The History Channel is known for its collection of gripping reality shows, and "American Pickers" is no exception. The show, featuring Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, has gained a massive following as they travel across the United States, searching for hidden treasures in forgotten places. However, beneath the surface of their adventures, many viewers are starting to question the authenticity of what they see on screen. Is the show as real as it seems, or is it merely a scripted facade?
In an age where reality TV often blurs the lines between genuine experiences and scripted entertainment, "American Pickers" has found itself in the spotlight for its questionable authenticity. From rehearsed dialogues to staged deals, the show has many elements that suggest it may not be all it claims to be. As we delve deeper into the inner workings of "American Pickers," you'll discover some surprising revelations that will change how you view the show.
Join us as we explore the behind-the-scenes secrets of "American Pickers," shedding light on why this beloved series may be more scripted than you think. We will uncover the truth about the show's production, the authenticity of the pickers, and the real stories behind the antique treasures they uncover. Get ready to see "American Pickers" in a whole new light!
Table of Contents
- Are Their Picker Credentials Up to Par?
- They Don't Always Haggle, But They Do Nab Good Deals
- They Don't Always Follow Through with Their Deals
- Producers Are the Real Pickers
- Practice Makes for Perfect TV
- The Stories Are More Important Than the Stuff
- Danielle Colby Cushman Was 'Picked' for Her Looks
- Fritz Had Trouble with the Law
- Hobo Jack Isn't a Hobo at All
- Wolfe and Fritz Lead Separate Lives
- The Transportation Is Staged
Are Their Picker Credentials Up to Par?
Reality television is always at least a little bit manipulated. Some shows direct with a heavier hand than others, but most fall in a purgatory between documentary and scripted show. In this regard, "American Pickers" is probably no different. According to a report on Killer Media, it’s extremely likely that cast members are asked to repeat lines in a studio. This is a common trick called “looping” or “automated dialog replacement,” which is typically done when something goes wrong with the sound recording on-set (i.e., an airplane flies by, the line was delivered poorly, etc.).
"American Pickers" has long faced scrutiny for being scripted, but it goes a lot deeper than ADR. Some allege that Mike Wolfe is the only actual picker on the series. Before starring on the show, Wolfe's business partner and childhood friend, Frank Fritz, was a fire and safety inspector for 25 years. Despite his unrelated career choice, The History Channel claims Fritz had a lifelong passion for collecting. He reportedly quit his job and launched Frank's Finds in 2002, and quickly found out that his business overlapped with Wolfe's. It was Wolfe who supposedly convinced Fritz to create a show about their work.
They Don't Always Haggle, But They Do Nab Good Deals
The hallmark of "American Pickers" is the way Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz haggle over hidden gems, which they later flip for a mega profit. They’re such notoriously great dealmakers that the internet is rife with tips about how to achieve their skills. C'mon, don't try to pretend you don't walk into every yard sale hoping to "pick" a treasure. Unfortunately, most people probably wouldn’t take Wolfe and Fritz’s bait in real life.
While there’s no denying these two stars have some deal-cutting skills, they may not actually use their talents on their TV show. According to an IGN user whose dad supposedly communicated with the show, selling prices were discussed in advance over the phone. The insider also claimed the show tried to “hardcore rip us off” with low offers on antique signs and a 1936 Schwinn Excelsior C bicycle.
They Don't Always Follow Through with Their Deals
There's nothing like a lawsuit to bring your true business practices to light. The stars of "American Pickers" paint themselves to be honest business people who follow-through on handshake deals and always offer a good price, but that may not be the case, at least according to Jerry Bruce, who sued the show after it allegedly failed to hold up its end of a contract.
According to USA Today, Bruce is an auctioneer whose life dream is to open a museum that depicts country life between the 1840s and 1900s. His interest was piqued when he saw a polarimeter, a device used in the 1800s to measure the sugar content in alcohol, in a 2010 episode of "American Pickers." He contacted Fritz to buy the device and claims the picker agreed to sell it for $300 plus shipping. Fritz reportedly sent a confirmation via text message but never followed through with the sale. Fritz didn’t cash the check, and Bruce never got his precious item.
Producers Are the Real Pickers
Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz often uncover hidden gems in unconventional locales, like abandoned warehouses or closed-down Cracker Barrels in Middle America. You may wonder how they manage to find these low-key goldmines, but it turns out they have a lot of help. The real American pickers are arguably the show’s production staff.
According to Ken Young, whose Ken's Toys shop was featured on the show, locations are scouted by producers in advance of filming. If they find a place that looks promising, they don’t send out Wolfe and Fritz. Instead, they send a representative (someone Young referred to as a “snoop”) who looks around and decides if there’s anything worth buying.
Practice Makes for Perfect TV
It’s fairly common for reality shows to recreate scenes. Does that make the whole show totally fake? It depends on your idea of “reality.” In shows such as HGTV’s "Fixer Upper," house-hunting scenes are staged. In the History Channel’s "Pawn Stars," deals are supposedly arranged in advance. In "American Pickers," some of its so-called “reality” also involves recreated scenes.
According to Rob Dinkins, a South Carolina-based auctioneer, scenes were recreated in order for camera crews to get the perfect, TV-worthy shot. Dinkins discussed these “filming tricks” with the South Carolina Radio Network. “You go from one room to the next, you have to do that, like three times. They’ve got to film you leaving the room, then they’ve got to film you coming into the room.”
The Stories Are More Important Than the Stuff
"American Pickers" is a TV show, so when the cameras are rolling, the story has got to be good. Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz have introduced us to a bevy of curious characters, including the aforementioned Hobo Jack, as well as Mole Man Ron. Their interesting stories have helped the show amass more than 5.7 million viewers nationwide, so it’s fair to say that the people behind the picks matter a whole lot more than the actual finds.
According to Rob Dinkins, a guy whose ice manufacturing plant was featured on the show, his rich backstory was probably the reason he nabbed his 15 minutes of fame. He told South Carolina Radio Network, “A lot of the time, it’s not what they buy. It’s the person or the story or the location that they’re talking about is what makes the show interesting.”
Danielle Colby Cushman Was 'Picked' for Her Looks
Danielle Colby Cushman is a staple on "American Pickers," and she’s known for her unique aesthetic — cat-eye makeup, tattoos (she’s got more than 30), and boho style. The truth is, that’s one of the reasons Colby was hired. Mike Wolfe admitted that he brought her on board, in part, because of her looks.
In fact, Colby is a show biz veteran. She was — and still is — a professional burlesque dancer. According to the Times Free Press, she spends hours practicing for her performances, though she does depend on "American Pickers" to make ends meet. She reportedly logs a 2-hour commute three to four days a week to work at Wolfe’s Antique Archaeology shop in Nashville, and she helped open the Pickers' second shop in Music
