Been a fan of the show since the first series. Corey and Rick seem good guys and good luck to them. I don't understand why Chumlee is some kind of hero in America. He isn't funny- and he pretends to be dumb like Paris Hilton (albeit with slightly more facial hair) but spoils the show. Would be better if Chum went- Rick and Corey would do the selling and the Old Man would complain in-between. Chum, the scripted story and constant laughing at stuff that isn't funny are the downsides to the show. Would be much better if the staff didn't pretend they were working and produced a show where they come out of the back for great items only...we know they don't work on the shop floor off camera and it's insulting that they still carry on the pretense after all these years. I have been to the shop - very poor touristy style attraction...not a pawn shop as such. Just cashing in on the T-Shirts and other low quality merchandise. Don't go to Vegas just to visit there - you'll regret it.
111 Reviews
Very interesting and entertaining show
johnmcneilva1 December 2009
I have just recently gotten into Pawn Stars and I find it to be a great mix of entertainment and history lessons. The main draw for me is the simple give and take that goes on between the Pawn Store operators and the people who bring items in looking to make quick money. Clearly the biggest draw for this show is Rick, the pawn store owner. Although his dad (the old man) and his son (big hoss) are big parts of the show, it is Rick who makes this show interesting and worthwhile. I don't think that Hollywood could have scripted someone who could make a pawn store owner a truly likable and complex individual. Rick manages to show interest and respect to every person who brings in something for sale while managing to explain his position in understandable terms. The bottom line is that a pawn shop is a place for people in need of quick cash to sell just about anything, just at bargain basement prices. If someone wants to get maximum money for their goods they would have to do market research, team up with a reputable auction house, or go on ebay and roll the dice that someone may make a high enough bid. Otherwise, you can go for the easy money of a pawn shop (albeit much less money.)
A couple of final notes about the characters on the show, as I stated earlier Rick is far and away the star of the show and he is really what makes it watchable. His father doesn't contribute a whole lot other than some standard old man talk. His son (Big Hoss) is pretty much a waste of space and contributes nothing to the show unless you like to watch a very (very) large person walking around in Ed Hardy jeans acting like some kind of tough guy. He is a very simple person, clearly having missed many of the complexities of human nature possessed by his father. Finally, Chumlee is one of the most enjoyable characters ever to grace television, the large man-child with a good heart and a simple mind. All in all I would definitely recommend watching this show to anyone.
A couple of final notes about the characters on the show, as I stated earlier Rick is far and away the star of the show and he is really what makes it watchable. His father doesn't contribute a whole lot other than some standard old man talk. His son (Big Hoss) is pretty much a waste of space and contributes nothing to the show unless you like to watch a very (very) large person walking around in Ed Hardy jeans acting like some kind of tough guy. He is a very simple person, clearly having missed many of the complexities of human nature possessed by his father. Finally, Chumlee is one of the most enjoyable characters ever to grace television, the large man-child with a good heart and a simple mind. All in all I would definitely recommend watching this show to anyone.
Very entertaining
welshNick29 December 2010
Warning: Spoilers
I enjoy this show. Although I think some of the situations are fairly obviously set up it provides good entertainment. Added to this it provides the viewer with an education of what certain things are worth and also how to spot a fake.
A lot of the stuff which comes in covers American History and it is always interesting to see the artifacts which have been dug out of people's lofts.
The interaction between the three generations of Harrisons along with the rather stupid Chumlee is always good for a laugh. Usually Chumlee messes something up each week ......
A lot of the stuff which comes in covers American History and it is always interesting to see the artifacts which have been dug out of people's lofts.
The interaction between the three generations of Harrisons along with the rather stupid Chumlee is always good for a laugh. Usually Chumlee messes something up each week ......
Highly entertaining show
tradermike6726 November 2009
To comment on classicalsteve from Oakland, CA's post. The most important point was, as with ANY business situation. : Do your homework on current market values! I don't think in the case of Pawn stars that these guys necessarily make an offer based on what YOU think you should get for it, but rather, what they think or know they can get for the item. No different than any other wholesale to retail business.
Although there are similarities to antique roadshow, these guys are offering INSTANT CASH in most cases. When they are unsure of an items value, they bring in experts in their field, and they do it while the customer is there. It is funny when the expert says an item is worth 3000 retail and then the customer expects 3000. As Rick says over and over, I can't stay in business paying retail.
As to Steve's comments on collectibles; I don't think they are making 10x what an item is worth. Anyone that stupid to sell so cheaply deserves to get hammered in my opinion. If you are a collector, then you should be doing your own homework on channels to sell through, and there are plenty of them. If you feel your best option is to sell to a pawn broker, then what would you be expecting? Steve, I'd like to know in your opinion, what exactly the value of "culture" is, as you state in your post. They are pawn brokers. That's what the show is about. Your post suggests that the SELLERS of the items are not interested in the money, which is clearly not the case. Every single person is most interested in what they can get for their item. And I also don't agree with your assessment of "the poor seller at their mercy due to lack of knowledge." Knowledge is something that can be acquired, and sellers should obviously have acquired some concerning their items value before entering the arena of buying and selling. Also how could they tell the buyer what they intend to resell the item for when they really never KNOW what they're going to get. Market forces are constantly at work. Personally I think you paint a picture here that these guys are crooks, when in reality, this is business as usual. Buy low, sell high. You are clearly not a businessman. The interaction between the characters is highly entertaining, and somewhat informative as well.
Mike
Although there are similarities to antique roadshow, these guys are offering INSTANT CASH in most cases. When they are unsure of an items value, they bring in experts in their field, and they do it while the customer is there. It is funny when the expert says an item is worth 3000 retail and then the customer expects 3000. As Rick says over and over, I can't stay in business paying retail.
