TCA: Is 'Price Is Right' right for Carey?

POSTED BY STUART LEVINE

Bob Barker, you're priceless... and, it seems, irreplaceable.

That's the message CBS entertainment topper Nina Tassler was telling a roomful of critics, when one of them (yours truly) asked why it's taken so long for the network to find a replacement for Bob Barker as the host of classic gameshow "The Price Is Right."

Barker held the skinny mic at "Price" for an astonishing 35 years and retired over a month ago but gave notice in 2006. Granted, finding someone to fill those shoes is a tough assignment -- almost as difficult as winning a Showcase Showdown -- but there doesn't seem to be any sense of urgency over at the Eye to get a new guy (or gal) in place for the transition.

Drew Carey is currently the leading candidate but sources say they're stuck in contract negotiations.