‘The Price Is Right’ Fans Want Big Change to Game After Contestant’s ‘Depressing’ Disaster
Each episode of The Price Is Right features an undisclosed assortment of games, and that variety is part of its mass appeal. However, fans think it’s due time to either retire or change one segment in particular: the Time is Money game, which just saw a contestant come up very short — and short on breath.
The Time is Money game is worth a maximum of $20,000 and is a staple of the game show despite being long branded as “impossible.” A player is shown five grocery items and then has just ten seconds to place each item on three shelves based on their prices. If they do so correctly, they win. If not (usually the case), there’s a redemption opportunity: they get 40 more seconds to rearrange the items correctly, with the prize pot decreasing every second. With each new guess, they must race over to a buzzer on side-stage to lock it in, the prize pot whittling away. If they can lock in the correct prices in 40 seconds, they get whatever’s left in the prize pot.
On Wednesday November 27’s episode, a truck driver named Stevan had a disastrous experience with the game. He was incorrect in round one, and unable to even place all of the items down in time. “Well, you didn’t get it because you have three in your hands still,” Drew Carey told him. Stevan entered the second chance portion, unsure if any of the ones he did place were correct.
The 40-second clock began on Stevan’s second chance, and sped around the set, rearranging the items and smashing the buzzer. But it was to no avail; after five incorrect rearrangements, the prize pot dropped down to $0.
“Oh man, sorry buddy you really tried,” Carey told an exhausted Stevan who was left huffing and puffing, hands clasping his knees. Correctly placing the items just for show, Carey, admitted, “I would have lost that one!”
After the morose misfire aired, a fan took to the TPIR Reddit forum dedicating a post to railing against the game’s difficulty level and asking producers to extend the time limit of the first round.
“God, I despise this game,” they began. “I imagine the producers and CBS love it, though; they’re almost guaranteed to save $20,000 of their budget when it’s played. Yes, I’m well aware that the full $20,000 has been won several times, but it’s still such a depressing game to watch when nine times out of 10, you know it’s gonna be lost.” They added, “What, if anything, do you reckon would be a good strategy to improve one’s odds of winning the game? Seeing as the second chance round is I believe 40 seconds, why can’t the first round be 20 seconds?”
“I love this game but people seldom play it wisely,” one fan replied. “The fellow playing it today did not think. He just threw things back-and-forth hoping to win by chance.”
“And he was looking at the audience! There’s no time for that,” wrote a third agreeing it was on the player.
However, the majority of commenters agreed that the game is too difficult as it stands and the timer for the first round should be extended to 15 or 20 seconds.
“I agree with the comments saying it should be 15 seconds,” a fourth fan wrote.
“For me, this game has many issues,” wrote a fifth. “First of all, it assumes agility. I don’t like seeing the contestant huffing and puffing at the end. What if 90 year old granny who’s been watching forever and finally gets on stage gets this game,” wrote a sixth. “Beyond that, the initial game could easily be expanded to 15 seconds.”
“To be fair, that guy had no clue how to price any of those items. But yeah, it’s a dumb game,” wrote an additional fan.
“I wouldn’t shed a tear if they retired this game. And take Three Strikes with it,” wrote a sixth.
“This game is trash. Everyone knows it. Get rid of it,” tore one more. “Not enjoyable at all to watch knowing the contestant has 0 chance. Not enough time to even gather the stuff and place it on the podium the first time. I legitimately can not believe that the producers and people who made this game actually think it’s enjoyable in anyway.”
What do you think of the Time is Money game? Would more time entail more money for the huffing and puffing players tasked with taking it on? Let us know in the comments!
The Price Is Right, Weekdays, 11am ET/10am PT, CBS
Conversation77 Comments
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Comments are closed on this story.
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C
That's too much is also the worst. No one ever wins.
19 1
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O
I agree that the time needs to be significantly expanded for the first round. The table(and buzzer) should be closer to the playing field. However, people do NOT know how to play it. They randomly place items with no consideration of price.
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P
Very stressful game, not too crazy about it! You need extra time and player should look at the items quickly before sorting them out, and they should never look at the audience!!
11 1
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B
Time is Money is one of my favorite games. I love it, but I am always yelling at the TV, because it really isn't that difficult, but the contestant is always looking in the audience, there's no time for that! The contestant must think for theirselves, and they would do so much better.
10 2
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G
That’s the worst game on The Price is Right. Very unfair odds if possibly winning anything. Some other games are so easy. This needs to go.
10 2
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G
This game needs to be retired immediately. I have never seen anyone win it in the first round and only one time did I see a person win the second round and get around $8K. Compared to the other games, this one offers no chance for anyone to win while others are much easier and less physically demanding. Come on, what if an older person or someone a bit overweight has to play this. Do you want a heart attack on live tv on this popular game show?? Retire this horrible game now!
11 3
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G
The game is ok if the would stop looking at there freinds while playing the game
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C
Some of the games are easy, but Time is Money, and the one with the pennies, along with Three Strikes, all seem unfair. They need to be retired and replaced.
8 1
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C
As a combat medic, it reminds me of triage, not the best memories.