As to Steve's comments on collectibles; I don't think they are making 10x what an item is worth. Anyone that stupid to sell so cheaply deserves to get hammered in my opinion. If you are a collector, then you should be doing your own homework on channels to sell through, and there are plenty of them. If you feel your best option is to sell to a pawn broker, then what would you be expecting? Steve, I'd like to know in your opinion, what exactly the value of "culture" is, as you state in your post. They are pawn brokers. That's what the show is about. Your post suggests that the SELLERS of the items are not interested in the money, which is clearly not the case. Every single person is most interested in what they can get for their item. And I also don't agree with your assessment of "the poor seller at their mercy due to lack of knowledge." Knowledge is something that can be acquired, and sellers should obviously have acquired some concerning their items value before entering the arena of buying and selling. Also how could they tell the buyer what they intend to resell the item for when they really never KNOW what they're going to get. Market forces are constantly at work. Personally I think you paint a picture here that these guys are crooks, when in reality, this is business as usual. Buy low, sell high. You are clearly not a businessman. The interaction between the characters is highly entertaining, and somewhat informative as well.
Mike
Though I detest reality shows such as "Survivor" and its ilk I like the one's depicting people doing their job.
Aaron137520 December 2010
I like reality shows about interesting people going about their daily routine especially when it too is interesting. This show revolves around a pawn shop in Las Vegas and there are apparently a lot of strange things that happen there so there are going to be some interesting things for people to want to sell. So we get to see during each episode some interesting stuff people bring in, some rare stuff, and some just plain strange things. You also get to see people haggle over price, people getting mad when they are told their stuff is not worth all that much money, and people get really happy as they find their stuff is worth a fortune. The show centers around a dad, his father and the son. It also has a guy called Chumlee who I just can not believe he is as stupid as he appears to be. All the guys are interesting, it is fun to watch when one of them buys something not worth anything and then the others pounce. The show is humorous to go along with seeing all the interesting things people bring in. Things that people have sold on the show include very rare coins, hot air balloons, numerous cars and a whole bunch of other stuff. Things they have not bought include a car that was obvious crap that the guy who was trying to sell it got ticked off when Rick (the dad) backed off after a person with mechanical experience looked at it. All in all a fun show to watch.
A Worth While Program
gb_barton28 September 2009
Warning: Spoilers
I enjoy this program. Every week we get a look into the world of not only pawn shops, but trivia on items we may never get a chance to see in real life.. I am not saying every item is worth it, but usually there are one or two that peak my interest. In regards to another comment on the show taking people for all they are worth and manipulating people, I do not believe that is the point of the show for two reasons. 1) The people are free to walk out without making a deal and 2) He tells people directly he is not a retail shop, auction, or collector and he has to make some money off of the item. Most people understand what pawn shops are for, and the customers do have the option of pawning (being able to get item back) or selling. I like the interaction between the semi-dysfuncional family and Chumlee who seems to be an adopted-like member. I would recommend this show if you want a humorous and informative way to pass the time.
Very cool and interesting show
zizumia29 October 2012
I personally love this show, it is interesting, there is cool facts, and unlike other pawn shows I have seen, these people are not really trying to rip people off. I like how they bring in experts to tell what the piece is and give a price. This shows me that they are not there to rip the person off. It is also interesting to learn the history of the items, for most of the items have historical background. Although they do have great things, I find it funny how much they advertise their sponsors within their show. Like they always have Subway and they explain in great detail what is contained within their sandwiches and why it is so good. Makes me laugh every time.
Very enjoyable show, I highly recommend it.
Very enjoyable show, I highly recommend it.
This Gold and Silver is starting to rust
rreeyore19 May 2010
These Pawn Stars are alright, but are extreme rip-off artists. The items that are brought on the show are extremely rare and are sought after by collectors due to their rarity. The sellers are obviously hand picked due to their rare items. The Gold and Silver Pawn Shop is owned by three generations of men. Richard "Old Man" Harrison is the patriarch of the family and started the pawn shop in 1988. Rick Harrison is the son of Richard and is the star of the show. He knows the art of rip-off like the back of his hand. Corey "Big Hoss" Harrison is the son of Rick and grandson of Richard. Having worked in the shop since youth Corey is now in his twenties and is being groomed to own the shop one day. Corey's best friend since childhood, Austin "Chumlee" Russell is an employee at the shop and butt-end of the others joked. The Old Man is the often picked on due to his age and the fact that he contributes little effort to the business. Corey and Chumlee probably weigh more than the whole shop and really contribute nothing to the shop or show unless your looking for some very fat person with a lot of tattoos in Ed Hardy jeans acting like some kind big shot. The constant bickering and fighting between the four is often annoying and irritating. the constant mention of "making a profit" by Rick is annoying.
The show consist of a seller who come in to the shop and either Rick, the Old Man, or Big Hoss trying to buy the item he/she is trying to sell. The pawn stars only goal is to buy the item for as little as possible and maximize their profit by up to 1000%. Do not ever ever ever sell tho the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop. These men will rip you off royally. Do not go in there expecting retail for your item because if you do you will be constantly reminded by Rick "we have to make a beacoup profit." An offer of 30-50% is reasonable. Experts are frequently called on the show to appraise an item. Most pawn shops have an in-house appraiser that works for the shop. Rick has admitted on the show that he hates sellers that know the price of the item they are selling. Rick often rolls his eyes at experts because they reveal the true price of the item and its rarity to the seller. When ever there is no expert needed Rick and company usually act as if the item is not that valuable when in fact they are extremely valuable. This often gives the seller the impression that the item is worthless.
