Drew Carey, the current host of The Price Is Right, recently shared an interesting behind-the-scenes detail about the show’s history. In an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on February 24, 2025, Carey revealed that when he first took over the show in 2007, it had a strict “no meat” policy. This unusual rule was put in place by Bob Barker, the legendary host who had been on the show for 35 years and was known for his dedication to animal rights.

Bob Barker Animal Rights Advocate

Bob Barker was a strong animal rights advocate; he used his platform to promote the importance of spaying and neutering pets, but he also made sure that the show reflected his beliefs. According to Carey, Barker’s commitment to animal rights was so strong that it affected how the show was produced. In fact, The Price Is Right had no meat products or leather goods as prizes, and they even went as far as to avoid showing any fake meat on the set. Instead of plastic hamburgers or steaks, the show would only feature vegetables, like asparagus, on props such as grills.
Drew Carey Instagram
Carey described the show under Barker’s leadership as “a vegan show,” explaining that there was a clear focus on promoting a cruelty-free lifestyle. This extended to the prizes and the visuals seen on screen. It’s hard to imagine a game show without the usual range of prizes we’re used to seeing today, such as grills with plastic meat or cars with leather seats. However, in those days, it was strictly veggies and vegan-friendly options.

When Drew Carey took over as host in 2007, he decided to change this policy. While Carey respects Barker’s legacy, he thought it was time to relax the “no meat” rule. He allows fake meat products to make an appearance on the show. Carey joked about it, explaining that now, they even have “fake meat” on set. Much to the amusement of the audience and host Jimmy Kimmel. Carey’s decision to change the rule reflects his desire to bring a new energy to the show, while still honoring the principles that made The Price Is Right a beloved institution.

Barker’s Vegan Life

During the interview, Kimmel humorously suggested that perhaps Barker’s strict vegan rules were part of the reason he lived to be 99 years old. Carey laughed along, acknowledging Barker’s impressive longevity. It’s a lighthearted moment, but it also serves as a reminder of how much Bob Barker’s influence shaped the show.

The “no meat” policy was just one example of how different the show was under Barker’s leadership. Today, the format has evolved, but the spirit of the show remains the same. Carey has embraced his role as the host after more than a decade at the helm. He reflected on how grateful he was for the opportunity. He explained that when he first started, he didn’t know how long he’d last as Barker’s replacement. Now he feels at home and wants to keep hosting the show as long as he can.

As The Price Is Right approaches its 10,000th episode, Carey is proud of how far the show has come. It’s clear that while the show has changed, the fun and excitement that make it special continue to thrive. Could you last without meat at work? Could being vegan help your overall health? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.