Drew Carey has been the host of The Price Is Right since October 2007, making his tenure on the long-running CBS daytime game show span more than 16 years. Carey is the fourth permanent host in the program’s history and has presided over the show for roughly 7,000 episodes as of 2025, maintaining a consistent presence through annual primetime specials and frequent week-invitations. His hosting run began at a time when the franchise was expanding into primetime reboots and digital extensions, and he has since become the longest-tenured host since Bob Barker’s era.
Drew Carey’s start date and tenure length
Drew Carey first appeared as host of The Price Is Right on October 15, 2007, following the conclusion of the Bob Barker run in June 2007. As of 2025, he has held the role for more than 16 calendar years, spanning more than 7,000 episodes. Carey’s hosting tenure has outlasted all other post-Bob Barker hosts and continues into a nineteenth season of daily production, making him the show’s longest-serving host in the modern era.
Comparison to prior hosts
Before Carey, the show was anchored by Bob Barker for 35 years (1972–2007), followed by a brief interim period and then several permanent hosts. Carey’s duration now exceeds both the Regis Philbin and Bob Goen tenures in the 1970s and early 1980s, though it remains shorter than Barker’s record span. This comparison places Carey as the definitive modern anchor of the franchise.
Host timeline at a glance
| Host | Years as host | Episodes hosted (approx.) | Tenure length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bob Barker | 1972–2007 | 6,000+ | 35 years |
| Drew Carey | 2007–present | 7,000+ | 16+ years and ongoing |
Milestones during Carey’s run
Since taking the helm, Carey has presided through several notable franchise shifts, including the debut of The Price Is Right at Night primetime specials in 2019, the return of live audience tapings, and the introduction of refreshed pricing games and set designs. The show’s anniversary celebrations have marked decade-plus runways, highlighting Carey’s continuity as host through evolving production practices and viewer expectations.
What his hosting timeline means for the show
Carey’s length of service has helped stabilize the show’s identity in a competitive television landscape. His background in comedy and improvisation informs a hosting style that balances efficiency with humor, contributing to consistent daytime ratings and strong engagement for annual events like the Festival of Lights. As the franchise continues to experiment with digital extensions and limited-run events, Carey’s enduring presence remains a central asset to the brand.
Frequently asked questions
- When did Drew Carey start hosting The Price Is Right? He began on October 15, 2007.
- How many years has Drew Carey been host as of 2025? More than 16 years.
- Has Drew Carey hosted more episodes than any host besides Bob Barker? Yes, he is the second-longest tenured host overall.
- Is Drew Carey still hosting in 2025? Yes, he remains the active host.
- How many episodes has Drew Carey hosted? Over 7,000 episodes as of 2025.