In a shocking turn of events, The Price Is Right made headlines this week after a group of contestants took their excitement a bit too far—resulting in a dramatic clash with beloved host Drew Carey.
The episode, which aired on January 15, 2025, quickly spiraled from joyful celebration to chaos as some players physically overwhelmed Carey in the heat of the moment. What started as a routine game show quickly turned into a spectacle that left fans outraged and producers forced to intervene.
66-year-old Drew Carey has been the face of The Price Is Right since he took over from legendary host Bob Barker. While he’s known for his calm demeanor and sharp wit, Carey has faced numerous health challenges over the years.
Back in 2001, while filming The Drew Carey Show, he suffered chest pains that led to an emergency coronary angioplasty. This health scare marked the beginning of a long medical journey. In 2010, he made headlines for transforming his health through diet and exercise, successfully reversing his type 2 diabetes. Then in 2014, he underwent surgery for a herniated disc—a procedure that left him with ongoing back complications.
Given this medical history, many fans believe that contestants should exercise more caution when celebrating with the host, especially during high-energy wins.
The recent controversial episode featured a contestant playing the popular “One Away” game for a brand-new SUV worth over $35,000. As the numbers were slowly revealed, the tension built to a dramatic climax. After Drew called for the sound effects reveal, the contestant realized he had won—and his excitement boiled over.
In an impulsive move, the contestant grabbed Carey, lifted him off the ground, and spun him around several times like a ragdoll. The studio audience gasped, and the moment quickly turned from heartwarming to horrifying.
While Drew Carey managed to laugh off the incident on-air, fans were far from amused. Reddit threads lit up with furious reactions, calling the moment “cringe-worthy” and “irresponsible.” Many pointed out how visibly uncomfortable Drew looked and expressed concern over his past medical issues.
One fan wrote, “This man has survived heart surgery and back problems, and people are tossing him around like a teddy bear? It’s not okay.” Others demanded that the show implement new safety rules to protect Carey from further harm.
Despite the uproar, Drew maintained his signature good humor and grace throughout the ordeal. He didn’t address the incident directly during the episode, but behind the scenes, sources say producers had a serious conversation with contestants about respecting personal boundaries.
It’s unclear whether this episode will lead to an official change in policy, but fans are calling for clear rules prohibiting physical contact with the host during celebrations.
As the backlash grows, fans and viewers are now asking: Should The Price Is Right introduce a rule banning contestants from touching Drew Carey? Some suggest that the show’s producers should make an announcement at the beginning of each taping, warning players not to physically engage with the host.
“There’s a difference between excitement and endangerment,” another fan commented. “This isn’t the WWE. It’s a game show.”
This bizarre moment serves as a cautionary tale for game show contestants everywhere. While the thrill of winning is understandable, it’s important to remember that respect for others—including the host—is key.
As the episode continues to circulate online, it stands as both a viral sensation and a sobering reminder: sometimes, too much enthusiasm can come at a cost.
So, what do you think? Should there be a “no touching Drew Carey” rule? Or is this just a one-time overreaction to an exciting moment?