The Price Is Right's Secrets To Success And Top Winning Moments

The price is always right, especially after five decades. Come on down!

To mark its 50th season, which began September 13 with host Drew Carey, we're taking a look back at decades years of games, iconic moments, and hosting secrets on The Price Is Right, including top winning moments on the show and things you need to know to be a price pro. 

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Photo Credit: Monty Brinton/CBS.

Don't miss The Price Is Right 50th Anniversary Special on Thursday, September 30 at 9/8c on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.

What's the most money a contestant has ever won?

In October 2019, contestant Mike Stouber broke the TPIR record for biggest earnings, winning $262,000 playing Million Dollar Plinko and the showcase.

During a primetime show, when the winning possibilities are higher, Adam Rose (pictured above) won $1,153,908 on February 22, 2008.

Photo Credit: Monty Brinton/CBS.

When do the shows tape?

Two shows tape on filming days at CBS Television City in Hollywood, in Studio 33, where The Carol Burnett Show used to film.

To be a contestant, you have to be 18 or older; to make it inside, you can't show up wearing a costume.

Photo Credit: Richard Cartwright/CBS.

Coolest celebrity contestant?

Celebrities from Neil Patrick Harris to Tyra Banks have appeared on the show, but it's rare that celebrities compete before they're famous.

Breaking Bad star Aaron Paul was a very excited college student on January 3, 2000, when he got picked to be a contestant, yelling, "You're the man, Bob!"

Unfortunately, he overbid during the showcase showdown by $132 and lost everything. 

Photo Credit: CBS Broadcasting, Inc.

What was one of the best prizes?

On December 30, 2013, The Price Is Right gave away an Audi R8 Spyder sports car, then valued at $157,300, to Sheree Heil when she picked the correct amount in a game called Gas Money. 

READ: Our Exclusive Interview With Bob Barker And Drew Carey

Photo Credit: CBS Broadcasting, Inc.

What's the 4-1-1 on the current models?

In addition to regulars Rachel Reynolds, Amber Lancaster, James O’Halloran, Manuela Arbeláez, and Devin Goda, the show introduced celebrity guest models in January 2017, including Criminal Minds' Aisha Tyler and The Young and the Restless' Melissa Ordway. 

Photo Credit: Lisette M. Azar/CBS.

What's the largest pay out that ever happened on the wheel?

It's always a surprise when a player totals $1 on the wheel—but on September 22, 2017, three of them did just that.

The best part? To celebrate Carey's 10th season, a $10,000 bonus was attached to every winning spin.

Even wilder? Two of them got $1 again on a second spin, earning another $25,000. It was the most money ever won on the wheel.

Photo Credit: CBS Broadcasting, Inc.

Has every game in the game's history been won to its maximum amount?

The only game that has never been completely mastered by a player is PLINKO. The most a player could hypothetically win is now $175,000.

READ: 9 Secrets Of The Price Is Right's PLINKO Game

Photo Credit: Sonja Flemming/CBS.

How are the contestants chosen?

A producer scans the audience members as they're waiting in line and during the show's warm-up looking for compelling contestants.

As former host Bob Barker says, "They watch for personality."

Photo Credit: Eric McCandless/CBS.

Any love matches from the show?

Yes! Says executive producer Mike Richards, "Last season we had a couple who met in line and got engaged."

Photo Credit: CBS Broadcasting, Inc. 

What exactly is an "actual retail price," and how is that determined?

The producers price out items at a group of retailers in California so the pricing stays consistent.

Photo Credit: Richard Cartwright/CBS.

Weirdest price bid ever?

Terrible price guesses are a dime a dozen, but nothing tops contestant Corey Simms' bid in October 2014 of $7,000 for a hammock. 

Photo Credit: CBS Broadcasting, Inc. 

Who gets to spin the wheel?

Says executive producer Mike Richards, "The wheel is kind of sacred. I have only spun it once and it was for a backstage thing we were taping. It is the same with PLINKO. I have worked on the show for nine years and never dropped a chip!"

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Photo Credit: Monty Brinton/CBS.

Watch all-new episodes of The Price Is Right Weekdays on CBS and stream on Paramount+.