During a stretch from the end of the 2000s to the beginning of the 2010s, reality TV was flooded with auction and appraisal shows. This is understandable since many reality shows embody the American dream by suggesting that if you dare to dream grandly and bid aggressively, it could lead to a substantial reward. And that’s precisely what transpired when a contestant named Darrell Sheets secured an impressive art collection by Frank Gutierrez, worth $300,000, in the most expensive storage locker ever purchased on “Storage Wars“.
I can’t help but feel that thrill – beyond the personal dynamics and connections – which made “Storage Wars” a standout among its peers throughout its 13-year journey on our screens. Not to mention the intrigue surrounding the off-screen turbulence between the buyer duo Brandi Passante and Jarrod Schulz, or the whispers that have surrounded the show over time.
If you relish the idea of unearthing hidden treasures at garage sales and auctions like some of us do, then you’ll be thrilled to know that “Storage Wars” is merely the beginning of an expansive reality TV universe! Whether your interest lies in learning appraisal skills, gaining historical insights, or simply enjoying a bit of people-watching entertainment, here are ten shows that offer much more than just bargain hunting.
Pawn Stars
The Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas is the central location for the reality TV series “Pawn Stars,” which first aired in 2009 and underwent an update in 2024. During History’s Golden Age of reality television, this appraisal show was one of the channel’s most popular programs. Early reviewers described it as being similar to “Antiques Roadshow,” but with neon lights and a lot more tattoos. This description still holds true over 20 years after its debut.
The show initially centered around a group of pawn shop workers, including the proprietor Richard Harrison, nicknamed “Old Man,” as well as his family members and close associate Austin Russell, affectionately known as “Chumlee.” Each installment showcases various appraisals for visitors hoping to sell items they think are valuable – ranging from quirky trinkets to historical artifacts.
Generally speaking, visitors to the shop often discuss details about the item being evaluated and their estimated worth. Employees then assess the value, sometimes consulting with an expert, before making a counteroffer. This initiates negotiations, adding excitement to the show. The unique charm of the “Pawn Stars” family is one reason why the series is so engaging. Their deep understanding of history and how it connects to the appraised items keeps viewers hooked, which likely explains why the program spawned various “Pawn Stars” spin-offs.
American Restoration
When the team from “Pawn Stars” evaluates old collectibles, they take into account the potential cost to refurbish them. This aspect was evident in Season 1 episode “Time Machines,” when shop proprietor Rick Harrison bought a run-down vintage Coca-Cola machine. Luckily for him, he knew someone who could help — another individual named Rick, specifically. The person in question was renowned antique restorer and metal artist Rick Dale, the owner of Rick’s Restorations, who later starred in his own series.
The initial spin-off series from “Pawn Stars” is called “American Restoration.” It features Rick, his brother Ron who helps him with picking, and Rick’s teenage son Tyler, who grew up in the shop. In the opening sequence, Rick would often pose a question like, “Do you recall when things were crafted by hand, and people took pride in their work?” He goes on to introduce himself as Rick Dale, who specializes in restoring such items. The show covers various objects, ranging from old-fashioned refrigerators from the mid-century to vintage gas pumps.
To breathe new life into the store’s valuable artifacts, Rick assembled a group of experts, such as metal polisher Kowboy (Kevin Lowery), meticulous Kyle Astorga, and lettering artist Ted Hague from the Vegas-based design company Letter Perfect Incorporated. Much like “Pawn Stars,” the show delves into the history of numerous items featured, but unlike its counterpart, it mainly concentrates on the intricate difficulties of preserving these artifacts – from electrical work to paint restoration being just a few examples. With Season 7, the series welcomed additional restoration shop owners onto the scene, like Steve Hale of Steve’s Restorations.
American Pickers
An enduring reality show comparable to “Pawn Stars,” “American Pickers” spotlights antiquing experts Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, until Fritz departed in 2021 amid disagreements with Wolfe, followed by his passing the next year. Despite Fritz’s exit, the series persists, preparing for Season 27 as we speak. The duo scours the nation for hidden gems to stock their shops—Antique Archaeology and Frank Fritz Finds. As the show’s opening suggests, “We’re pickers… We uncover the tales of America… one artifact at a time.