Most sellers go in the shop with little to no knowledge of what their item is worth. This allows Rick and company to take advantage and and downplay their interest so that they can lowball the heck out of the seller. Whenever an expert comes in for certain items they often give a price that is from such a price to such a price (like from $1,000 to 5,000). It would seem that the seller could give a price in the middle and the pawn stars would still be able to make a profit.
When it comes to negotiating, the seller does it all. Rick and company will offer a lowball, el cheapo price and WILL NOT BUDGE one penny above that. Say an item is appraised by an expert. The expert says the item is worth $5,000. The seller will ask for $5,000. Rick will jump all the way down to at the most $2,000.The bickering will go on until either the seller gets angry and leaves or finally excepts the price and falls right into the scam that the pawn stars run. There in no negotiating whatsoever. The seller will go up, down, and all around but Rick will not move his cheap price.
And you have to admit that Rick and company have their own private collections in which they can get items for cheap prices. They have even admitted on the show that they keep things for themselves.
And from what I hear, off the camera, these guys are rude and mean. I have read some things on the Internet from people who have been to the shop. They said that the Pawn Stars weren't even there. And some one got yelled at and cussed at by a director that was filming a scene in the parking lot when the person tried to leave. They said during filming that the entrances to the parking lot are barricaded and blocked off.
All in all these guys are rip-off artists not unlike the Amreican Pickers that are misrepresenting collectible items. Don't get me wrong both shows are interesting to watch.
The show consist of a seller who come in to the shop and either Rick, the Old Man, or Big Hoss trying to buy the item he/she is trying to sell. The pawn stars only goal is to buy the item for as little as possible and maximize their profit by up to 1000%. Do not ever ever ever sell tho the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop. These men will rip you off royally. Do not go in there expecting retail for your item because if you do you will be constantly reminded by Rick "we have to make a beacoup profit." An offer of 30-50% is reasonable. Experts are frequently called on the show to appraise an item. Most pawn shops have an in-house appraiser that works for the shop. Rick has admitted on the show that he hates sellers that know the price of the item they are selling. Rick often rolls his eyes at experts because they reveal the true price of the item and its rarity to the seller. When ever there is no expert needed Rick and company usually act as if the item is not that valuable when in fact they are extremely valuable. This often gives the seller the impression that the item is worthless.
Most sellers go in the shop with little to no knowledge of what their item is worth. This allows Rick and company to take advantage and and downplay their interest so that they can lowball the heck out of the seller. Whenever an expert comes in for certain items they often give a price that is from such a price to such a price (like from $1,000 to 5,000). It would seem that the seller could give a price in the middle and the pawn stars would still be able to make a profit.
When it comes to negotiating, the seller does it all. Rick and company will offer a lowball, el cheapo price and WILL NOT BUDGE one penny above that. Say an item is appraised by an expert. The expert says the item is worth $5,000. The seller will ask for $5,000. Rick will jump all the way down to at the most $2,000.The bickering will go on until either the seller gets angry and leaves or finally excepts the price and falls right into the scam that the pawn stars run. There in no negotiating whatsoever. The seller will go up, down, and all around but Rick will not move his cheap price.
And you have to admit that Rick and company have their own private collections in which they can get items for cheap prices. They have even admitted on the show that they keep things for themselves.
And from what I hear, off the camera, these guys are rude and mean. I have read some things on the Internet from people who have been to the shop. They said that the Pawn Stars weren't even there. And some one got yelled at and cussed at by a director that was filming a scene in the parking lot when the person tried to leave. They said during filming that the entrances to the parking lot are barricaded and blocked off.
All in all these guys are rip-off artists not unlike the Amreican Pickers that are misrepresenting collectible items. Don't get me wrong both shows are interesting to watch.
It's history and educational!
pale320824 May 2010
Love it! Basically, it's entertaining, but my family always learns something. Regarding the comments about motive, everyone and anyone on the show is in it for a buck, including those selling items. As for what's on the show and it being hand-picked. Of course it is. No, we don't want to see the everyday stuff. It's the History Channel for goodness sake. We want to learn, to see unique items -- items we might not otherwise know about or experience. Loved the stamp as currency. Who knew!! That's what it's all about. The audience wants to soak up history! Just enjoy the show for what it is. Love all the characters, too, esp. Chum and Rick. If I ever make it to Vegas, the pawn shop is on my list of must-sees! A
Characterization is the key
LuvSopr17 May 2012
In theory, Pawn Stars is about people who sell or pawn items (mostly the former). This often involves staged moments where someone brings in a rare and possibly expensive item, leading to some clumsy, states-the-obvious exposition ("Steve McQueen was cool!"). Where the show succeeds or fails is based on the people who work in the story. The Harris family. "The Old Man" is the perpetually crotchety grandfather who knows best and never lets anyone else know otherwise; son Rick, with a welcoming smile and a hearty nicotine chuckle, is the gruff-but-fair owner and the show's main representative to viewers; grandson Corey, who has little patience with anyone around him, is the sour apple of the bunch, rude and annoying in some ways, but in others, refreshing, as he is far from TV-friendly casting. Then there's Chumlee, the official comic relief, stupid and silly but kind at heart.
The show is incredibly formulaic. The museum man in the hat will stop in to give a lecture. Rick/Corey will go out and shoot a gun/cannon/get Chumlee to shoot a gun. Old Man will grouse about expensive tastes and not being included. Chumlee will stand around with his eyes closed and mouth hanging open.
With predictable material, the show rests on the entertainment value of the regulars. The Old Man is always good for a laugh, mostly because he's kept in a low-key role, and is there just enough to add some punch to the usual squabbling or posturing. The weakest is Chumlee, who only works well in group settings. The "comedy" stories where he leads, especially when he supposedly has to train new employees, are unwatchable.
