Bob Barker says 'The Price is Right' producers chose to ignore him for the show's 40th anniversary special episode, which aired on Tuesday (September 4, 2012) featuring returning contestants from the past four decades. Barker hosted the game-show for 35 years, and despite being shown in several clips, was not invited to attend the taping, reports Entertainment Weekly.
Speaking after the show had aired, Barker said "[The producers] chose to ignore me, which is fine", adding, "They haven't even offered me a Dvd". A long-time animal activist who advised viewers each day to "Help control the pet population", says he was omitted from the show "because I have been critical of them for giving away prizes that I consider inappropriate". He had complained to producers for awarding tickets to Sea World and the Calgary Stampede as prizes. During his tenure on the family show, Barked asked producers to stop giving away fur coats and leather jackets - they obliged. He added, "Had I been the executive producer, they would not have even considered bringing me tickets to the Calgary Stampede of all things".
Barker added that he had actually planned to watch the Price is Right special, but missed it. He had it down on his calendar for Wednesday (September 5, 2012).