The Price Is Right Game Show Reminds Me of Good Times with My Grandma
I've gotten into a pretty consistent routine working 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 its entirety, The Price is Right.
When everything in the world seems to be uncertain and what is certain is news of doom and gloom, the one hour of fun and games on The Price is Right is an uplifting respite of cheer and good fortune that I love waking up to. Everyone is so happy on the show. Host Drew Carey has brought new life to the show since taking over for the iconic Bob Barker. His enthusiasm for the contestants and general good-naturedness adds spontaneity without being corny or cliche. It is a rare hour on television these days where those who lose are as happy as those who win. And where those who remain in contestants row are thankful just to have had their name called at all.
In addition to its feel-good factor, I also love The Price is Right because it reminds me of spending time with my maternal grandmother. Practically every summer from the age of 11-16, 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 woke 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 then, of course, we would do our best to guess the best price in the Showcase Showdown, hoping not to have a double over.
On the flip side, the downer of seeing a double over, there is nothing better than seeing a contestant win both showcases! This happens when the contestant bids within $250 of their own showcase without going over. When the winner realizes this has happened, it is as if they have just won the lottery, the Golden Ticket, and 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.
Yes, indeed, The Price is Right has been a staple of the American television landscape for 39 years now. And I, for one, hope it is here to stay. It is important that today's young people and future generations know what the actual retail price of denture adhesive is compared to the price of a box of brownie mix. And of course, be reminded in that ever-so-charming way to "Help control the pet population, have your pet spayed or neutered."