Pawn Stars is a very solid show which, with a few tweaks, could be even better.
The show is incredibly formulaic. The museum man in the hat will stop in to give a lecture. Rick/Corey will go out and shoot a gun/cannon/get Chumlee to shoot a gun. Old Man will grouse about expensive tastes and not being included. Chumlee will stand around with his eyes closed and mouth hanging open.
With predictable material, the show rests on the entertainment value of the regulars. The Old Man is always good for a laugh, mostly because he's kept in a low-key role, and is there just enough to add some punch to the usual squabbling or posturing. The weakest is Chumlee, who only works well in group settings. The "comedy" stories where he leads, especially when he supposedly has to train new employees, are unwatchable.
Pawn Stars is a very solid show which, with a few tweaks, could be even better.
Painfully fake
emmi-blad27 June 2014
I was interested at first, but as I learned that the show is fake and uses actors and items that are from museums, I was set back. Also REAL customers have widely reported that the main characters are usually not there and show up only when the show's been shot.
For me, I am interested to see old items and learn their history, but this show is an anticlimax fest where almost non of the items are real or valuable or even rare. And using items from museums and private collections, it's just pathetic.
I don't like their attitudes and the show is overall sort of vaguely interesting, but its fakeness makes it difficult to watch.
For me, I am interested to see old items and learn their history, but this show is an anticlimax fest where almost non of the items are real or valuable or even rare. And using items from museums and private collections, it's just pathetic.
I don't like their attitudes and the show is overall sort of vaguely interesting, but its fakeness makes it difficult to watch.
Exciting, fun and informative with a great cast!
EdgarByron21 July 2010
PAWN STARS is one of my favorite shows. Many factors contribute to the show's success, including the fact that it's based in Las Vegas. The name "Pawn Stars" is truly inspired. I'd love to know who came up with it.
The show revolves around the activities of a real pawn shop, Gold & Silver Pawn. Drive down Las Vegas Blvd toward the downtown area and after you pass the Stratosphere you'll eventually see it on the right side. Due to the popularity of the show, you may find it difficult to find a place to park. Once you do park you'll have to stand in line to get in if you're just a tourist (but the guard will let you through if you've got something to pawn or you're redeeming an item already pawned). The truth is that the shop is very small, but the family is working on enlarging it.
Anyway, let me address some of the previous comments. Every time I've visited the shop the entire family was there but obviously they must leave to tape the segments that take place at other locations.
And yes, the segments involving high ticket items involve some pre-arranging. The camera crews aren't going to stand around all day waiting for a rare item to be brought in.
Most importantly, there is a total misconception and lack of understanding about the fact that the place "rips off" everyone.
Let's say you walk in with a rare Tuba that you believe was played in Sousa's famous band around the turn of the century. People bring in items that they assume are authentic because their grandfather told them it was. Very often it turns out their grandfather lied.
The bottom line is that 99% of the sellers have no authentication or documentation to back up their item. This immediately makes your item worth a fraction of what a documented item would be worth. Buying something without any supporting documentation puts the entire risk on the pawn shop. If it turns out to be phony (or stolen), they lose all the money they paid you for it. A company can only take a big risk if there is a potential for a big reward. As you've seen on the show, they get burned occasionally, too.
This brings us to the various experts -- my favorite part of the show. At best, these experts can only state that they THINK an item is authentic. They will usually say something like "It might bring $5000 at auction." You'll notice, however, that they never give anyone a written appraisal. It's just a blue sky number which you as an individual would have almost zero chance of getting. Here's why...
Speciality auctions for rare items occur very infrequently due to the time involved in getting enough items, promoting the auction to potential buyers, finding an appropriate location for the auction, getting items shipped to them, preparing and printing catalogs, etc.
But you don't KNOW anything, remember? That's why you're standing in a pawn shop with a blank look on your face. If you knew some Tuba collectors, knew about auction houses, wanted to pay for a costly appraisal, were willing to wait months or years for a rare musical instrument auction... well, you MAY be able to sell it yourself.
The other problem that the collectors and auction houses don't know YOU -- and they'd be very unlikely to accept a unauthenticated piece from an unknown seller. It's a closed loop and you're not in it. And even if you are lucky enough to get your Tuba into an auction, it might sell for $500, not $5000. That's how auctions work. Big risk.
So now the Pawn Stars ask you how much you want for your allegedly rare Tuba. You of course say $5000 because that's the number you heard from the expert. But that's just a fantasy number a collector might pay in a highly specialized auction that may never take place. The risk is all on the Pawn Stars to sell the item and make a PROFIT.
The guys might get lucky and quickly find a collector who will buy it, or they might never find a buyer. The shop takes a big risk and must have a chance of making a big profit, knowing that it still might be a fake. They also factor in whether that type of item is currently in demand or not and if they personally know potential buyers.
That's why they are going to offer you a much lower amount than $5000. It's a business, folks. If you don't like their offer you can just thank them and leave. But you need cash now, right? Take the money!
Then go to the casinos and get rich at blackjack or slot machines!
I'd just like to add that I would have rated this show a 10 but it has no hot-looking babes in it! Hey, it's Vegas, guys. Where's the cleavage?
The show revolves around the activities of a real pawn shop, Gold & Silver Pawn. Drive down Las Vegas Blvd toward the downtown area and after you pass the Stratosphere you'll eventually see it on the right side. Due to the popularity of the show, you may find it difficult to find a place to park. Once you do park you'll have to stand in line to get in if you're just a tourist (but the guard will let you through if you've got something to pawn or you're redeeming an item already pawned). The truth is that the shop is very small, but the family is working on enlarging it.
