The idea of Rosie O’Donnell taking over The Price Is Right has been floated–by Rosie herself–and repeatedly knocked down in the press over the past several weeks. But it looks like Rosie is not taking no for an answer; she’s reaffirmed on her blog that she’s interested in the job, and she recently scored an endorsement from Bob Barker to be the show’s first “lady host.”
Of course, if you want to know how much a beloved former host’s anointment can get you, ask David Letterman, who was Johnny Carson’s choice to host Tonight. Still, the Rosie talk refuses to die, despite the problem (among other hurdles) that Rosie lives on the opposite coast from where TPIR tapes, and neither appears to be willing to move.
Personally, I’m skeptical. After establishing herself as daytime’s provocateur-in-chief, taking over a game show, however big, would seem like a big comedown (as opposed to a big come-on-down). And it’s hard to imagine Rosie sticking at any job for 35 years like Barker did, or even anywhere close. Finally, I’m just not sure that a comfortable old shoe like TPIR needs or wants to be updated.
But what do I know? Would Rosie make you more likely to stay home sick to watch Plinko?