Drew Carey's 'Price' Debut on the Money

Comedian Drew Carey's first day as host of "The Price is Right" was a surprisingly normal episode of the classic CBS game show, writes Tom Shales for the Washington Post. Despite all the hype surrounding Carey stepping into Bob Barker's 35-year-old post, the comic's "subdued start" proves that the program is in "respectful, capable and worthy hands," Shales concludes.

Shales commends Carey for knowing the gig and not overstepping its bounds. He refrained from being intrusively chatty, apparently understanding that the show is ultimately about contestants and prizes, not its host. His biggest challenge? He needs to learn how to corral hysterical contestants—and stay out of the way as winners "rush to embrace their booty," says Shales. (More Drew Carey stories.)