Anyway, let me address some of the previous comments. Every time I've visited the shop the entire family was there but obviously they must leave to tape the segments that take place at other locations.
And yes, the segments involving high ticket items involve some pre-arranging. The camera crews aren't going to stand around all day waiting for a rare item to be brought in.
Most importantly, there is a total misconception and lack of understanding about the fact that the place "rips off" everyone.
Let's say you walk in with a rare Tuba that you believe was played in Sousa's famous band around the turn of the century. People bring in items that they assume are authentic because their grandfather told them it was. Very often it turns out their grandfather lied.
The bottom line is that 99% of the sellers have no authentication or documentation to back up their item. This immediately makes your item worth a fraction of what a documented item would be worth. Buying something without any supporting documentation puts the entire risk on the pawn shop. If it turns out to be phony (or stolen), they lose all the money they paid you for it. A company can only take a big risk if there is a potential for a big reward. As you've seen on the show, they get burned occasionally, too.
This brings us to the various experts -- my favorite part of the show. At best, these experts can only state that they THINK an item is authentic. They will usually say something like "It might bring $5000 at auction." You'll notice, however, that they never give anyone a written appraisal. It's just a blue sky number which you as an individual would have almost zero chance of getting. Here's why...
Speciality auctions for rare items occur very infrequently due to the time involved in getting enough items, promoting the auction to potential buyers, finding an appropriate location for the auction, getting items shipped to them, preparing and printing catalogs, etc.
But you don't KNOW anything, remember? That's why you're standing in a pawn shop with a blank look on your face. If you knew some Tuba collectors, knew about auction houses, wanted to pay for a costly appraisal, were willing to wait months or years for a rare musical instrument auction... well, you MAY be able to sell it yourself.
The other problem that the collectors and auction houses don't know YOU -- and they'd be very unlikely to accept a unauthenticated piece from an unknown seller. It's a closed loop and you're not in it. And even if you are lucky enough to get your Tuba into an auction, it might sell for $500, not $5000. That's how auctions work. Big risk.
So now the Pawn Stars ask you how much you want for your allegedly rare Tuba. You of course say $5000 because that's the number you heard from the expert. But that's just a fantasy number a collector might pay in a highly specialized auction that may never take place. The risk is all on the Pawn Stars to sell the item and make a PROFIT.
The guys might get lucky and quickly find a collector who will buy it, or they might never find a buyer. The shop takes a big risk and must have a chance of making a big profit, knowing that it still might be a fake. They also factor in whether that type of item is currently in demand or not and if they personally know potential buyers.
That's why they are going to offer you a much lower amount than $5000. It's a business, folks. If you don't like their offer you can just thank them and leave. But you need cash now, right? Take the money!
Then go to the casinos and get rich at blackjack or slot machines!
I'd just like to add that I would have rated this show a 10 but it has no hot-looking babes in it! Hey, it's Vegas, guys. Where's the cleavage?
Not bad, but should have ended a long time ago
Spineshiver13 January 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Some of you people that complain about this need to get a life. This is not a retail shop. I don't even have a clue what is going on in some of these sellers minds. The expert says something is worth a grand, the seller immediately wants to get a grand and you're commenting on low bowling it.
IT'S A PAWN SHOP! This is how these businesses keep their doors opened. They are designed for people that need money quick and badly and/or don't have the means to actually retail the product and wait to get full money on it. The moment you step in a store like this you know what you're getting yourself into. That's why you need to be at least 18. You complain about price tagging these things way over the actual value? Again, it's not retail. It works both ways, not just for the seller. There's no negotiating in a retail store. But clients will want to get it cheaper cause it's a pawn shop. Of course if something is worth around $1000 they'll pay 600 on it and put it up for 1300. Those 300 are bargaining room. And if someone is stupid enough to just pay, then it's their fault. They have people to pay salaries too and do you know how much it costs to actually store something? There's no guarantee it will sell the next day. Some of you are even bitching they're bad actors.
Of course they are. They aren't actors. It;s just a pawn shop that the History Channel stumbled upon. Lucky a-holes? Yes! But you can't judge them cause they can't act. They are, or at least used to be just ordinary people. And of course Chum is no idiot. Did you actually think he was that stupid? Taking into consideration the items these people work with, he would have been fired in two weeks. The amount of general knowledge you have to have to work in a place like that is overbearing. Is it fake? Of course. Who would watch it if it wasn't? Do you know how boring that would be? It's a gold and silver pawn shop. 90% of business is made by people buying and selling gold and silver. Is the store just a tourist trap now? It is. It's normal and anyone with a lick of mind should have foresaw this. I don't understand why you people are bitching cause you had some fantasy expectations. I mean think about. If they actually stayed in the shop all the time on how popular it is, they wouldn't have a moments rest from the fans. Would YOU live like that? They're after money; now more than ever. Jeez!
The only bad thing I have to say it's that they've overreached. This show shouldn't have had more than five seasons. It got old really fast, mostly cause of lack of items. This has forced producers in the last three or four season to actually stage sales. And this is bad cause it;s the heart of the show we're talking about. I didn't care for the rest fake stuff so long as the buying and selling part were real. Ant it was real. Not anymore. The producers just want to milk this cow cause the show is very popular.
In conclusion, you have to view this show for how it is. Interesting if you wanna know things about history and other subjects. And really this is what interests me.
IT'S A PAWN SHOP! This is how these businesses keep their doors opened. They are designed for people that need money quick and badly and/or don't have the means to actually retail the product and wait to get full money on it. The moment you step in a store like this you know what you're getting yourself into. That's why you need to be at least 18. You complain about price tagging these things way over the actual value? Again, it's not retail. It works both ways, not just for the seller. There's no negotiating in a retail store. But clients will want to get it cheaper cause it's a pawn shop. Of course if something is worth around $1000 they'll pay 600 on it and put it up for 1300. Those 300 are bargaining room. And if someone is stupid enough to just pay, then it's their fault. They have people to pay salaries too and do you know how much it costs to actually store something? There's no guarantee it will sell the next day. Some of you are even bitching they're bad actors.
