‘The Price Is Right’ Announces Major Format Change for First Time in 54-Year History
“The Price Is Right” is making a major change for the first time in its 54-year history. The long-running CBS game show is set to air its first-ever live episode as part of a primetime Christmas special later this year.
The announcement came as part of the CBS Fall Primetime Schedule for 2026-2027. According to the network, the special will bring a new format to the show, which has traditionally aired as a taped production.
‘The Price Is Right’ Live Episode Will Air as Holiday Special
CBS confirmed that the special, “THE PRICE IS RIGHT LIVE,” will air in December as a primetime Christmas event. Paramount described the broadcast as a “high-stakes, must-watch primetime Christmas television event” that will unfold in real time.
“For the first time in its 54-year history on CBS, television’s longest-running game show will air live with THE PRICE IS RIGHT LIVE,” the network said in its announcement, via Variety.
The live format will allow viewers to see more of the production process as it happens. According to the description, audiences will get “unprecedented behind-the-scenes access alongside host Drew Carey, announcer George Gray, the models and the production team as they race to keep the show on track—resetting games, transforming the stage and beating the clock.”
Contestants will still take part in familiar segments. Participants will “Come on down!” to play popular games like Plinko, Cliffhangers, and Lucky Seven before spinning the Big Wheel for a chance at the showcase.
CBS President Explains Decision Behind Live Format
CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach explained how the idea developed and why the network approved the format change.
“They came to us with a really fun pitch that we’ve seen that really justifies it,” Reisenbach said.
She added that the network wanted to ensure the live episode would feel different from a standard taped broadcast. “We challenged them, we really liked the idea of doing this, but how do you make it unique and specific and not feel like a taped episode?” she said.
Reisenbach said the producers developed ideas to make the experience more interactive. “They’ve got some really fun ideas that they’re going to implement to bring the audience into that live experience,” she said.
She also pointed to the timing of the special. “I think the prizes are what brings people in, the joy of seeing people win. And at the holiday season, I can’t imagine anything more fun for everyone to witness people winning prizes live.”
Fans React to ‘The Price Is Right’ Live Announcement
Fans have already begun reacting to “The Price Is Right” news online, sharing both excitement and curiosity about how the live format will work.
“Awesome!! can’t wait to see how it’s done,” one fan wrote on Reddit. Another added, “This is going to be very interesting.”
Some viewers noted that the live format could highlight moments typically edited out. “I think that will be part of the appeal. Anybody that likes outtakes & bloopers will enjoy it, especially since any flubs will be live & not edited out,” one fan commented.
Others questioned how the show will handle production challenges in real time, pointing out that tapings often involve retakes or adjustments between segments.