On September 4, 1972, a spry 48-year-old Bob Barker, then-host of the wildly popular game show Truth or Consequences, wiggled onto the stage for the first episode of Price of Right. Although this was not technically the start of the legendary American game show, with an older version running from 1956-1965, with game show journeyman Bill Cullen serving as host, it was the start of an era that continues to entice mid-day TV viewers four decades later. Barker even begins his first episode by reminding everyone this is the new Price is Right and it follows the same concept as the original show.
Relive that day in 1972 with this awesome footage from the first episode, one that features the same opening sequence, music and Barker’s iconic tendencies…even if the crowd enthusiasm is pathetic.