Drew Carey Takes a Tumble on ‘The Price Is Right’ After Hug-Happy Contestant Knocks Him Over

Live television has always been unpredictable — and nobody knows that better this week than The Price Is Right host Drew Carey, who found himself flat on the studio floor after an overzealous contestant took the meaning of “hug it out” a little too literally.

The now-viral moment unfolded during a recent taping of the long-running CBS game show, when a contestant named Sona got so swept up in the thrill of advancing past the first round that she lunged toward Carey for a celebratory embrace. What was meant to be a joyful hug turned into an unexpected tackle, sending both Sona and the 66-year-old host toppling to the ground in front of a stunned — and wildly amused — studio audience.

“This Wasn’t in the Script!”

Sona had just secured her spot on stage after winning the bidding round, a dream moment for any fan of the show. As she bounded down to meet Carey at the iconic contestant podium, her arms were wide open, joy radiating from every step. Carey, ever the gentleman, leaned in to return the gesture.

That’s when gravity got involved.

The force of Sona’s momentum — combined with what must’ve been one heck of an adrenaline rush — sent the pair crashing to the floor. Gasps, laughter, and scattered applause echoed through the studio as both host and contestant scrambled to their feet.

Carey, always quick with a joke, smiled and dusted himself off. “I’m okay!” he declared to the crowd. “And I think I speak for both of us when I say… we didn’t plan that!”

Social Media Reacts

Within hours, clips of the tumble were making the rounds on social media, with the hashtag #DrewDown trending across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram. Fans rushed to share their reactions — and their love for Carey’s composed, good-humored response.

“Drew Carey got WWE’d on The Price Is Right and still kept the show moving. Give this man an Emmy,” joked one viewer on TikTok.

“Only on live TV do you see someone tackle the host and still walk away with a cash prize,” another user tweeted.

Several longtime fans noted that this wasn’t the first time a contestant’s excitement has led to unintended physical comedy on the show. In fact, this kind of chaos is practically a Price Is Right tradition.

A History of Unexpected Falls

While the game show is best known for its oversized price tags, colorful contestants, and iconic catchphrase “Come on down!”, it’s also had its fair share of physical comedy moments over the decades.

In 2015, a contestant accidentally knocked over a large display during a game segment. In 2007, host Bob Barker nearly tripped during an enthusiastic high-five. And then there was the time a contestant fainted — from sheer excitement — and had to be revived with the help of staff and fellow players.

It seems that high stakes, flashing lights, and the chance to win a brand-new car can push people’s reactions to new heights — and, in this case, new lows… to the studio floor.

The Aftermath: Sona’s Bittersweet Ride

Despite the memorable mishap, Sona recovered quickly and continued with the game, still smiling and laughing through it all. Unfortunately, her hot streak didn’t last: she later failed to guess the correct price of a car during the Showcase Showdown, missing out on the jackpot prize.

But it wasn’t all bad news. Sona walked away with a respectable $3,000 in winnings — and a viral moment that fans will remember for years.

“Even though I didn’t win the car, I’ll never forget the day I tackled Drew Carey,” she joked during a backstage interview posted on the show’s official Instagram.

Drew Carey: Still Standing Strong

Drew Carey has been hosting The Price Is Right since 2007, following in the legendary footsteps of longtime host Bob Barker. Over the years, he’s become known for his warm demeanor, quick wit, and impressive ability to stay cool under pressure — even when that pressure comes in the form of airborne contestants.

Carey’s ability to laugh off the fall and keep the show rolling is part of why he’s such a beloved television personality. And though he may not have planned to hit the deck that day, fans say the moment only made them appreciate him more.

“I love how Drew just took it in stride,” wrote one fan. “It’s why The Price Is Right is still so fun to watch. It’s live, it’s real, and anything can happen.”

Could This Happen Again?

Producers have not confirmed whether future contestants will now be instructed to keep the hugs a little less intense. But judging from audience reaction — and Carey’s own laughter — the fall may just become a highlight reel moment for years to come.

In the meantime, fans are already calling for a slow-motion replay segment during next week’s episode and even a “hug cam” feature to safely channel all that contestant excitement.

One viewer even posted a parody “rules” sign online:

New Studio Policy: Hug With Caution. Host May Be More Fragile Than He Looks.

Final Thoughts

While no game show can script these kinds of moments, they’re often what keep fans coming back. In a world of polished productions and tightly edited content, The Price Is Right proves time and again that live TV still has its charms — and its surprises.

For Drew Carey, it was just another day on set. For Sona, it was a wild ride, a minor accident, and a memory she’ll treasure forever. And for fans? Just another reason to tune in.