- // Posted on Jun 11, 2007 by
Danny
-
Comments (1)
I remember several certainties that I could always count on growing up: Ryan would break a bone in every sport he played =], summertime always brought tons of pool/beach time, and if I ever stayed home sick from school I could watch several episodes of The Price is Right with Bob Barker. My favorite game was always Plinko, most likely because it seemed to be the game that appeared the least often.
One of those certainties will no longer be true. Bob Barker has officially announced that he will be leaving The Price is right after 35+ years of hosting this remarkable game show. In memory of the greatest game show host of my lifetime I have compiled a list of the top 5 game show hosts since 1981 (my birth year)...
Bob Barker The Price is Right 1972 - 2007 The CBS version of this show has not only be on the air since 1972, but has also retained its format as we know it since the addition of the the wheel and showcase showdown since 1975. That's a pretty amazing feat by and standards. The shows seems to appeal to people of any age, from the elderly to college spring break-ers. Personally, I can't imagine watching this show without Bob Barker instructions to "have your pet spayed or neutered".
- Pat Sajak The Wheel of Fortune 1981 - Present Wheel of Fortune is the second longest running network game show (behind The Price is Right) and Pat Sajak has been around for its entirety. Who could forget the black "Bankrupt Wedge" (that always made me want to say "Whammy!" for some reason) or the silver "Mystery Wedge". Pat even hosted an episode of Jeopardy in 1997 when he and Alex Trebek switch shows on April Fool's Day. Which brings me to #3...
- Alex Trebek Jeopardy 1984 - Present With all the knowledge Alex Trebek has gathered from hosting the hit show Jeopardy over the past 23 years, you would think he could write the new Encyclopedia Britannica series. Unlike many of the other game shows, Jeopardy has grown in popularity recently. The show hit all time highs when the infamous Ken went on his record breaking 74 consecutive appearances. And how can forget comedy central's knock-off of Celebrity Jeopardy with Will Ferrell playing Alex Trebek...
Dick Clark 100,000 Pyramid 1973 - 1988 Dick Clark remained the rock on a show that saw rename after rename ($10,000 / $20,000 / $25,0000 / $50,000 / $100,000) as the grand prize changed. Years after he left the show $100,000 Pyramid could still be found in many pop culture references like the Friends episode where Joey guest-starred on the show.
Peter Marshall Hollywood Squares 1966 - 1981 Hollywood Squares was half game show and half comedy-series, an interesting change from the ordinary game show. Peter Marshall hosted the show for 16 years during which he built an impressive list of celebrity guests. I can't speak for anyone else, but I know I was disappointed when Joan Rivers didn't appear in any of the squares!
Honorable Mention Chuck Woolery - The Love Connection (11 Years, 1983-1994) Monty Hall - Let's Make a Deal (19 Non-Consecutive Years, 1963-1976, 1980-1981, 1984-1986, 1990) Game Show Host List
Update - A funny article about "applications" to for Bob Barker's job.
