Carey rumored to replace Barker

'Power' host throws name into 'Price' race

CBS and producer FremantleMedia North America have talked to the comic about hosting the long-running daytime gameshow, people familiar with the situation said. Eye already has a relationship with Carey, who's been tapped to host the net's upcoming primetime quizzer "Power of 10" (Daily Variety, March 21).

Nothing's been decided about who ultimately will inherit Barker's skinny microphone, however. Carey is one of several people who have been mentioned as candidates, including Rosie O'Donnell and George Hamilton.

If Carey did get the "Price" gig, he'd likely have to pull double duty on "Power," which premieres in August. But such cross-daypart synergies have worked before (think Regis Philbin on "Live!" and "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire").

Carey makes a lot of sense for the Barker job, given his mainstream, blue-collar appeal. His comic roots -- and a past gig on the ABC improv show "Whose Line Is it Anyway" -- also give him the ability to think quickly on his feet.

Reps for CBS and FMNA declined comment.