Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
Two words that became a promise: at any moment, an ordinary person in a T-shirt and a name badge could be pulled out of the crowd and onto television. The delirium of the contestants running down the aisle, usually in a state of joyful panic, is half the show's appeal. The phrase is now used for anyone summoned to the front of a room, and it has outlived the announcer who made it famous.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for The Price Is RightShow the scene
The Price Is Right, the 1972 CBS revival with Bob Barker as host, opens by calling four people from the studio audience to the front rows behind the bidding lecterns. Announcer Johnny Olson reads out each chosen contestant's name and then adds the call, "Come on down!", and the person runs down the aisle to Contestants' Row. Olson had the job from the first show until his death in 1985, and also warmed up the audience before taping. His successors Rod Roddy, Rich Fields and George Gray kept the call, so the same two words have opened the show for more than fifty years.
Sources (2)
- Wikipedia: The Price Is Right (1972 game show)Lead and One Bid sectionReference checked
- Wikipedia: Johnny OlsonThe Price Is Right sectionReference checked
Context reviewed