Will the "Price" Be Wrong for CBS?

If you missed it, the end of an era was announced last week…

Bob Barker announced he’s retiring as the host of “The Price Is Right” in June. Barker, who will turn 83 in December, has been the host for 35 years. CBS will air a primetime special celebrating his career in May.

CBS says the show will continue without Barker.

Though CBS refuses to engage in any speculation about a replacement, there are rumors it could be Dave Price of “The Early Show.” Price signed a new contract with CBS last week that calls for him to do “unexpected entertainment-based projects.”

There’s no doubt that CBS will need to tread lightly on this one. In fact, I would just wrap the show up and not even try to replace Barker.

But if he must be replaced, allow me to throw a name into the mix: John O’Hurley. O’Hurley, who surged in popularity after “Dancing With the Stars,” is currently the host of the syndicated “Family Feud.” But the quick pace of “Feud” does not fit with his dramatic style. “Price” would give him more freedom. And he would have the necessary credibility with the large numbers of college students who watch “Price.”

There’s a real chance that CBS could blow this one, so it will be interesting to see how they play it. The only thing at risk is CBS’s daytime dominance and lots of ad dollars.

As I said, they’ll need to tread lightly, or else the price could be wrong.