9 2
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G
🙏😔
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J
I agree that it isn't fun to watch and I can't imagine it being fun to play! I'm always afraid someone is going to fall or have a heart attack during this game! Guess that would get it changed, huh?
7 2
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B
I usually try to figure out which item is the cheapest and which item is the most expensive, and put them on their respective podiums (in my head, of course, since I'm at home) and put the rest of the items in the middle. It either works out in my favor or I'm way off base.
6 2
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B
Agree! Games is impossible
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G
I don't like this game either. I am 72 years old and I can't see me running back and forth to put the products down then pressing the button knowing that money is going down superfast. This is the hardest of all the games. I'd rather them lower the prize amount and give more time.
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G
I enjoy that game and playing along. Its on the contestant to strategize his game plan from the get go. Don't trash the game because the player isn't up to it However, extra seconds in the first round would give the player more time to think rather than freak out.
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G
Time is money is a wonderful game and people win and lose but it's sad that one person lost and wants things to change. This game has
been around for a long time so just stop being a sore loser. Because they didn't win. I don't understand why it's a big deal have a great day
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C
If I made it onstage only to learn that was my game, I'd walk away! It's horrible.
2
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R
Lol!
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L
I think the game is just fine, as well as “Three Strikes”. It may be a bit more difficult than many other games but, they're all challenging in various degrees. Some games are harder, some easier, and the thrill of winning a harder game more than compensates fans of the show emotionally when they win. That's why I love “The Golden Road” so much!
3 2
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B
I don't like it.Retire it.
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G
I think this game is humiliating for the contestant.
2 1
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P
10 seconds is not even enough time to pick up all the items, much less place them with any thought whatsoever. At least 15 seconds should be allotted. And the 3 Strikes game? Too long, boring and unpleasant to watch. Please retire that game permanently.
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R
I agree about 3 strikes being boring, and as long as they are at it, get rid of "Stack the deck", "Secret X", and "That's too much!".
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O
I think they need to change the wheel game,if you can't spin it all the way around you get disqualified, no helping them
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R
Lolol! I agree! They should know by now that the wheel has to go all the way around!!
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B
A very unfair game, you have to be in great shape to play this game, I think it should be cancelled.
1
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R
Impossible to win the worst game they have,I hate it
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B
I absolutely hate that game! Also, people need to quit looking at the audience when they play, no time for that!! For ANY of the timed games for that matter!!
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M
Time is Money and 3 Strikes need to be retired. The moment either game is introduced I know that the contestant's chances of winning are Slim & None. I feel compassion for any contestant who is faced with these games so I change the channel or mute the TV and look away when these games are introduced. And would it be so bad if Drew were to remind contestants to end every guess with "0" on Ten Chances? I find myself yelling at the TV "every price ends with a Zero!!!"
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R
People who watch the show would already know that though, so if they lose, it's all on them!
4 1
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R
So everyone is angry that a guy going on a show for free, who should know the rules of the game that's been played for over 40 years, lost? K...
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G
I absolutely hate this game. Somebody is going to fall dead right on the set. Get rid of it please.
1
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O
It's fun I think it's fine
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G
What If It's A Person In A Wheelchair They Wil Never Win.
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R
You're right, but I suspect that if they have wheelchair contestants in the audience, and they get onstage, they would likely have a backup game for them.
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B
The guy looked out of shape for a race game variant ( I say this as someone in similar shape). 2. Looking towards the audience in any game with a clock is a waste of what little time you have. The fact that he couldn't even finish the first phase of the game is on him. No one else has had that problem that I've seen. Nothing wrong with the game in my opinion.It's difficult but not impossible. I'd rather play this than Plinko which is pure luck.
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C
Hate the game
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G
Boo hoo! Life stinks. Not every one wins.
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G
Yeah this game is garbage
1
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C
It's stupid. So is 3 Strikes, That's Too Much, Pathfinder just to name a fee
2 1
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B
It sucks
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R
Horrible game. I physically could not do it. I can only walk slow. I hate even watching it. I have only seen someone win under $6000 once. It should be 20 seconds first and then 50 next. Or just get rid of it.
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R
Totally agree!!! This is the worst game they play! There’s not enough time to even pick up the items and get over to place them…10 seconds!!! Some older person that has difficulty could never even get everything picked up!!! Time to retire this game and get a little more creative that’s fair for everyone!!! I watch every day and I cringe when I see this game!
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R
I’m so glad I came across this conversation about games on the Price is Right! They definitely need new games! I have loved PIR since I have been 10 years old. I can tell you how to play every game on the show.
I feel they need games with a little bit of skill to it? Not just a game that you say this or that? My absolute favorite game is 10 chances! You better not retire it! If you do, I will be there to raise hell! Same as Check out! You can Play those games at home with the contestant! I feel you should retire some of the ones that don’t have any skill like flip flop and which price?
Bring back some old Bob Barker era games? The Poker Game,Hit me, also Super Ball! Great Games!
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B
I'm 69 yrs old and theres no way I could handle this game. I saw this game the 1st time they introduced it and thought are they kidding. What if someone had a heart attack doing this thing. Total dislike for this game. They need to ditch this one.
