For nearly 20 years, Drew Carey has been the beloved face of The Price Is Right, guiding contestants and viewers alike through the iconic game show’s whirlwind of prizes, games, and unforgettable moments. As the show approaches an astonishing 10,000th episode, Carey recently sat down with Jimmy Kimmel Live to reflect on his time as host—and what he revealed gave fans a rare and revealing look behind the curtain of one of America’s longest-running television institutions.

It turns out, even the host of a prize-packed game show can get tired of some of the giveaways.

A Grandfather Clock Conundrum

During his candid interview, Carey shared a humorous yet sincere gripe from his early days on the show: the grandfather clock. Not just once or twice—every single episode in his first season, a grandfather clock would appear as a prize. And according to Carey, it drove him up the wall.

“They gave one away every show when I first started,” he recalled with a laugh. “I was like, what is this obsession with grandfather clocks?”

The crowd might have chuckled, but Carey was serious—at least partially. While he didn’t have control over what prizes were featured during his early days as host, it struck him as odd that such a specific, arguably outdated household item would be so heavily featured. “People must really love grandfather clocks,” he joked. But the reality was, even he couldn’t figure out why they kept popping up.

It wasn’t just about the repetition. For Carey, it represented a lack of creativity at a time when he was still trying to carve out his space as the new face of a legendary show. Following Bob Barker’s departure, Carey had big shoes to fill, and putting a fresh spin on the show meant breaking away from old patterns—including overused prizes.

As time passed and Carey settled into the role, he was able to use his growing influence to advocate for change. One of his first suggestions to the producers? Retire the grandfather clocks.

And thankfully for him—and the viewers—they listened.

Not Just a Host—An Advocate for Fun

While many viewers may assume Carey simply reads cue cards and cheers on contestants, his role behind the scenes is more involved than it might appear. Carey revealed that although he doesn’t have full control over prize selection, he occasionally offers suggestions when something catches his eye online or sparks an idea.

He admitted, however, that the final decision still lies with the production team. Over the years, his input has carried more weight, and he’s made an effort to keep the prize pool fresh and appealing. No more automatic grandfather clocks.

Carey’s story about the clocks wasn’t just a lighthearted moment—it was also a testament to how much the show has evolved under his guidance. The Price Is Right hasn’t just survived the transition from one host to another—it has thrived, and much of that success is owed to Carey’s efforts to modernize the show while keeping its spirit intact.

The Crew’s Secret Treasure Trove

Carey didn’t stop at revealing on-air frustrations. He also let fans in on a lesser-known perk of being part of The Price Is Right family—and it’s something most people have never heard about.

Behind the scenes, the show stores unused or leftover prizes in a massive warehouse. Think bedroom sets, washers, dryers, and all kinds of household items. At the end of each season, the crew gets to visit the warehouse and buy these leftover goods at discounted prices.

It’s a bit like Black Friday for game show staff.

But in a twist that speaks to Carey’s long-standing vendetta, he noted with amusement that “nobody ever wants the grandfather clocks.” Apparently, they’ve become somewhat of an inside joke among the crew.

While this perk might be surprising to fans, it’s just one of the many ways the show has built a tight-knit culture among its team. The laughter, the camaraderie, and even the warehouse full of forgotten clocks—it’s all part of what makes The Price Is Right tick.

A Legacy of Laughter—and Change

As the show approaches its milestone 10,000th episode—set to air on February 26—Carey reflected on just how much The Price Is Right has transformed since he took over.

“There’s something really special about being part of a show that has meant so much to people for so long,” he said. “It’s not just a job. It’s part of American life.”

And he’s right. For over five decades, the show has been a constant source of joy, surprise, and even a little absurdity (who really needs a grandfather clock in 2025?). Yet somehow, that’s the charm.

Carey’s tenure hasn’t just maintained the show’s popularity—it’s brought a renewed energy to it. By balancing nostalgia with modern flair, he’s preserved the essence of the original format while helping it evolve with the times.

His willingness to poke fun at himself, speak honestly about behind-the-scenes dynamics, and advocate for better (and more relevant) prizes has only deepened fans’ affection for him.

The 10,000th Episode: What to Expect

As for the big milestone episode? Details are being kept under wraps, but fans can expect a celebration worthy of the show’s rich history. Big prizes, surprise appearances, and maybe—just maybe—one final nod to the grandfather clock that sparked so much laughter over the years.

Carey will, of course, be at the helm. Steady, sharp, and full of the warmth that has endeared him to generations of viewers.

Whether this milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter or a reflective pause in Carey’s career, one thing is certain: The Price Is Right wouldn’t be what it is today without him.

A Show That Keeps Giving

In the end, Carey’s story about the grandfather clocks is more than just a quirky anecdote. It’s a glimpse into the mechanics of a show that has brought happiness to millions—and the people who keep it running smoothly.

From awkwardly repeated prizes to a secret staff warehouse and the joys of making an audience cheer, the behind-the-scenes look Carey offered is a reminder that even the most polished productions are powered by real people with real opinions.

So, as the confetti prepares to fall for the 10,000th time, fans will be watching with gratitude—not just for the prizes, the games, or the nostalgia, but for the host who made it all feel like home.