The Great Big American Auction
By Melissa Camacho,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
"Junk" brings big cash -- and big emotions.
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What's the Story?
In THE GREAT BIG AMERICAN AUCTION, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition host Ty Pennington helps people sell some of their "junk" for much-needed cash. Hopeful people bring their prized possessions and family heirlooms to locations like the Pasadena Flea Market and Beverly Hills Heritage Auction, where Pennington has assembled a team of experts to appraise them. He also travels to people's homes, garages, and attics to look at unique or one-of-a-kind items. The stuff determined to have a high value is ticketed to be auctioned off at a sale that's open to local bidders, as well as to phone and online bids from all over the country. The owner of each item gets to stand on stage while the bidding is in progress and gets to see, first-hand, how much money he or she will make.
Is It Any Good?
The series offers a lively look at the unique items that people have in their homes. Some of the stories behind them are very interesting, too. But many of these people are also parting with beloved items for economic reasons, and watching them struggle through the process can be a little difficult to watch.
The likability of the people featured here makes it easy to root for them as the bids get started -- or feel bad for them when they're told that their prized possessions are forgeries, fakes, or have little cash value. You might also be inclined to look at the stuff around your own home and wonder if it's worth a lot of green.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about antiques shows. What gives an old item cash value? Do reality shows like this one help people learn more about the value of their possessions? Are these shows designed to motivate people to have their prized items appraised, or are they really just for entertainment?
Is Pennington a role model? What is his career based on? Why do you think he agreed to do this show?
TV Details
- Premiere date: December 8, 2011
- Cast: Ty Pennington
- Network: ABC
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: September 19, 2019
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