Although the show is trying hard to move on, it has not been the same since Barker’s retirement.

Bob Barker was not just the host of “The Price is Right,” but throughout his nearly 35 years with the show, he became the show. It took on his personality.

From the cruelty-free prizes, which he insisted on after becoming vegan, to the old-fashioned microphone he used that uniquely fit the feel of the show, Bob Barker became an irreplaceable piece of “The Price is Right.”

Drew Carey, best known for his work on “Whose Line is it Anyway?” and “The Drew Carey Show,” began hosting “Price” in October of 2007. His first episode was the 36th season premiere of the daytime game show.

“I have big shoes to fill,” Carey admitted in an interview with CBS.

Not only does he have to remind a daytime audience about their role in controlling the pet population, but he must also replace what has been the norm for 35 years.

Surprisingly, Barker and Carey have similar backgrounds. Both served in the United States Armed Forces. Also, they both worked on other successful game shows before hosting “Price.”

Nonetheless, Carey should not feel the need to emulate his predecessor. If the show wanted a host with Barker’s style, they definitely wouldn’t have hired him.

Although the show is trying hard to move on, it has not been the same since Barker’s retirement.

“Previous to this episode, I have only seen one person trip up the stairs. Today, like, five people have fallen,” said University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee student James Kelling. “This show is out of control.”

Contestants tripping up the stairs is only one small example of the differences from the first 35 seasons and season 36.

Bob Barker’s presence commanded a certain type of order and respect. Even when animated college students and over-excited grandmas charged the stage, they kept themselves under control.

Most female contestants kissed him; others commonly came in groups wearing shirts idolizing him. Members of the Armed Forces came in groups as well, wearing their service uniforms.

This seems to be a thing of the past under Carey’s reign. As I watched, a contestant who won the bidding contest ran up the stairs, tripped, fell down and subsequently revealed his rear end to a national audience.

Carey will never be able to compare to a 17-time Emmy award winner like Barker. Nobody can or ever will. The show can only be successful with Barker as the host.

Instead of allowing this prestigious show to linger on to a future cancellation, CBS should have allowed this show to leave with pride on its own terms, like Barker.

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