Why Drew Carey Called ‘The Price Is Right’ Audience ‘Judgmental’

During a recent episode of “The Price Is Right,” host Drew Carey couldn’t help but notice—and address—the audience’s reaction to a contestant’s unconventional approach to one of the show’s iconic segments, Switcheroo.

The moment, captured in a clip shared on Instagram on December 16, showed Drew Carey’s signature wit and easygoing demeanor, making for a memorable moment on “The Price Is Right.”

The contestant, named Brian, stepped up to the challenge with 30 seconds on the clock to assign missing numbers to the prices of five prizes, including a car, an ice scraper, a massager, an iron, and a pillow. Unlike most players, who typically rush through the game in a flurry of quick decisions, Brian took his time, carefully considering each placement before locking in his answers.

As the seconds ticked down, Carey kept Brian updated: “25 seconds,” he announced, while the crowd grew louder, urging Brian to move faster. “20 seconds. He’s not rushing as much as everyone else that plays this game does,” Carey observed with a mix of amusement and curiosity.

Despite the audience’s vocal impatience, Brian finished with 10 seconds to spare, confidently standing by his choices. However, when the buzzer sounded, the audience’s reaction turned sour—they groaned in disappointment at Brian’s final arrangement.

Clearly taken aback by the crowd’s response, Carey couldn’t resist delivering a sharp yet lighthearted remark. “Well, good morning judgmental,” he quipped, earning a wave of laughter from the same audience that had been quick to criticize moments before.

Seizing the opportunity, Brian asked for another 30 seconds on the clock to make adjustments. Carey granted his request, and Brian rushed back to the game board, determined to improve his odds. As he began swapping numbers, he glanced toward the audience for guidance.

The crowd erupted when Brian attempted to change the car’s price, with loud disagreement echoing through the studio. Carey, narrating the moment in real-time, quipped, “The crowd is going bananas and he put the 2 back.” Despite the audience’s chaotic feedback, Brian reverted to his original choice for the car’s price.

With time running out, Brian made a few final adjustments, swapping the numbers for the ice scraper and pillow prizes before stepping back to await the results.

Carey had Brian’s revised answers checked again, and the tension in the studio was palpable. As the results were revealed, Carey announced that Brian now only had one correct answer after his changes.

In a moment of humor and hope, Brian sheepishly said, “Uh oh,” to which Carey replied with a chuckle, “Hopefully it is the car.”

After a rollercoaster round of Switcheroo filled with crowd tension and nail-biting anticipation, the final reveal on “The Price Is Right” brought an unexpected twist. When the Switcheroo board displayed the results, it was revealed that the one correct answer Brian had locked in was indeed the grand prize — a Toyota Corolla.

The moment was pure television gold. “Oh my God!” Brian shouted as the realization hit him. Overcome with excitement, he dashed around the stage, celebrating his unexpected victory.

“I just show up and punch the clock and hope I have a job every day,” Carey told TV Insider earlier this year. “I don’t think in terms of I’m the longest one. I do have a goal: I want to keep going until I die. This is my 18th season. I’ve got to get the 35 and 41 so I can catch Bob Barker and Pat Sajak.”

Over the years, Carey has witnessed it all—from outrageous answers and unforgettable contestant reactions to the occasional on-stage mishap. In fact, in April 2015, “The Price Is Right” created an unforgettable television moment by hosting a mass wedding ceremony right on set—and Carey took on the role of officiant.

The event saw every couple in the audience get married simultaneously, creating a heartwarming spectacle filled with tears, hugs, and plenty of kisses. Reflecting on the unique experience, Carey humbly admitted, “I felt unworthy to do such a special thing.”