True Crime Obsessed – "The Perfect Bid" Recap
Date: August 19, 2025
Podcast: True Crime Obsessed
Hosts: Patrick Hinds & Gillian Pensavalle
Episode Theme: An exploration—through humor, nostalgia, and some pointed sass—of the documentary "The Perfect Bid," which tells the story of Ted Slauson, the superfan who nearly “cracked” The Price Is Right by meticulously memorizing prices and helping contestants nail perfect bids. The hosts discuss the blurry line between “cheating” and “playing smart,” TV nostalgia, game show history, and the one-in-a-million moment that shook up the show’s rules.
Overview
The episode is a recap of the true-crime-adjacent documentary "The Perfect Bid," focusing on math teacher and Price Is Right superfan Ted Slauson. Ted’s encyclopedic memorization of product prices led to a game show phenomenon (and a minor scandal) when his guidance enabled contestants to get perfect bids, culminating in an unprecedented, exact showcase win. The hosts, Patrick and Gillian, approach the subject with a characteristic blend of affection for kitschy TV, social commentary, and banter.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Enduring Appeal of The Price Is Right [00:10–02:35]
- Both hosts reminisce about childhoods spent home watching Bob Barker.
- The app “Pluto TV” now streams both Barker-era and Carey-era episodes; a running joke ensues about Rosie O’Donnell nearly hosting the show.
- Favorite games: Patrick loves Plinko—“It’s not so much a pricing game, but it’s Plinko” [00:58, Patrick].
2. Who Is Ted Slauson? [03:06–05:46, 07:31–08:23]
- Ted is introduced as “a homosexual. I'm gonna say it right now.” [03:08, Patrick, delivered with trademark irreverence].
- Ted’s backstory: math whiz, standardized test designer, and organizer supreme—“He had spreadsheets before Microsoft Excel was a thing.” [07:36, Patrick].
- His cable access show "Homework Helpline" with Linda is highlighted as adorably wholesome.
3. The Anatomy of Ted’s Obsession [08:52–10:46]
- Ted's discipline: He tracked product prices—by hand—for years, cross-referencing brands and dates in spreadsheets, pre-digital.
- The hosts marvel at the effort: “Looking at these spreadsheets just gives me a fucking headache.” [12:47, Patrick].
4. Game Show History and Culture [12:55–16:25]
- Roger Dobkowitz’s role as PA/producer and his thesis on TV game shows.
- Bob Barker’s rise to TV fame: thrown on stage when the original host was too drunk to show up—“I thought, I like this. I’ll try to make ‘em do that some more.” [16:48, Bob Barker].
- Fun detour into the history of TV programming, with nostalgia for TV Guide and variety of 1970s morning shows.
5. Ted in the Audience – The Rise of the Human Computer [17:39–28:44]
- Ted's journey: vacationing with neighbor Dee to quiz himself en route to tapings; waiting in long lines; being passed over for years.
- The key: audience members can’t bring lists but can yell out answers; Ted’s accuracy makes him a minor celebrity.
- On his precise calling out: “When that happens like twice, everyone's gonna be looking at you” [26:08, Gillian].
- The hosts discuss how the show runners initially encouraged Ted and even had Bob Barker publicly acknowledge him:
- “Let this be a lesson to you. If you watch the show every day, you too can get the exact right price.” [27:56, Bob Barker].
6. Ted's Long-Awaited Moment [36:10–41:21]
- After 24 attempts, Ted is finally called as a contestant.
- His legendary moment: nails the recliner’s price ($599), wins on "Punch-a-Bunch," and gets a special moment with Holly (model he publicly “loves” as his cover for being closeted).
- “I was, you know, very excited at that point.” [36:47, Ted Slauson]
- Holly gives Ted an autographed picture backstage, which he cherishes as the highlight of his game show journey.
7. The Legacy and Fallout: From Superfan to Scandal [44:21–57:02]
- After being barred as a contestant, Ted resumes attending as an audience member, now aiding others.
- Notable narrative: In 2008, contestant Terry Kniess (with wife Linda) wins a showcase with an exact bid, thanks to Ted feeding Linda the precise number.
- Multiple perspectives dissected: Ted, Terry, Drew Carey (the host at the time), and producers; Drew’s shock and the show's unprecedented halt after the win.
- “Congratulations, you won… actual retail price, $23,743.” [55:38, Drew Carey—delivered completely flat, illustrating his discomfort].
8. Rules Change & Lasting Impact [49:47–50:17, 56:08–57:02]
- After the exact-bid incident, the rules are changed; showcasing the tension between competitive fun and show integrity.
- Ted becomes a symbol of obsessive fandom—and how a single superfan can force a pop cultural institution to adjust.
- “He’s like the fucking fun police. Let’s make sure it’s no fun anymore.” [56:52, Patrick, on Drew Carey’s decision to tighten the rules.]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote/Comment | |-----------|----------|----------------| | 00:58 | Patrick | “Oh, Plinko. It’s not so much a pricing game, but it’s Plinko.” | | 07:36 | Patrick | “He had spreadsheets before Microsoft Excel was a thing.” | | 12:47 | Patrick | “Looking at these spreadsheets just gives me a fucking headache.” | | 16:48 | Bob Barker | “I got about three or four laughs. And I thought, I like this. I’ll try to make ‘em do that some more.” | | 27:56 | Bob Barker | “Let this be a lesson to you. If you watch the show every day, you too can get the exact right price.” | | 36:47 | Ted Slauson | “I was, you know, very excited at that point.” | | 55:38 | Drew Carey | “Congratulations, you won… actual retail price, $23,743.” (completely flat, shocked tone) | | 56:52 | Patrick | “He’s like the fucking fun police. Let’s make sure it’s no fun anymore.” | | 53:55 | Gillian | “Maybe we should only win both showcases. Let’s not make a big spectacle with the exact price.” |
Important Segments & Timestamps
- Intro/Historical Context: 00:02–03:00
- Ted Slauson’s Introduction & Obsession: 03:06–10:46
- Game Show Production History & 1970s TV: 12:55–16:25
- Ted’s Audience Years, Rules, and Culture: 17:39–28:44
- Ted’s Contestant Moment: 36:10–41:21
- The 2008 Perfect Bid Scandal: 44:21–57:02
- Rules Change and Legacy: 49:47–57:02
Hosts’ Tone, Language, and Running Bits
- Playful nostalgia: Frequent reminiscence about childhoods spent with sick-days and TV; irreverence toward TV history.
- Progressive lens: Commentary on sexism (Barker’s Beauties, later gender inclusion), inclusivity, and the unique challenges closeted gay men faced historically.
- Recurring jokes: Plinko, audience banter, Patrick's obsession with spreadsheets, and mock-earnest critiques of salmon-colored La-Z-Boy recliners.
- Self-awareness: The hosts openly reference their own superfan tendencies and see a bit of themselves in Ted’s quirky, obsessive devotion.
Final Thoughts
Through the story of Ted Slauson and his “perfect bid,” the episode provides a whirlwind tour of The Price is Right’s strange intersection of math nerdiness and pop Americana. The hosts revel in game show arcana while interrogating what counts as “cheating,” finding the humor in obsessive fandom, and sympathizing with how a charming, harmless, if eccentric superfan could upend decades-old traditions. As ever, the summary is peppered with tangents both hilarious and heartfelt, and wraps up with both respect and side-eye for the evolution of a TV institution.
For More:
Next week’s episode: The infamous “Poop Cruise” disaster. Stay tuned, and expect more humor (“I feel like I missed a calling as a cruise director...”) and deep dives into the wildest corners of true crime and pop culture.