Pawn Stars Review

Pawn Stars airs on the History Channel every Sunday night at 10 PM (eastern time) and can be found on the web @ history.com/content/pawn-stars.  They also show re-runs airing at various times.

Who would've thought a show about a pawn shop would be interesting - or even entertaining?  They sure take in a collection of things that would make the local pawn shop in my neighborhood look sad.  When's the last time you've seen a document with a certified "John Hancock" signature on it?  You'll find one for sale at this Las Vegas pawn shop.

They also get some weirdos in the door asking ridiculous prices for junk.  One time, a guy wanted an astronomical price for an un-authenticated Chuck Berry signature on a cheap Fender "Squire" guitar.  He didn't even have a case for the guitar - but a 'gig bag'.  If you owned a 'priceless' guitar, would you tote it around in a bag?

Meet the team: First, there's the "Old Man" - Richard Harrison.  A codgity old f*** who seems to be the final word in any family disputes.  And, yes...this is a family owned business. 

Next comes Rick Harrison, "The Spotter".  He can spot a fake a mile away.  How & why?  Because - 'copy & paste' from the web site, "...dropped out of high school to pursue his $2,000-a-week business of selling fake Gucci bags. With enough money to partner with his father at the age of 23, he never looked back.

After Rick would be his son, Corey Harrison or "Big Hoss".  One look at him & you can figure out why he's called Big Hoss.  He's still learning from his pop & the old man, even though he thinks he knows it all.

Lastly , Austin "Chumlee" Russell.  If it were my business, this guy would be gone in a second.  On a recent episode, the police came in looking for stolen merchandise that may have been pawned.  They found it.  Who took it in?  "Chumlee" - who else?  Chumlee is the butt of many jokes around the shop, and for good reason.  Maybe they keep him around for a good laugh.

The History Channel has to 'beep' out a lot of words.  But, that's part of the appeal.  Especially on one episode when the Old Man started a 'cuss jar'.  For every cuss word spoken, a dollar had to be dropped into the cuss jar.  Corey Harrison just reached into his pocket & put in $10 in advance.  I died laughing... 

Seriously, the show does soak up a lot of history.  Many collectibles dating from WW II and back are brought in to be pawned or sold.  Interesting!