Come on Down....

You’re the Next Contestant on the Price is Right!!!!!!!!!!

I LOVE the Price is Right. Who doesn't? I'm sure everyone has a memory of watching it and excitedly shouting at the TV in hopes the contestant on TV will take your suggestion on what number to pick. I began watching the show when I was younger during my summer vacations. Just recently, I've had the time to watch it again. What I've noticed the second time around is that this show has not changed one bit. It's 70's bright, glittery colors and graphics are as old and outdated as the microphone Bob Barker uses. The one with the skinny handle and long cable leading who knows where. The 80 games that are on constant rotation have not changed and neither have the cheesy prizes. Contestants still have a change to win old-fashion popcorn makers, silver dishware and 1990's floral living room furniture. The constantly changing Barker's Beauties seem to wear the same cheesy outfits since the start of the show in 1972. Yet none of this seems to matter.

The show has been on for 35 years making it the longest running game show in American TV history. The show has also had the pleasure of having the same host Bob Barker for the length of the entire show. Bob has won 17 Emmy awards, received a Lifetime Achievement award for host and has been installed in the TV Academy Hall of Fame. What makes a show that seems to be stuck in the past so popular? Well for one, they give hope. Hope to be a contestant for just being in the audience. Hope that a contestant doesn't need to super smart or witty in order to win. Hope getting the right price. It's about hoping you win the prize.

The element that has led to the success of this brand is consistency.
1. The charmingly Bob Barker
2. Barker's Beauties
3, Games
4. Announcer
5. Set Design
6. Barker's Beauties Outfits
7. Excitement (contestants & audience members)
8. Bob T-Shirts (contestants wear)
9. 'Have your pets spare or neutered."
10. Prizes ranging from living room sets to cold hard cash.

This consistency over 35 years has built a safe haven for all to enjoy. From stay at home moms, children to young to go to school, retired folks, college students and the unemployed. You won't find deception, drama, scandals, blandness or sexual references here. This type of behavior is only common around the soap operas, court and talk shows the game show is nestled in-between.

So what does this mean for brands? Consistency is good. A safe place is what consumers want when most shows in daytime television show dysfunction in families (Montel & Maury Povich), argumentative TV hosts (Rosie from The View) or broken relationships fighting over money (Judge Judy, People's Court). A little hope that one day you can be a contestant on the Price is Right!

Bob Barker is retiring this month so lets make sure to pay tribute by spade or neutering your pet.