The Bottom Line
Pros
- Bigger prizes everywhere: lots of cars and cash to be given away.
- Pricing games are familiar favorites.
- It's easier for contestants to win a million than in previous prime time editions.
- Higher stakes make for more excitement.
- Drew Carey is much more comfortable in the role of host than he was several months ago.
Cons
- Some of the game props have been around forever and could use a makeover.
Description
- The Million Dollar Spectacular airs in prime time for a six-episode run.
- The game works exactly the same as the daytime version of The Price is Right.
- Pricing games consist mainly of audience favorites, including Plinko, Lucky Sevens, and Push Over.
- Prizes are bigger and better throughout the game, including the items up for bids.
- There are two chances to win one million dollars in each episode.
- One random pricing game is worth $1,000,000. This game is announced when the contestant learns the prize they're playing for.
- The other million is awarded if a contestant guesses their Showcase within $1000, in addition to winning both Showcases.
Guide Review - 'The Price is Right' Million Dollar Spectacular
The Price is Right has had a few encounters with prime time, and all have been successful with viewers. The prizes are more impressive, beginning with the first item up for bids for those in Contestant's Row and ending with the Showcase Showdowns. Two chances at a million dollar prize up the ante for viewers and contestants alike.
If you're a fan and regular watcher of the daytime version, the Million Dollar Spectacular provides an amped-up version for a nice change of pace. For others who can't catch the show during the day, it's both a trip down memory lane and a chance to check Drew Carey out in his new role as host.
I have to admit, I love Drew Carey on TPIR. He's personable, warm, and engaging without making himself the center of attention. He leaves the contestants enough room to show a little bit of their personality while playing the games. Some who saw his first few outings on Price complained that he was awkward and looked uncomfortable, but those days are long behind him.
The Price is Right has had the recipe for game show success for many years, and the prime time Million Dollar Spectacular proves that it's going to be around for years to come. Contestants are just as excited to be called to "come on down" today as they were 35 years ago, and the studio audience is as loud and animated as they ever were.
This is classic game show fare with a twist; one that's just different enough to appear updated and worthy of fanfare, but still familiar enough to feel comfortable and nostalgic.