Of course they are. They aren't actors. It;s just a pawn shop that the History Channel stumbled upon. Lucky a-holes? Yes! But you can't judge them cause they can't act. They are, or at least used to be just ordinary people. And of course Chum is no idiot. Did you actually think he was that stupid? Taking into consideration the items these people work with, he would have been fired in two weeks. The amount of general knowledge you have to have to work in a place like that is overbearing. Is it fake? Of course. Who would watch it if it wasn't? Do you know how boring that would be? It's a gold and silver pawn shop. 90% of business is made by people buying and selling gold and silver. Is the store just a tourist trap now? It is. It's normal and anyone with a lick of mind should have foresaw this. I don't understand why you people are bitching cause you had some fantasy expectations. I mean think about. If they actually stayed in the shop all the time on how popular it is, they wouldn't have a moments rest from the fans. Would YOU live like that? They're after money; now more than ever. Jeez!
The only bad thing I have to say it's that they've overreached. This show shouldn't have had more than five seasons. It got old really fast, mostly cause of lack of items. This has forced producers in the last three or four season to actually stage sales. And this is bad cause it;s the heart of the show we're talking about. I didn't care for the rest fake stuff so long as the buying and selling part were real. Ant it was real. Not anymore. The producers just want to milk this cow cause the show is very popular.
In conclusion, you have to view this show for how it is. Interesting if you wanna know things about history and other subjects. And really this is what interests me.
"Reality" Show, It's Not
craigbenting26 October 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Haha, "This review may contain spoilers". Yeah.
Maybe I'm naive about reality shows, but from what I know they are mostly the reality of some people's lives, heavily edited to be entertaining, maybe with some staged bits here and there to, again, add entertainment.
OK, so my kids and I have been watching this "reality" show since it came out because the characters are entertaining and lovable, plus you learn quite a bit of history and trivia. Up until this year (2013), this was one of our favorite shows.
We don't watch it any more.
What happened? Well, we live in the Silicon Valley (Northern California) and decided this year to take a summer road trip to the Mojave desert, Las Vegas, and Hollywood. Of course, besides various entertaining destinations in the desert, Vegas/Primm gambling, and the Hoover Dam, the pawn shop where this show is filmed was one of our main destinations.
The actual reality of this show made this "pawn" shop, by far, the most disappointing part of our trip.
Everything I found out about the actual reality of this shop and show was gathered from the locals who were in line (over 30 of them that day) waiting for a chance to stand around in the "pawn" shop as extras during filming, looking like they are shopping for something.
Watching the show, you think what you see is the best of what happens every day in the "pawn" shop. No, what you see is a staged, filmed, and in all likelihood scripted TV show that is filmed in the "pawn" shop. All of the characters on the show do not even set foot in that shop more than one to three days a month.
If you go to the "pawn" shop on any given day, either they are filming and you can't get in without being picked as an extra, or there are a bunch of people working there that you've never seen before on the show. The vast majority of the "pawn" shop is never seen on the show because it is just for selling show merchandise. The tiny part that you do see on the show has a ton of overpriced crap. I say "crap" because none of the stuff you've ever seen "purchased" on the show is ever sold there, only typical pawn shop crap being sold at about triple its actual value because you pay for the privilege of buying it there.
Oh, and the people who walk in to sell stuff? They have to pay $200 for Rick and company to look at it and offer to buy it or turn them away. So, when you're watching the show, anybody who sells anything for less than $200 just lost money purely for the purpose of getting on the show. Anybody that gets turned away because they wouldn't buy their stuff just got stiffed for $200. But at least they got on the show. Maybe. I have to believe some of the suckers who pay $200 for a Rick appraisal don't even get on the show.
That fact alone, confirmed by more than one of the locals, just made us sick enough to stop watching this show. You just can't watch people go into that place and get screwed after you find out that every one of them paid $200 for the privilege.
Of course, there's the fact that the guys on the show that you think work there every day don't actually go in to work more than one or two days a month for filming of the show. I'm sure they've made way too much money at this point to be working, let alone seen, at a pawn shop.
Pathetic.
So, I would have given this show one star, but I gave it two stars simply for the fact that, by itself, ignoring all the facts of the reality behind this show, it is very entertaining and sometimes informative.
Maybe I'm naive about reality shows, but from what I know they are mostly the reality of some people's lives, heavily edited to be entertaining, maybe with some staged bits here and there to, again, add entertainment.
OK, so my kids and I have been watching this "reality" show since it came out because the characters are entertaining and lovable, plus you learn quite a bit of history and trivia. Up until this year (2013), this was one of our favorite shows.
We don't watch it any more.
What happened? Well, we live in the Silicon Valley (Northern California) and decided this year to take a summer road trip to the Mojave desert, Las Vegas, and Hollywood. Of course, besides various entertaining destinations in the desert, Vegas/Primm gambling, and the Hoover Dam, the pawn shop where this show is filmed was one of our main destinations.
The actual reality of this show made this "pawn" shop, by far, the most disappointing part of our trip.
Everything I found out about the actual reality of this shop and show was gathered from the locals who were in line (over 30 of them that day) waiting for a chance to stand around in the "pawn" shop as extras during filming, looking like they are shopping for something.
Watching the show, you think what you see is the best of what happens every day in the "pawn" shop. No, what you see is a staged, filmed, and in all likelihood scripted TV show that is filmed in the "pawn" shop. All of the characters on the show do not even set foot in that shop more than one to three days a month.
