob Barker. His enthusiasm for the contestants and general good-naturedness add spontaneity without being corny or cliché. It’s a rare hour on television where those who lose are just as happy as those who win, and where those who remain in Contestant’s Row are thankful simply for having their names called.

In addition to its feel-good factor, I love The Price is Right because it reminds me of spending time with my maternal grandmother. Practically every summer from the ages of 11 to 16, I stayed with Grandma Harriet for at least a month. From the TV in her living room, the voice of Rod Roddy bellowing that famous phrase would wake me from my slumber. I’d get up, and we’d watch together. Gram had her favorite games: Plinko, the Clock Game, and the Dice Game. I was—and still am—more partial to Cliff Hangers (I love the Yodeler) and One Away. And, of course, we would do our best to guess the price in the Showcase Showdown, hoping to avoid the dreaded double over.

On the flip side of the disappointment of seeing a double over, there’s nothing better than watching a contestant win both showcases! This happens when the contestant bids within $250 of their own showcase without going over. When the winner realizes they’ve achieved this, it’s as if they’ve just won the lottery, found the Golden Ticket, and scored a seat at Oprah’s Favorite Things show—all at once. They are just THAT happy.

And really, how can you not be happy for them? I’m smiling from ear to ear as I write, just thinking about it.

Indeed, The Price is Right has been a staple of American television for 39 years now, and I, for one, hope it’s here to stay. It’s important for today’s young people and future generations to know the actual retail price of denture adhesive compared to a box of brownie mix. And, of course, to be reminded in that ever-so-charming way to “Help control the pet population; have your pets spayed or neutered.”