Quoted from benheck:When he says "I'll call a buddy of mine to come down", watch the customers in the background. They'll still be there when the expert arrives, so clearly the expert is always just standing off-camera.
I don't think stuff like Pawn Stars is fake, but they clearly screen who brings in what so the show isn't an endless parade of guitars and jewelry.
Storage Wars is a load of shit though (but I love it) They'll break open a locker to reveal black gaffer's tape over product logos. Think of all the wasted locks!
When I had my Tiger Stadium seats for sale on CL awhile back the Detroit show Hardcore Pawn called me asking if I would like to bring the seats to the show. I declined telling the women that I would sell them to her though. She then asked if I had a friend who would want to be on the show. It's not all fake, but it is an illusion.....Shoot the TRUNK!