If you go to the "pawn" shop on any given day, either they are filming and you can't get in without being picked as an extra, or there are a bunch of people working there that you've never seen before on the show. The vast majority of the "pawn" shop is never seen on the show because it is just for selling show merchandise. The tiny part that you do see on the show has a ton of overpriced crap. I say "crap" because none of the stuff you've ever seen "purchased" on the show is ever sold there, only typical pawn shop crap being sold at about triple its actual value because you pay for the privilege of buying it there.
Oh, and the people who walk in to sell stuff? They have to pay $200 for Rick and company to look at it and offer to buy it or turn them away. So, when you're watching the show, anybody who sells anything for less than $200 just lost money purely for the purpose of getting on the show. Anybody that gets turned away because they wouldn't buy their stuff just got stiffed for $200. But at least they got on the show. Maybe. I have to believe some of the suckers who pay $200 for a Rick appraisal don't even get on the show.
That fact alone, confirmed by more than one of the locals, just made us sick enough to stop watching this show. You just can't watch people go into that place and get screwed after you find out that every one of them paid $200 for the privilege.
Of course, there's the fact that the guys on the show that you think work there every day don't actually go in to work more than one or two days a month for filming of the show. I'm sure they've made way too much money at this point to be working, let alone seen, at a pawn shop.
Pathetic.
So, I would have given this show one star, but I gave it two stars simply for the fact that, by itself, ignoring all the facts of the reality behind this show, it is very entertaining and sometimes informative.
Who thought watching a pawn shop could be interesting?
mysticnox23 February 2010
Hubby and I were looking for something on one night (lets face it, 500 channels and mostly nothing of worth on to watch) so we switched to this show out of boredom.
Honestly, its fascinating.
I LOVE this show.
The interaction between the owners and the workers is great to watch. Last night gave me a total laugh when the father said his son was too busy to ride the balloon and Chum was too stupid (and btw, he is. I swear the guys nearly mentally retarded, just not quite which only makes him stupid).
And the items that these guys pick up are just incredible. I'd LOVE to visit this store just once. They must have a treasure trove of museum quality items.
If I'm ever in Vegas, I'm heading to this shop.
Honestly, its fascinating.
I LOVE this show.
The interaction between the owners and the workers is great to watch. Last night gave me a total laugh when the father said his son was too busy to ride the balloon and Chum was too stupid (and btw, he is. I swear the guys nearly mentally retarded, just not quite which only makes him stupid).
And the items that these guys pick up are just incredible. I'd LOVE to visit this store just once. They must have a treasure trove of museum quality items.
If I'm ever in Vegas, I'm heading to this shop.
Entertaining and Informative
deanofrpps29 May 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Pawn Stars is one of the better reality shows. Rich Anderson the owner of the Pawn Shop gives its tag line "Everything has a story; everything has a price. I do like the guest appearances of various experts like the Clark Co historian, but I particularly enjoy Chumlee whose childish temperament is a counterpoint to his bulky and powerful appearance and provides the show with enough comic relief to carry it through each episode. The patrons of the shop are an interesting lot, some are traders who came by an artifact accidentally in thrift stores or who hunt through estate sales for treasure; some are selling family heirlooms that many would find hard to part with. It's worthwhile TV at its best.
Fake show but not bad as planted items are interesting
supergye23 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I visited the actual store in Vegas and realized that the show had no real space for selling items-it's resold on-line. The Vegas store is tiny, about 700 sq ft, and even at that half of the space is used to sell new memorabilia to advertise the show. The store is really not manned by the on-screen cast except during filming hours. The items that are shown on the show are hand picked ahead of time and special delivered from people around the country. Everything is known ahead of time. That is why the on-screen cast member knows the history of the item with such accuracy. There is allot of scripting to give the commentary some humor as well. It all has to be done this way because most stuff bought into pawn shops is super boring junk that you would never get people interested in watching a show about.
Another excellent show from The History Channel
merrywood16 February 2010
This show must be seen as what it is, primarily entertainment. Anyone who believes that the word, "Reality" as in "Reality TV," makes it so
is naive. All so-called "reality" shows are mostly fiction as they must be to be entertaining. "Reality TV" is simply a form of entertainment that has a much lower budget
in keeping with the economy of the day and the extraordinary spread or programming now available that media specialists in advertising agencies have to engage. At the bottom line, the show is highly entertaining and in fact, addictive. It engages various elements; teaching, character study, humor, history and human nature. Are the sellers hand-picked? Of course they are. Can you really imagine not hand-picking them?
All of the "Stars" of Pawn Stars are excellent and we can each select our favorite depending upon our own personalities. There isn't one that we don't feel we would like to know or that we do not seem to have known in our past. As it turns out this show is one of the continuous streams of excellence produced for and by the History Channel.
All of the "Stars" of Pawn Stars are excellent and we can each select our favorite depending upon our own personalities. There isn't one that we don't feel we would like to know or that we do not seem to have known in our past. As it turns out this show is one of the continuous streams of excellence produced for and by the History Channel.
Pronunciations!
papo8266 February 2014
I have enjoyed this show for several years BUT Rick's pronunciations drive me insane!! It would seem he is incapable of pronouncing the word, "CAVALRY", each time bragging of his knowledge of the United States Army "Calvary". It is C A V A L R Y!!! Can someone help him? Please? And he recently was bragging about his knowledge of World War II battles wherein he was talking about the battle of "LEYET!??? Please, someone explain to him before he looks more dumb that it it the battle of "L E Y T E ", pronounced "LAY TI". Apart from these blunders the show is pretty great and I continue to watch it. I grind my teeth, however, when he says dumb things like those pointed out. Thanks for your help.
