Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Hunt for antique treasures is a gem for history buffs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
American Pickers
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 30 parent reviews
Parents say that the show's appeal has diminished significantly following the departure of a key cast member, with many expressing frustration over the new addition not meeting expectations and not being as entertaining. Despite differing opinions on the authenticity and ethics depicted in the show, many appreciate its educational aspects surrounding history and antiques, while others criticize it for perceived exploitation of sellers, particularly the elderly.
- changing cast
- educational content
- mixed ethics
- family friendly
- viewer frustration
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 11 kid reviews
What's the Story?
Whoever drew the comparison between one man's junk and another man's treasure surely had Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz in mind. Business partners and lifelong friends, Mike and Frank are professional "pickers\": antiques experts who hit the road in search of people's junk collections to weed through for lost treasures they can buy and resell to dealers. Often their quests turn up little more than intriguing folks and fascinating stories, but once in a while they unearth some real gems that they turn around for a hefty profit.
Is It Any Good?
AMERICAN PICKERS offers a unique glimpse at the antiques business, taking viewers into the trenches with Frank and Mike, two buddies with a passion for their work and an eye for diamonds in the rough buried below piles of rusty cars and dilapidated farm equipment. The show's subject matter obviously caters to antiques enthusiasts and history buffs (the hosts often explore the historical value of the pieces they find), but even novices will enjoy seeing what the guys manage to dig up in other people's backyards.
While they don't necessarily set out to take advantage of the people they meet, Mike and Frank are ultimately opportunists looking to make a buck off of someone else's stuff and, indirectly, off their unfamiliarity with the lucrative antiques market. It's an eye-opening example of how things work in the exchange market and underscores the reminder "Buyer (or in this case, seller) beware." Kids and tweens probably won't be too interested in the show itself, but adults will be intrigued by the guys' modern-day treasure hunting.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what aspects (if any) of this show you'd consider educational. Do you think the show is intended to teach or just to entertain? How reliable are different types of media (TV, internet, newspaper, etc.) as teaching tools?
How do the goods we consume get to us? How does the cost of a good change related to the number of people who handle it?
Kids: What type of career would you like to have? What special skills or knowledge will you need for it? What risks and benefits do you foresee?
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 18, 2010
- Cast : Frank Fritz , Mike Wolfe
- Network : History
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : December 8, 2025
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