American Pickers” ventures its cast away from the mainstream and along the back roads of rural America, encountering various collectors, hoarders, and packrats. Each episode offers a thrilling experience for avid garage sale enthusiasts as they rummage through sheds, garages, and even homes, discovering stunning vintage treasures. The journey is unpredictable; one moment they’re meeting an Evel Knievel superfan with a vast collection of the daredevil’s possessions, and the next they’re entering the home wax museum of a collector from the circus world.
The program offers an in-depth exploration of both the history and culture of the communities visited, alongside the craftsmanship of the artifacts examined. It’s packed with travel adventures, bargaining, and delightful vintage vehicles – and boasts a cast of eccentric characters that would make even the most popular reality shows green with envy.
Container Wars
On TruTV, “Container Wars” shares a similar theme to “Storage Hunters,” but instead of storage units, it centers around shipping containers. This change elevates the auction prices significantly, with some containers fetching as much as $30,000 or more. The higher cost also brings potential for greater rewards. However, the basic idea remains the same – it’s all about lively personalities vying over auctions.
If you value authenticity, you might find this series disappointing. Many internet reviews claim it’s excessively staged. For instance, some shipping containers in the series have no visible seals, leading one IMDb reviewer to remark, “It appears to be anything but reality.” Another reviewer expressed frustration saying, “Many are unauthentic, but this one takes the cake for being fake among the fakes.
Speaking candidly, while the show may seem a tad corny, it offers an entertaining journey. Despite its scripted aspects, it provides viewers with a unique glimpse into the diverse items available at shipping container auctions. The premium cost associated with these items escalates the game, making it thrilling to watch, albeit mentally taxing at times.
Antiques Roadshow
Originally from the UK, “Antiques Roadshow,” known as the pioneer in appraisal reality shows, has been airing on PBS since 1997 and remains popular today. However, it’s not the original version; instead, it’s an adaptation of a British series that debuted back in 1977.
The idea behind the show is quite easy to grasp: It journeys across various cities, filming multiple episodes in each location, usually at a local convention center or another spacious venue. On camera, participants bring along personal artifacts – either antiques or collectibles – that they think hold some worth. These items could be family heirlooms inherited from generations past or intriguing finds picked up at garage sales.
During their presentation, each guest shares some personal insights and background information about the item they’ve brought, including its origins if known. At this stage, an expert appraiser provides a quick education on the history and significance of the object being held, as well as a brief evaluation of its value. Each segment typically lasts around four minutes. The show is filled with various items, but artworks and musical instruments are frequently featured, making “Antiques Roadshow” an enjoyable way to learn about diverse art movements, artists, and instrument makers.
Storage Hunters
If you compare “Antiques Roadshow” to an elegant and sophisticated older sibling, then “Storage Hunters” would be its rowdy, unpredictable cousin. This assessment is one that show host and auctioneer Sean Kelly would likely concur with. When Kelly initially conceived the idea for this program, he was juggling nighttime comedy club work and daytime auction duties while harboring ambitions to create his own show. However, it wasn’t until a brawl erupted during an auction that he found his inspiration. “I thought: This is It! Antiques Roadshow meets WWE!” Kelly shared with Scotland’s The Sunday Post. The series, which aired for three seasons in the United States and five seasons in the United Kingdom, proved to be quite successful.
Beyond Kelly’s exceptional auctioneering, what truly makes the storage auction series thrilling is the diverse crowd of bidders it gathers. As an alternative income source beyond conventional employment, these auctions are often attended by former inmates and individuals who struggle in traditional work settings, sometimes displaying less-than-cooperative behavior. Add to that Kelly’s sharp wit honed from working at the comedy club, and you have a perfect storm of unpredictability. As Kelly put it in The Sunday Post, “I’m like the mad ringmaster at the circus.
King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch
The Netflix series “King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch” focuses on the world’s largest collectible marketplace, Goldin Auctions, run by Ken Goldin. This auction house, as Goldin puts it, is a treasure trove for pop culture enthusiasts, filled with memorabilia and collectibles ranging from vintage Nikes to pinball machines, Star Trek toys, and much more. In a single month, the company can rake in up to $40 million through its deals with consignors. The series follows Goldin Auctions’ activities.