If I ever go to Vegas, this is where I'll go!
small45-670-2647718 September 2010
I have been a long time collector and dealer in collectibles who has handled some amazing items - for example Nazi bubblegum cards from the Third Reich about the 1933 Nuremberg rally, (you could actually smell the bubblegum on the cards). But the stuff that comes into this pawn shop blows me away.
Watch this show and you will see amazing collectibles, historical documents, ephemera, and actual treasure. Get history lessons, trivia lessons, business lessons. and accurate appraisals of the value of collectibles. The people who run the pawnshop are interesting and likable. So too are the people who come in to pawn/sell valuables, and the experts who explain about, and put values on the items. But the real stars of Pawn Stars are the items themselves - rare guns, items minted or engraved by Paul Revere, sunken treasure, fine arts, old coins and paper money, company scripts, etc, etc, etc.
This show is one of the few reality TV shows worth watching, educational and interesting. If I'm ever in Vegas I'm heading straight to Rick's pawnshop. I'd rather spend my money there than give it to the casinos.
Watch this show and you will see amazing collectibles, historical documents, ephemera, and actual treasure. Get history lessons, trivia lessons, business lessons. and accurate appraisals of the value of collectibles. The people who run the pawnshop are interesting and likable. So too are the people who come in to pawn/sell valuables, and the experts who explain about, and put values on the items. But the real stars of Pawn Stars are the items themselves - rare guns, items minted or engraved by Paul Revere, sunken treasure, fine arts, old coins and paper money, company scripts, etc, etc, etc.
This show is one of the few reality TV shows worth watching, educational and interesting. If I'm ever in Vegas I'm heading straight to Rick's pawnshop. I'd rather spend my money there than give it to the casinos.
I still watch, not sure why....
QuackQuack5 May 2021
It's clear there's a lot of fake stuff on the show, but some of the facts about the stuff is interesting. Corey blows though. Chumley is funny and Rick is okay. I guess the History Channel is going to milk this for all it's worth.
unwatchable now
CBeahan30 January 2014
Too many produced BITS/SKITS...we've seen Chum driving in his valuable sports cars in REAL life and know he makes a lot of money. Yet they send him to financial help guys etc....equals TIME FILLER Too many of the people "customers" coming into the store are now repeat/regulars. It was bad enough when they tried to pass off the American Restoration guy as just a customer. But then that shows customers became Pawn Stars customers. Casting is lacking in Vegas.
It all tells me the show has run it's course and has nothing left in the tanks. Most things they don't even buy anymore...if they ever bought the items anyways.
I still watch the show, well record it on the DVR...But 60% of the show is now fast forwarded through.
If you want to watch this show...JUST watch the first few years of it NOT the current or new ones.
It all tells me the show has run it's course and has nothing left in the tanks. Most things they don't even buy anymore...if they ever bought the items anyways.
I still watch the show, well record it on the DVR...But 60% of the show is now fast forwarded through.
If you want to watch this show...JUST watch the first few years of it NOT the current or new ones.
The only reality TV show worth watching.
Jetset9715 February 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I really dig this series! I love seeing what fascinating items are going to be brought in week after week. The pawn shop bosses and employees seem genuine enough and are very likable. In fact my only complaint is the employee, "Chumlee". This is the comic relief and to be quite honest it demolishes the realism of the show every time he comes on. Seriously, if a lazy good for nothing oaf, like Chumlee, who comes across as a complete boob that couldn't sell a life preserver to a drowning man was working in any pawn store but this one, he would have been out on his can years ago. The only reason he is still working at this particular pawn store is because there is a TV camera and crew there using him for cheap laughs.I for one think the use of this guy is a gimmick pure and simple and keeps me from giving the show a full "10" rating.
Aside from that, this show is so cool! My favorite items that have been brought in are the ancient guns and rifles and pirate paraphernalia. Remember the guy that brought in the sunken gold coins that were are meshed together but were worth a lot of money. He wanted 100 grand for it and i personally think that Rick should have taken it. I have told all my friends that if I ever won the lottery, I would make a trip to Vegas and go straight to this store. There is no end to the amount of stuff I would buy at this pawn shop. Until then, I will continue to watch with enthusiasm and hope for someday.......
Aside from that, this show is so cool! My favorite items that have been brought in are the ancient guns and rifles and pirate paraphernalia. Remember the guy that brought in the sunken gold coins that were are meshed together but were worth a lot of money. He wanted 100 grand for it and i personally think that Rick should have taken it. I have told all my friends that if I ever won the lottery, I would make a trip to Vegas and go straight to this store. There is no end to the amount of stuff I would buy at this pawn shop. Until then, I will continue to watch with enthusiasm and hope for someday.......
Overuse of "cool" is not cool!
davekubiatowicz16 July 2020
I enjoy the new hour long format as it gives the guys time to do other things in addition to buying antique and vintage items. For example in the recent "A Dam Good Road Trip" (S17:E26), Rick, Corey and Chumlee take a road trip about half-way through the show on Route 66 to buy a 1963 VW Karmann Ghia in Seligman, AZ (and other items along the way). Throughout this entire show, we the viewers are exposed to the word "cool" and it's derivatives "coolest" and "cooler" no fewer than 34 times! Certainly there are other synonyms that can be used to spare our ears. Thank you.
was ok
haroldhecuba28 February 2019
Finding it becoming irritating as they all seem to be getting more arrogant each episode especially rick whose demeanour is increasingly overbearing & terse towards customers.Then there's big loss,the knob polisher look it up, who looks & speaks down through his nose at everyone,next is chum,one explanation for the vacant looks & jaw dropping bad acting is the headful of bong water & froot loops
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