I frequently have The Price Is Right on the television; not because I like it or watch it, but because I can’t be arsed to tear myself away from the computer and change the channel.
Why the hell would anyone want the prizes they offer? Sure, a new, uninspiring, car would be of some use to some people; and some of the holidays seem mildly intriguing. But I can’t believe some of the crap they give away.
It’s a NEW LIVING ROOM SET!!! [Audience cheers] I already have a chair in my living room. Well, two chairs; one of which is comfy. And a couch would be nice. But there’s no way I’d pack my living room with the entire ‘set’ of stuff. For one thing, I find most of it ugly. For another, it seems wasteful to have so many pieces of furniture. I’d rather choose my own furniture, thankyouverymuch, and to only choose what I need.
I guess what really gets to me is all of the things. Heck, I’m trying to get rid of a lot of my belongings! There’s virtually nothing on the show that I would want to have (except maybe the occasional kayak). But people seem to go crazy over this stuff!
I guess I’m just a Bad Consumer; and therefore, a Bad American.
As I’m sure you’re aware, the prizes and merchandise they give away are donated by the manufacturers in exchange for advertising and promotion on the show. Therefore they’re limited to giving away the stuff they can trade for.
The audience reaction I’m sure is in part generated by the excitement of being on a real-live TV show (and the applause sign that they light up).
Yeah, whenever I watch that show I wonder what percentage of the prizes are actually kept. My guess is most of it is sold off. I would sell just about anything I won on there, partly to pay the taxes I am sure you end up owing on your winnings.
My favorite is when you can tell the showcases are clearly geared toward a certain demographic and the opposite wins them, like Confused But Sweet Old Lady wins the laptop, motorcycle and sportboat. Or College Frat Boy wins the diamond necklace and romantic bedroom suite with grandfather clock.
I am the worst Price Is Right viewer. I have two friends who are obsessed, who have been watching it their entire lives. They automatically know how to win the games, they always know how much everything costs. One time I was watching it with them, some ugly faux-'50s jukebox was the prize, and Matt asked me how much I thought it should cost. “I don’t know, 80 bucks?” He was aghast, and then it was MY turn to be aghast when they revealed it was something like $2000. “Well I wouldn’t pay more than 80 bucks for that piece of crap,” I said.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the winners are allowed the option to get the “equivalent cash value” instead of the prizes they won. Signing a check is a lot easier than arranging delivery of a living-room set or a year’s supply of Rice-a-Roni.
What amazed me on the few occasions I watched TPIR is how when they revealed the fabulous grand prize collection, or even just the single item to be bid on initially, for example a refrigerator, the audience sighs and gasps in amazement. As if they’ve never in their lives seen an Admiral fridge.
Me too. People walk into my house (well, occasionally) look around, and invariably say, “Still moving in, eh?” Nope, I just like it spartan. You know, have no connection to anything you are not willing to walk out on in 30 seconds flat if you feel the heat around the corner.
But I do have an affection for The Price is Right, going back to childhood. I could have cared less about Sesame Street, the only bit of Mr. Rogers I could stomach was the train, and Captain Kangaroo could go bounce off a cliff, but I watched and reenacted TPiR all the time. Plus, I had a real crush on Holly, to the point that I’m still quite partial to any woman with the name. I watched it again, once, a few years ago and it just looked tacky, with the audience bizarrely amazed with the mundane prizes. I know, they’re prompted, but still…oh, look, a dishwasher! Shiny! :rolleyes:
Most of the prizes given out on the TPIR are in the form of gift certificates. Contestant dipsy Debbie from Denver could hardly be expected to haul off a room full of furniture from the studio. And be ready to pay your California gift tax before receiving your gifts and/or winnings. They will send you a form 1099 to cover your federal taxes. My wife’s cousin worked for a variety of game shows back in the 70’s and 80’s including TPIR.
