Rick Harrison of “Pawn Stars” fame has helped gift a new Ford-250 to a wounded warrior. (Angus Kelly/Las Vegas Review-Journal)
“Pawn Stars” debuted in July 2009. The reality show gives viewers an insider’s view of running Gold & Silver Pawn, but mostly it’s about the people: Rick Harrison, who runs the store in Downtown Las Vegas, Corey Harrison, Rick’s son, Chumlee — that’s Austin Russell’s nickname, and The Old Man — Rick’s father, Richard Harrison, who died Monday morning after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease. The show featured a parade of local experts on collectors items that show up on pawn shops’ countertops. And the junk that everyone wants to believe is worth hundreds — maybe thousands. The merchandise, and the experts who knew so much about it, captured more attention and prompted several spinoffs. From Counting Cars to American Restoration and Cajun Pawn Stars. Pawn Stars created a national following and a foundation for Reality TV programs in Las Vegas.
“Pawn Stars” will air its 500th episode on Monday at 10 p.m. on History. “Pawn Stars” debuted July 26, 2009. After completing the first season, Corey was about to tell his father and grandfather that he didn’t think all the additional work was worth the meager uptick in business. “The show definitely hit at the right time. It couldn’t have been a better time for it to hit,” Corey says. “Oh, no. I was hoping for a season or two and hoping it would help out business,” says Gold & Silver Pawn Shop owner Rick Harrison. “I never thought it would turn into this.”
“Pawn Stars,” which debuted in June 2009, marks its 500th show this month. The broadcast is set for Jan. 22. Rick Harrison asks, “Who wants to watch a show about four fat guys working at a pawn shop?” But the owner of Gold & Silver Pawn has helped turn his father, Richard; son, Corey; and Austin “Chumlee” Russell into TV stars. From The Colosseum at Caesars Palace … Celine Dion had to cancel a weekend show. She said in a statement on Twitter she was resting, under doctor’s orders. On New Year’s Eve, she welcomed the idea of a duet with Lady Gaga. As Celine says, “I would love I would love that. I love her so much.”