Why Drew Carey Called ‘The Price Is Right’ Audience ‘Judgmental’

During a recent episode of “The Price Is Right,” the host Drew Carey couldn’t help but notice — and address — the audience’s reaction to the contestant’s unconventional approach to one of the show’s iconic segments, the Switcheroo.

The moment, captured in a clip shared on Instagram on Dec. 16, showcases Drew Carey’s signature wit and calm demeanor, making for an unforgettable moment on “The Price Is Right.”

The contestant, called Brian, rose to the challenge with 30 seconds on the clock to match the missing numbers worth five prizes, including a car, an ice scraper, a massager, an iron and a pillow. Unlike most players who tend to rush through the game in a flurry of quick decisions, Brian took his time, carefully considering each placement before locking down his answers.

As the seconds ticked down, Kerry informed Bryan, “25 seconds,” he announced as the crowd grew louder, urging Bryan to move faster. “20 seconds. “He’s not in as much of a hurry as everyone else who plays the game,” Carey remarked with a mixture of amusement and curiosity.

Despite the audience’s impatience, Bryan finished with 10 seconds to spare, confidently sticking to his choice. However, when the buzzer sounded, the reaction from the audience was poor, with them groaning in frustration at Brian’s final arrangement.

Clearly taken aback by the crowd’s reaction, Carey couldn’t help but make a sharp but flippant remark. “Well, good morning, judge,” he quipped, causing a wave of laughter from the same audience that had criticized him a moment earlier.

Taking the opportunity, Bryan asked for another 30 seconds on the clock to make adjustments. Kerry granted his request and Brian rushed back to the game board, determined to improve his odds. As he began to change numbers, he glanced at the audience for clues.

The crowd erupted when Bryan tried to change the price of the car, and loud dissent echoed through the studio. Carey, recounting the moment in real time, quipped, “The crowd goes wild and he got 2 back.” Despite the chaotic response from viewers, Brian returned to his original choice for the price of the car.

As time ran out, Brian made a few final adjustments, replacing the numbers with ice scraper and pillow prizes, before stepping back to await the results.

Kerry was double-checking Brian’s revised answers, and the tension in the studio was palpable. When the results were revealed, Kerry announced that Brian now only had one correct answer after his changes.

In a moment of humor and hope, Brian said in confusion, “Ow,” to which Carrie replied with a laugh, “I hope it’s a car.”

After a rollercoaster Switcheroo series filled with crowd tension and nail-biting anticipation, The Price Is Right’s latest opening has taken an unexpected twist. When the results were displayed on the Switcheroo board, it was revealed that the one correct answer that Brian had blocked was indeed the grand prize, a Toyota Corolla.

The moment was pure television gold. “Oh my God!” Brian shouted when he realized it. Overcome with excitement, he rushed around the stage, celebrating the unexpected victory.

“I just show up, punch the clock and hope I have a job every day,” Carey said TV Insider earlier this year. “I don’t think I’m the tallest. I have a goal: I want to go until I die. This is my 18th season. I have to get 35 and 41 so I can catch Bob Barker and Pat Sajak.’

Over the years, Carey has witnessed everything from outrageous responses and unforgettable reactions from contestants to the occasional mishap on stage. In fact, The Price Is Right created an unforgettable TV moment in April 2015 by holding a massive wedding ceremony right on set – with Carrey taking on the role of the officiant.

At the event, all the couples in the audience got married at the same time, creating a touching spectacle filled with tears, hugs and lots of kisses. Reflecting on the unique experience, Kerry is humble admitted“I felt unworthy to do such a special thing.”