1. The Shop Wasn’t Always as Big as It Looks Now
The Gold & Silver Pawn Shop might look massive on TV, but it wasn’t always that way. Before the fame, it was just a modest pawn shop on the outskirts of Vegas. Once the show gained traction, they expanded to accommodate the increasing foot traffic from fans.
2. Not Every Item Comes From Real Customers
While the premise suggests that customers walk in off the street, many of the more interesting items are pre-arranged by producers. This ensures there’s always a steady stream of unique and valuable objects to feature on the show.
3. Rick Harrison Pushed Hard to Get the Show Greenlit
Rick spent years pitching the idea of a pawn shop reality show before “Pawn Stars” was picked up. He believed the world of pawn shops was perfect for TV—filled with drama, history, and plenty of characters.
4. Some Negotiations Are Filmed Twice
If a deal is particularly intriguing, the crew might film the negotiation twice to get the perfect angles and reactions. Don’t worry, though—it doesn’t change the outcome.
5. The Experts Are Paid to Appear
The experts you see dropping knowledge about historical weapons or rare collectibles? They’re not just friends of the shop—they’re paid consultants who get a fee for appearing on camera.
6. Chumlee’s Personality is a Little Exaggerated
Chumlee might seem like the bumbling comic relief of the show, but it’s a bit of an act. In reality, he’s much sharper and more business-savvy than his TV persona suggests.
7. The Shop Became a Major Vegas Tourist Attraction
Since the show’s debut, the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop has become a must-visit spot in Las Vegas. Fans line up for hours just to catch a glimpse of the store—or a cast member.
8. Corey Harrison Nearly Walked Away From the Show
Corey “Big Hoss” Harrison contemplated leaving “Pawn Stars” in its early days. He didn’t enjoy the sudden fame and felt overshadowed by Rick. Eventually, he decided to stick with it, and fans are glad he did.
9. The Shop Closes During Filming
If you visit the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop during filming, don’t expect to walk in and shop. The store is often closed to the public while cameras roll to avoid background noise and interruptions.
10. Not Every Deal Happens on Camera
Even though “Pawn Stars” shows a good mix of buys, sells, and appraisals, most of the shop’s day-to-day business doesn’t make it to the screen. Most transactions are much less dramatic than what you see on TV.
11. Chumlee Owns His Own Candy Store
Chumlee turned his fame into a business opportunity and opened a candy shop called Chumlee’s Candy on the Boulevard, just a short walk from the pawn shop. It’s a sweet gig in every sense.
12. The Staff Doesn’t Always Know What’s Coming In
While producers arrange for some items to appear, the staff isn’t always clued in. This keeps their reactions authentic, especially when a truly unique piece comes through the doors.
13. There’s Some Serious Security Behind the Scenes
With so many valuable items coming through the shop, you’d better believe security is tight. What you don’t see on TV are the security guards and cameras keeping everything safe.
14. Rick Harrison Is a History Buff
Rick’s deep knowledge of historical artifacts isn’t just for show. He’s a self-proclaimed history nerd who’s spent years reading and learning about the past. His passion for history is one of the reasons the show works so well.
15. The Shop Isn’t the Family’s Only Business
While the pawn shop is the centerpiece of “Pawn Stars,” the Harrisons have their hands in other ventures, from real estate to merchandise sales, thanks to the show’s popularity.
16. There’s a Lot of Editing Involved
Each episode is meticulously edited to keep the pacing fast and the stories engaging. A single negotiation might be trimmed from hours of footage down to just a few minutes.
17. The Show Has Helped Boost the Pawn Industry
“Pawn Stars” has had a ripple effect on the pawn industry. The show brought attention to the value of pawn shops, making them more popular and respected in the public eye.
