Former Australian TPiR host makes appearance at U.S. TPiR

[shieldsy101]

Australia is a good market for this type of show, but I hope they don't bring back the odd showcase format there.  Hopefully they can do two showcases like here.  I think that odd format is part of why the show failed, but that's just my opinion.

Cyclone

No, the main reason why the 2003-2005 version failed, was because it was up against Deal or No Deal, which at it's time, was frequently getting over 1 million (in Australia for that timeslot. is pretty good). Ratings wise, Deal or No Deal beat out TPIR, Family Feud, Million Dollar Wheel of Fortune, and now is facing a tough competition from Millionaire Hot Seat, which has been around since about late 2008, and is currently giving Deal a real run for its money.

Also, there were rumours going around towards the end of TPIR Australia, that Larry was going to retire from television and do something else (I don't know why, as he was only 41-42 at the end of TPIR), but Channel 7 poached him literally 24 hours after he taped the last TPIR, and got him on to host Wheel of Fortune, which ironically only lasted 6 months after that.

Anyway, I can't wait to see Larry host TPIR again. In my opinion, he is 10 times better than both Barker or Carey!

[Cyclone]

Are rumours flying about him staying in America someday and taking over OUR TPIR?  Drew's contract does end after Season 40...

If the rumours haven't started, I'll start that rumour (even if I'll just get egg on my face).  It sounds like some people think he's better than the American hosts.  And I've seen a couple of his eps. (on Youtube, mind) and they aren't bad, just the awkward showcase bit sucks.

Cyclone

[SteveGavazzi]

Also, there were rumours going around towards the end of TPIR Australia, that Larry was going to retire from television and do something else (I don't know why, as he was only 41-42 at the end of TPIR), but Channel 7 poached him literally 24 hours after he taped the last TPIR, and got him on to host Wheel of Fortune, which ironically only lasted 6 months after that.

There is nothing even remotely ironic about that.

If the rumours haven't started, I'll start that rumour (even if I'll just get egg on my face).  It sounds like some people think he's better than the American hosts.

Well, that's horribly irresponsible of you.  You're basing this on the opinion of a single fan who has no connections and who was able to watch Larry because he lives in Australia.

[TheTechSGT]

Shieldsy, I thought you said you were leaving?  Definitely remember seeing a strongly-worded message from you that you were?

I'm puzzled how you can say anyone is "10 times better than" Barker?  Your version wouldn't have been possible without his, so isn't your statement kind of like saying the imitation is better than the original?  On a board dedicated to the U.S. version of the show that just seems like an inflammatory thing to say.

[Cyclone]

Well, that's horribly irresponsible of you.  You're basing this on the opinion of a single fan who has no connections and who was able to watch Larry because he lives in Australia.

Someone had to start the rumour.  Personally, I don't think Drew's going anywhere, but Larry is IMO as good as Drew, perhaps better.

Cyclone

[SteveGavazzi]

Someone had to start the rumour.

No, nobody "had to start a rumor."  That's a completely idiotic attitude to take about anything (and frankly, if you're going to, stating outright that "I'm starting a rumor!!!" is probably the most moronic way I can think of to go about it), and if it's the one you're going to go with, maybe you'd be better suited to the GSN boards.

[CJBojangles]

No one ever "has" to start a rumor. It's just as bad as pointless speculation. They're so counterproductive that it takes the mods and folks who actually know what they're talking about a lot of damage control to ensure that random false pieces of information aren't continually perpetuated as fact, which seems to happen a lot around here.

So how about we avoid rumors. The last thing we need is more confusion.

[thepriceis_J]

Shieldsy, I thought you said you were leaving?  Definitely remember seeing a strongly-worded message from you that you were?

Technically he said he was scaling back on his posting. Also, is there any need to try and start something? Let's leave this part of the past behind.

[shieldsy101]

Technically he said he was scaling back on his posting. Also, is there any need to try and start something? Let's leave this part of the past behind.

Thank you j.

I said some things that I stand behind, although looking back at it now, I probably could have said them a lot more tactfully, so I said some dumb things, and that's all we'll talk about it now.

I'm puzzled how you can say anyone is "10 times better than" Barker?  Your version wouldn't have been possible without his, so isn't your statement kind of like saying the imitation is better than the original?  On a board dedicated to the U.S. version of the show that just seems like an inflammatory thing to say.

Considering that I never even saw the US Price is Right until midway through season 34, and didn't come onto these boards until sometime in Season 37. Larry was my main Price is Right host growing up, and I’m sure you could understand that since he was pretty well my introduction to game shows, he would be my favourite Price is Right host, even though I do like both Barker and Carey (Carey moreso).  Also, I feel that Larry had much more of a chemistry between the contestants than Barker ever did. Just look at this clip, from shortly after the 2004 boxing day tsunami. You can tell Larry is genuinely touched by this contestant.

[Cyclone]

No one ever "has" to start a rumor. It's just as bad as pointless speculation. They're so counterproductive that it takes the mods and folks who actually know what they're talking about a lot of damage control to ensure that random false pieces of information aren't continually perpetuated as fact, which seems to happen a lot around here.

So how about we avoid rumors. The last thing we need is more confusion.

Ack, well, maybe rumour isn't the right word.  But it's still something I wouldn't mind seeing.

Cyclone

[Wayoshi]

You're trying to spread the notion there's a chance Larry will replace Drew based on some people's opinions of the two. That's a rumor, a completely unfounded one at that, and you're really making yourself look pretty bad.

[Cyclone]

You're trying to spread the notion there's a chance Larry will replace Drew based on some people's opinions of the two. That's a rumor, a completely unfounded one at that, and you're really making yourself look pretty bad.

Yeah, rumour isn't the word I meant.  I mean to merely suggest that it's something I wouldn't mind seeing.  My apologies.  But I still think Drew isn't going anywhere.

Maybe I'll just shut up now before I dig a bigger hole.

Cyclone

[imhomerjay]

I'm puzzled how you can say anyone is "10 times better than" Barker?  Your version wouldn't have been possible without his, so isn't your statement kind of like saying the imitation is better than the original?  On a board dedicated to the U.S. version of the show that just seems like an inflammatory thing to say.

Realistically, though, one can say something someone improves upon what came before. (Though "original" in this specific case is more like a "sequel," but that's a different matter.)  This is particularly true with an entirely subjective topic...being "first" may or may not equate to being "best" in any individual's opinion.

[WhammyPower788]

And here's a video of the experience (WARNING: May contain spoilers!)

http://au.tv.yahoo.com/the-morning-show/video/-/watch/26142660/come-on-down-larry-part-1/

(Part 2 can be found in the list below the video)

[themountainclimber]

^ Wow! The new set looks even better than I thought!