Bob Barkers Final Daytime Show Marks End of 35-Year Run on The Price Is Right

On June 15, 2007, CBS aired the last episode of The Price Is Right hosted by Bob Barker, closing a 35‑year tenure that had made the game show a daytime staple. The episode, taped on June 6 at the show’s long‑standing Los Angeles studio, featured classic games such as Lucky Seven, Plinko, and the Range Game. Viewers watched Barker guide contestants through the familiar Big Wheel and the “come on down” call that had become synonymous with the program.

The finale was followed by a primetime repeat that drew strong ratings and served as a tribute ahead of that evening’s Daytime Emmy Awards, where Barker received recognition for his contributions to television. The episode’s broadcast marked the end of an era that had defined daytime competition and set a benchmark for audience engagement.

Barker’s path to television prominence began far from Hollywood. Born December 12, 1923, in Darrington, Washington, he spent much of his youth on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. After serving as a fighter‑pilot trainee in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he earned a degree in economics from Drury College in 1947. His broadcasting career started in radio, first in Missouri and Florida, before he moved to California in 1950. There he hosted The Bob Barker Show for six years, establishing his on‑air presence.

In 1956, Barker was chosen to host the popular game show Truth or Consequences, a role he held until 1975. The show combined trivia with physical stunts and showcased Barker’s affable style and quick wit. During this period he also hosted short‑lived game shows and became the master of ceremonies for Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants, roles that further cemented his reputation as a polished, engaging live‑television host.

Barker’s defining career began in 1972 when he took over the revived daytime version of The Price Is Right on CBS. The program, originally hosted by Bill Cullen in the 1950s and 1960s, was re‑imagined under Barker’s leadership. Contestants guessed the prices of everyday items and competed in high‑stakes games for prizes ranging from household goods to luxury cars. Barker’s warm demeanor, signature sign‑off encouraging viewers to “help control the pet population” by spaying and neutering animals, and emphasis on fair play turned the show into a cultural phenomenon. It became the longest‑running game show in North American television history, with Barker overseeing thousands of episodes.

Beyond entertainment, Barker became a prominent animal‑rights advocate. He used his platform to promote pet adoption and supported wildlife conservation groups. In 1988 he assumed the role of executive producer for The Price Is Right, giving him greater influence over the show’s direction. Over his career he earned multiple Daytime Emmy Awards, including one for Outstanding Game Show Host, and was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame in 2003.

The 2007 finale represented more than the conclusion of a hosting stint; it closed a chapter in daytime television that emphasized accessibility, excitement, and wholesome competition. Fans who had grown up watching Barker bid on prizes or spin the Big Wheel felt nostalgia as the credits rolled. The show continued successfully under new leadership—Drew Carey took over hosting duties on October 15, 2007—yet Barker’s influence lingered through reruns and fond recollections.

After stepping away from daily hosting duties, Barker remained active in select appearances and continued his advocacy work. He made occasional television appearances until 2015 and remained a public figure until his death in August 2023. His career exemplified how consistent charm and professionalism can sustain a program across decades of changing viewer habits.

Today, The Price Is Right remains an enduring fixture in television lore, and Barker’s legacy endures as a testament to dedication and the power of entertainment to educate and inspire.