Many dream of winning big on game shows, but do contestants on The Price Is Right earn anything even if they don’t get to the stage?
The Price Is Right continues to captivate audiences, drawing millions to its vibrant set each year. While viewers fantasize about cashing in on the excitement, many contestants find themselves stopping at Contestant’s Row. Here’s what you need to know about the Contestant’s Row rewards and the overall experience of being a contestant.
What Is Contestant’s Row?
Contestant’s Row, formerly known as Bidder’s Row, is the starting point for contestants on The Price Is Right. During this segment, four select contestants gather in front of the stage to bid on featured items. Their goal? Guess the closest bid without going over. If they succeed, they advance to play iconic games for even bigger prizes.
The famous phrase “Come on down!” echoes in homes across the country as host Drew Carey invites these eager contestants to showcase their bidding skills. However, for some hopefuls, this is as far as they get. It raises an interesting question for fans and participants alike: Do contestants who only make it to Contestant’s Row walk away with anything substantial?
The $300 Reward
For those who find themselves in Contestant’s Row, the answer is yes—contestants receive $300 just for participating, offering a minimal return for their time and effort. A Reddit user shared their experience saying, “You get $300. I won $300.” Such rewards, although not life-changing, serve as a small consolation for a day of thrilling television aspirations.
The $300 is especially compelling when you consider that many game shows, like The Price Is Right, aim to deliver excitement and potential wealth, making even minimal payouts enticing. It reinforces the appeal of participating in high payout game shows where the chance, however slim, of winning a larger prize keeps hopes alive.
Controversial Changes in Contestant Experience
Historically, contestants received additional consolation prizes on top of their cash rewards. Past extras included practical items, like CUTCO knives or gift cards—luxuries that once enhanced the overall participant experience. “I was the first four called up, never made it up onto the stage. I got some consolation prizes, including CUTCO knives, which I still have and use today,” shared one past contestant.
Another contestant recalled receiving gifts from the 80s, such as an electric dictionary along with KFC and Spice Island gift cards—another exciting experience that added value. The phased-out practice of offering additional prizes like these has changed the narrative of what being on the show entails.
The show has ruled out consolation gifts in a pivot towards pure monetary rewards, effectively streamlining contestant experiences. But this change raises eyebrows among fans. Is $300 enough for the effort and excitement? For many, the answer may depend on personal expectations, making their journey onto the show still worthwhile.
Re-Auditioning After Contestant’s Row
For those who only landed in Contestant’s Row, there is a silver lining. Former contestants are allowed to re-audition after ten years, giving them a second chance to compete. This rule not only opens doors but also encourages participants to keep their gaming dreams alive. However, former players must meet specific criteria, including not having appeared on any more than four other television game shows in the last decade. This stipulation may leave some hopefuls waiting a long time, depending on their game show history.
Such rules are aligned with the broader game show audition rules that vary widely, but they highlight the pursuit of opportunity within competitive entertainment and reward those who stick to their ambitions. As noted by Good Housekeeping, both returning players and newcomers continue to feel the excitement of auditioning and participating in fun competitions.
Final Thoughts
The Price Is Right remains a beloved game show where participants, even those who only make it to Contestant’s Row, still have a chance to leave with something—$300, to be exact. While the absence of additional consolation prizes may disappoint some, the thrill of the game and the second chance to compete after a decade may balance the scales.
The lure of The Price Is Right continues to resonate due to accessible rewards, engaging format, and the broad appeal of its games. Whether you're a contest hopeful or a long-time fan, the legacy of moments shared on stage and in Contestant’s Row will keep fans tuning in for seasons to come.