Caçadores de Relíquias

I always enjoyed the Frank and Mike days. They always seemed like lifetime buddies who enjoyed working together. Of course, I understood that wasn't exactly true. There were always 'scandal sheet stories' of Franks alcoholism and Mikes womanizing. But the last season, I watched about half the season and couldn't watch anymore. Frank had hurt his back and needed time off for surgery and rehabilitation and Mike used the 'alcoholism' angle that had never been a problem before to fire him. And then Mike left his wife and child for some 'adult' actress. And Danielle 'fell in line' also making public statements downing Frank because she got his 'on the road picking' job. I used to love seeing her on the show. Now I can't stand either of them. She has no loyalty.

I have always enjoyed American Pickers since I first started watching it in 2012. I had never seen a show like it; the collectors, the inheritors, the bat crap crazy. It has always been interesting to see into the lives of so many people and the stuff or treasure, depending on your view, that they had. Seeing Mike's and Frank's excitement when they see a toy, bike, piece of history, something they have never seen before; it was like 2 kids in a toy store. That being said, it is a shame of bad of a falling out Mike and Frank have had in the past year over Frank's allegations after his back surgery. I don't know who is right or wrong but it is always sad when this kind of friendship ends this way. This is not like Mythbusters, where both Jamie and Adam really didn't like each other but managed to work on a show for years without any real public dust-ups; these 2 were actually friends travelling around buying stuff. Without Frank the show just isn't the same; having Danielle and Robbie on it in a far more prominent picking role never seemed right and still doesn't. They have had a wonderful decade of picking for entertainment but time for the show to end.

Why did they change a good setup by firing Frank?? He was the most interesting picker and a good contrast to egotistical Mike.

I watched a couple episodes with Mike's brother and he is just a lump of nothing. So boring.

Then they have Danniel as a picker. She tries to get deals by flirting and bating her eyes. So boring.

This show has run its course and calling it a "reality show" is a joke. It is common knowledge that it is totally scripted.

Frank Fritz and Mike Wolfe are business partners buying (mostly) and selling old junk. They travel the country and even the world to find interesting items. The boys are helped by Danielle Colby-Cushman.

I'm sure that there is some scripting going on but it doesn't really matter. I don't think anybody actually believe they make their money doing this. The reality is that they probably barely cover their gas money. That's not why I like this show. It's about interesting items and their history as well as the chemistry between the guys. One can't help but like the guys. It's fun to see some of these items and the prices isn't even that important.

ADD: I miss Frank. I think the show does too. It's a lesser show without him. RIP.

Let's separate the vitriol and resentment of History channel's programming shift as presented by other reviewers to acknowledge this fact: History has clearly shifted it's initial charter. While I share many of the forlorn opinions of disappointed viewers in History's departure from educational programming, I say to those who resent this change to donate to PBS. History needs to pay the bills and meet viewer demand, so alas we're subject to 75% 'reality shows' that are on the thinnest thread tangentially related to history.

So I evaluate American Pickers as a show in its singularity, and not in the context of the network's namesake. And as far as 'reality' TV goes (a content matter in which I generally avoid), I find this show as wholly engrossing television. My review assumes the reader is familiar with the show's premise.

The appeal has layers for many viewers, perhaps accidentally. It appeals to the human element, the business element, and the joy of discovery. Not necessarily in that order.

The human element shows the primary hosts are affable and enjoyable, and they treat their prospective sellers with respect. The dynamics between the Mike, Frank, and Danielle are enjoyable to watch and relatable to anyone who has worked in a front office/field environment.

The business element is fascinating in the negotiations, valuation, and reward (or loss). For those who have suggested that Mike and Frank are "vultures" looking to "rip people off," I counter by saying these two are forthright businessmen, and they do the work of what any middle party does—that is to maximize profit. If the negative reviewers want to cry injustice, I'd suggest a study in how much it cost to manufacture any iDevice.

The third element, and perhaps most inclusive, is the joy of discovery. Whether it's an old oil can or a rusty old gear shift, it's fascinating to see the collection of odds and ends that would otherwise be discarded, forgotten, or simply erode with time spark with new life by those who can assign value. And superficially, they discover some really interesting items.

So this program has as much to do with history as "Ice Road Truckers" or "Tracking Bigfoot" or any other sensational program on History. Let's face and embrace reality viewers—History has mostly abandoned history some time ago. So whether this show is on History, Discovery, NBC, or Comedy Central, it matters not. This show is good TV regardless of the network.