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G
I hate time is money! Not enough time and too much space between buzzer and game. 30 seconds and cut down on the space and the game will be more fun.😀
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R
Yes indeed Time is Money is a horrible game! There is a 99% chance of not winning and you're exhausted from all that running back and forth! Put it to bed!
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P
Time is Money game should be thrown in the trash. As soon as I see this game for the Contestant, I yell, "How unfair this is!!!" Some games on Price is Right are straight-foward & easy to win. Time is Money is an IMPOSSIBLE game to win - fire the person who developed this game & put it on the show!
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G
I agree. I hate that game. If I didn't get it right the first try, I think I would just stand and watch the clock run out as a protest.
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G
That's what you get for being a loser
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C
Retire the Time Is Money game! I hate this game and it's virtually impossible to win. It's an accident waiting to happen. Is TPIR waiting for the day someone falls and really gets hurt?
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O
I love this game!!! There isn't one game that I don't like!! The fact is I see people winning on all the games!! Just a fun place to be in person!! I have went twice and I believe everyone should experience it!! The staff and of course Drew are amazing!!!!
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B
If I EVER, EVER, were to be on TPIR, this is the game I’d want a chance at!!! Don’t look at the audience. Think about your own shopping. Put the items down. I’d they aren’t correct, you have 20 seconds to get money. KEEP THIS GAME!!!! Also, Ten Chances is the next best game
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O
TPR is sure heavy handed with DEI participants.
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G
Too many blacks on TPIR!!!!!~
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R
Love this game. People win alot of money here. But I agree, if an older or disabled person got on stage it should be replaced. Rat Race is another favorite of mine. Sometimes the rats don't even move. Sometimes they jump off the table, they act like rats, it's hilarious.
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C
Just get rid of the game altogether! It's not a popular game at all. Drew Carey always says "this is one of my favorite games", filling the contestant with false hope! Cruel and unusual punishment if you ask me, especially for someone who is elderly or obviously out of shape!
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O
Increase time to 20 seconds or ditch the game completely!
And ditch the 3 strikes game, while you're at it. I've seen that game lost 95% of the time!
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G
I love the game! Increase the original time to 15 or 20 seconds as 10 is ridiculously quick. Have Drew ask the contestant what they think is wrong between rounds so they can get audience feedback. If they just make it a little easier it's a great game!
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C
I don't care for this game, but that guy wasn't too bright.
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R
If you actually look at and listen to description of items. It's very easy to pick them up and put them in proper places. They only concentrate on ticking clock and start throwing things around
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G
Get rid of it!
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O
Game too tough, especially if you have bad knees, nerothapy in you feet, bad back, etc. get rid of it
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C
I watch the show Daily and the game "time is money"should be eliminated it relies too much on the agility of an individual and an elderly person has no chance whatsoever to win that game.. all the games should be a game of chance not a game of physical ability
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P
Get rid of Plinko! You cannot win at that game, either!
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D
He wasted time by looking at audience, I do remember a college girl winning on the first round. It's possible to win a lot as long as you don't look at the audience.
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B
I'm 45 and a lifelong PIR fan, from decades of Bob Barker to Drew Carey's entire time on the show, but as a certified personal trainer, a marathon runner, and a yoga instructor, the Time is Money game is one I've never thought was very fair. It doesn't sound very thoughtful but basically, if you're not ME, this game is going to kick your @$$. I know they can't ALL be Plinko or Hole in One but come on...
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B
I see that he was looking at the audience for help in first round and lost a lot of time. I remember a college girl got it on first try.
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R
Get rid of time is money and 3 strikes. So difficult even if you’re young and agile. 3 strikes never ever gets won and takes to long in comparison to games like
side by side which requires no physical effort and is done in a minute. Let’s make things more fair.
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O
The comments are spot on !!
These games need to Go !!
Not fun to watch HARD beyond words
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B
I agree with Mel that both Time and Money and Three Strikes should be gone. Both are nearly impossible to win. Many of the other games have a 50% chance of winning (or at least winning something), while those two give contestants almost Zero chance.
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C
Well, for starters a 90 year old granny wouldn't be a contestant. Before each taping they interview the audience and select the players and except for special shows like veterans appreciation they almost never select anyone over 50. I get it, they want outrageously animated contestants but it's just discriminatory and selection should be a random drawing. Both of the games mentioned along with (un)lucky 7 need to go as the odds of winning are probably lower than 10% which makes viewers grimace when they see the games
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G
They have quite a few people in their 50s and some in their 60s too. That's not old. In this day and age especially. I know people in their 80s who are still very agile, still drive, very independent etc.
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G
Just add more time. This is one of my favorite games.
1 1
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P
It's a game and if you get up on stage, be grateful for that. It shouldn't be made easier, that's why it a game. That's like saying we will play trivia and give you the answers. I am sure there are people who like this game, just as much as the people who don't like it.
5 6
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R
I agree! I happen to LIKE that game, and it isn't that hard if you pay attention, but many of them DON'T pay attention when George is describing the products, so yes, they are likely to lose.
2 1
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C
I can't believe that idiotic show is even still on.
3
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