Bob Barker began hosting The Price Is Right on September 4, 1972, and continued as host until his final taping on June 15, 2007. His nearly 36-year tenure makes him one of the longest-serving game show hosts in television history. This timeline is widely documented in network announcements, syndication records, and contemporaneous news coverage of his departure. The following sections detail key milestones in his hosting run, contextualize the show’s scheduling during his era, and clarify dates related to his retirement and passing.
Start date and early years
Bob Barker joined The Price Is Right on September 4, 1972, taking over from original host Bill Cullen. The show was already in syndication before Barker’s arrival, but his tenure aligned with its rise into daytime syndication strength. Barker hosted through syndication and into first-run network episodes on CBS, creating continuity across decades of format changes and co-host rotations.
Peak syndication and daytime run
During the 1970s through the early 1990s, The Price Is Right aired in both first-run network episodes and daily syndication. Barker’s hosting style and tenure benefited from the show’s consistent time slots, which reinforced viewer familiarity. The era emphasized traditional game show structures, and Barker’s calm delivery became a signature of the program.
Notable era markers
- 1972: Start as host, replacing Bill Cullen.
- 1970s–1990s: Strong performance in syndication and network runs.
- 2007: Final taping and formal retirement from hosting.
Transition and final episodes
Bob Barker’s last first-run episode aired on June 15, 2007, marking the end of his regular hosting duties. Drew Carey took over as host later that year, and the show continued its format with updated elements while retaining core gameplay. Barker’s departure followed a planned succession and was widely covered in entertainment news at the time.
Post-hosting and legacy
After stepping away from hosting, Barker remained publicly visible through philanthropy and occasional appearances related to the show’s anniversary specials. His years on air are frequently cited in lists of long-running game show hosts. The longevity of his tenure contributes to the show’s enduring brand identity and is a key reference point for retrospective coverage.
Timeline at a glance
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| September 4, 1972 | Barker begins hosting | Marks the start of his long tenure |
| 1970s–1990s | Syndication and network run | Primary growth and cultural reach |
| June 15, 2007 | Final taping and retirement | End of regular hosting duties |
| 2023 | Barker passes away | End of his life, not hosting career |
For ongoing retrospectives and anniversary content, references to Barker’s hosting timeline remain central. Understanding when Bob Barker hosted The Price Is Right clarifies his role in the show’s history and supports accurate coverage of its legacy.
This overview reflects widely reported dates from network records, syndication histories, and reputable news sources. No financial or contractual specifics are detailed here.