From the tender age of ten, I’ve been a passionate collector, and now, I head a dynamic team that assesses consignors’ items and organizes thrilling auctions. For enthusiasts of pop culture memorabilia who love delving into their worth and history, as well as for treasure hunters who spend their summers scouring garage sales in search of the elusive find, my show is a captivating watch. The inclusion of live auction streams only heightens the suspense and adrenaline rush. As one IMDb reviewer put it, “This level of collectibles at an elite tier is mind-blowing to behold,” adding, “Even if I weren’t a collector myself, this show would be so intriguing – it’s more enthralling than a museum visit. From Mike Tyson memorabilia to Steve Jobs’ signed original Apple Macs, every episode is a treasure trove of rare gems.
Auction Kings
If you’re a fan of shows that feature unique and peculiar items being appraised, “Auction Kings” stands out from many other reality series in its category by exploring less ordinary paths more frequently. The show focuses on Paul Brown, a second-generation auction house owner, who runs Gallery 63, a place where both chosen and consigned items are sold.
This series is brimming with fascinating artifacts; among them are a meteorite, an old set designed to combat vampires, an ancient telescope, a couple of Soviet space outfits, and several rare dinosaur bones – these are merely some examples of the diverse items that get sold on this show. The audience has commended the camaraderie within Gallery 63’s crew, which consists of picker Jon Hammond, repair expert Delfino Ramos, auctioneers Jason Brooks and Guerry Wise, and manager Cindy Shook.
Unlike most shows in this genre, “Auction Kings” primarily revolves around auctions, interspersing humor with these events. Fans on IMDb appreciate that even when they engage in antics such as a margarita contest or practical jokes, these activities are always related to the auctioned items. Though it may not delve as deeply into an item’s history and research compared to some of its counterparts, it offers a brief yet informative overview through its experts.
Auction Hunters
In simpler terms, “Auction Hunters” is a reality show that offers an adrenaline-pumping exploration of storage auctions, blending elements like rock music, tattoos, and firearms with the camaraderie found in shows like “Pawn Stars”. The main characters, Clinton “Ton” Jones and Allen Haff, are professional pickers who journey across the country, bidding on storage units for serious buyers. Unlike other similar shows that may downplay the stakes, “Auction Hunters” gives a raw portrayal of the process by acknowledging that most units they bid on result in losses, with their profits primarily coming from a small fraction of their purchases.
Unlike most storage unit-themed shows that focus on theoretical valuations, this particular series focuses on the bidding duo selling their finds, frequently to collectors. It’s less about educating viewers on history and value, but rather more about striking deals. What sets it apart is the realistic pricing, which is within reach for many viewers compared to other shows in the same genre. Furthermore, Allen and Ton create a relatable dynamic that resonates with the audience.
Baggage Battles
It’s fascinating to consider that one of the most extravagant appraisal/auction shows on television was specifically created for The Travel Channel. For those who have always fantasized about shopping at an unclaimed luggage store or purchasing pallets full of Amazon returns, this series provides a glimpse into that realm. Fans of the indulgent pleasure derived from listening to competitive bidding and exaggerated interpersonal exchanges will find their expectations met as well.
Transforming the fundamental idea of an auction documentary into a team-oriented competition, “Baggage Battles” infuses the raw intensity of shows like “Container Wars” into a program centered around bidding on lost luggage and various auctions. The show focuses on three teams: Billy Leroy from New York’s Billy’s Antiques and Props, Mark Meyer, the proprietor of a thrift store, and Laurence and Sally Martin from California’s Studio Antiques. Fans of “Storage Wars” might remember Laurence and Sally from their roles as appraisers on that series.
Due to being produced for The Travel Channel, the teams journey across various locations within the U.S., as well as Canada, England, Ireland, and Scotland. While the appraisals may not always appear entirely sincere, this show prioritizes the enjoyment of bidding over historical lessons, a choice that is acceptable. In fact, it led to the temporary creation of a spin-off titled “Billy Buys Brooklyn.
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2025-03-19 21:31