Carey debuts on Price Is Right

by Brian McKim & Traci Skene on October 15th, 2007

There’s this, from a Reuters/Hollywood Reporter article on Drew Carey‘s ascension to the role of Price Is Right host:

The thing is, Carey doesn’t maintain the kind of ironic distance from the proceedings that we’d expect from a converted stand-up comic. He dives right in with earnest zeal and truly seems to be having the time of his life. When he exults over the success of the already manic contestants, it feels genuine. The incredulous fits of laughter that escape his lips carry a certain “I can’t believe I’m here– this is so cool!” quality, as if he’s stepping outside of himself to revel in the moment.

We expect ironic distance? Who is this we the author speaks of?

If we are interpreting this correctly, we expect “converted standup comics” to maintain an ironic distance and be somewhat less than genuine. Since when did ironic distance and inauthenticity become the default for standup comics? Has this opinion of comedians been unduly influenced by the likes of Demetri Martin, David Cross or Patton Oswalt?

That Howie Mandel, Jeff Foxworthy and Carey are perfectly suited to (and a large part of the success of) network game shows should come as a surprise to no one.

In pointing this out, do we appear hypersensitive? We shouldn’t. We are being very practical. One of our missions has been to point out that comedians are varied and versatile and adaptable to a multitude of situations. If we read that comedians are inauthentic or haughty, it deserves our negative attention. If for no other reason that if allowed to stand (and/or fester), such a opinion might prevent a comedian or two from being considered for a wide range of gigs– from network game show host to emcee at a local chamber of commerce banquet.

In an Arizona Republic article by Randy Cordova, the question of just why comics make great game show hosts is explored in some detail.

“When they wanted me, I wasn’t flattered,” Mandel says. “I asked them why they saw me as a game-show host because I simply didn’t see it.”

The reasons? Mandel says it was his ability to multitask. He could be funny, he could interview contestants and he could underline the drama inherent in the game.

“I would be a waste on Jeopardy,” Mandel says. “Alex Trebek is wonderful at what he does. But if I were on that show, I would just read questions and they’d answer questions. There’s no room for me in that format.”

In many ways, what comics like Mandel and Carey do is no different from what Groucho Marx did on You Bet Your Life back in the ’50s. There wasn’t much to that game, either, but Marx’s playfully naughty banter with contestants made it work.

Expect a similar story with Carey on The Price Is Right. The hourlong show gives the emcee plenty of room to goof around and get funny reactions from the contestants.

“Drew draws on material from all kinds of places,” Blits says. ” It’s a wonderful fit.”

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