The Price Is Right: Big Moments

The Price Is Right is one of the most iconic and enduring game shows in American television history. Since its reboot in 1972, the show has provided countless unforgettable moments — emotional wins, heartbreaking near-misses, and jaw-dropping surprises. Whether it was a perfect Showcase bid or an over-the-top celebration on stage, these moments have become part of pop culture lore. Here's a look back at some of the biggest and most memorable moments in the show's long-running history.

The Perfect Showcase Bid

One of the most talked-about events in The Price Is Right history occurred in 2008 when a contestant named Terry Kniess made a perfect Showcase bid. He guessed the value of his Showcase at $23,743 — and he was exactly right. The feat stunned the studio, and longtime host Drew Carey was visibly shocked.

While producers initially suspected foul play, it was eventually determined that Terry, a former weatherman, had obsessively studied the show and memorized the prices of frequently used items. Although legal and legitimate, the incident led to changes in how prizes were bundled to prevent future repetitions.

The $100,000 Plinko Win

Plinko is arguably the most beloved game on The Price Is Right. While it has been played hundreds of times, only a few contestants have managed to hit the jackpot. In May 2017, contestant Ryan Belz became the first to win $31,500 in a single Plinko session — at the time, the largest Plinko win ever televised.

In a special episode later that year, the show celebrated the 35th anniversary of Plinko by raising the stakes: a $100,000 grand prize was possible. Although no one reached that full amount live, the segment rekindled enthusiasm for the classic game and reinforced its status as a fan favorite.

Double Showcase Winners

Winning a Showcase is exciting enough, but double Showcase winners — contestants who come within $250 of their bid and take home both prize packages — are the stuff of legend. One of the most famous occurred in 1999, when contestant Patricia Bernard pulled off the feat with an exuberant scream that became an instant classic.

The excitement of seeing a contestant win both showcases is always electric, and the audience reaction is unmatched. These rare wins are often replayed in montages and anniversary specials, symbolizing the ultimate triumph on the show.

The Model Blooper Reel

Big moments aren't always about the contestants. Over the years, the show's models — responsible for presenting prizes with enthusiasm and grace — have had their share of memorable slip-ups. One iconic moment involved model Manuela Arbelaez in 2015, who accidentally revealed the correct price in the “Five Price Tags” game before the contestant had made a selection.

Instead of stopping the game, host Drew Carey simply awarded the car to the contestant on the spot. The incident went viral, showcasing the show’s good-natured spontaneity and Manuela’s embarrassed but good-humored reaction.

Bob Barker's Final Episode

After hosting The Price Is Right for 35 years, Bob Barker retired in 2007. His final episode was an emotional event watched by millions. Fans camped out overnight to be part of the studio audience, and former contestants, staff, and models joined in honoring his extraordinary run.

Throughout the episode, the show revisited Barker’s best moments — from million-dollar giveaways to his passionate animal rights advocacy. The final showcase included a special shoutout: “Help control the pet population — have your pets spayed or neutered,” Barker’s signature send-off.

The First Male Model

In 2012, The Price Is Right made history by adding its first-ever male model. Rob Wilson won a nationwide search and brought fresh energy to the stage. His inclusion was part of the show’s effort to modernize and reflect a more diverse and inclusive tone — a trend that has continued with other models and hosts since.

This milestone wasn’t just about style. It sparked conversation in entertainment circles and demonstrated that even a long-standing format can evolve while honoring its roots.

Record-Breaking Car Wins

Few moments match the excitement of a contestant winning a brand-new car — especially when they win multiple cars in one episode. In 2013, contestant Sheree Heil won an Audi R8 Spyder convertible worth more than $150,000 — the most expensive car ever offered on the show at that time.

Car-related games like “Lucky Seven,” “Gas Money,” and “Cover Up” often produce high-energy segments, and every so often, a contestant will defy the odds and take home multiple vehicles in one appearance. These moments are celebrated as peak achievements.

Celebrity Week Chaos

Every so often, The Price Is Right invites celebrities to play alongside fans to win money for charity. During “Celebrity Week,” guests like Snoop Dogg, Jack Black, and Neil Patrick Harris have brought wild energy to the studio.

In 2012, Snoop Dogg drew attention for being surprisingly good at the games — even offering spot-on pricing advice. Celebrity episodes often veer into chaos, adding a fun, unpredictable twist to the traditional gameplay.

Summary

From perfect bids to jaw-dropping car giveaways, The Price Is Right has built a legacy on unforgettable television moments. These highlights aren’t just good entertainment — they represent the thrill of possibility, the joy of everyday people winning big, and the magic of live game show unpredictability. Whether you're watching for the prizes, the personalities, or the occasional pratfall, it's these big moments that keep viewers coming back year after year. Come on down — you could be the next great story.