My latest obsession is a show called Hardcore Pawn: Detroit. The show is shot from American Jewelry & Loan, a large pawn shop just off of 8 Mile Road in Detroit. The owners are father, Les Gold, daughter Ashley and son Seth. Les is an old school dude that has been in the business for over 30 years. He’s the best – just ask him. He floats around the store wearing a black leather jacket and a gold chain. Ashley and Seth fight constantly over each of their very different management styles. The family dynamic is actually what makes me come back to the show.

The customers on the other hand … well … let’s just say you really never know what kind of episode you are gonna see. Let me say this … the customers are quite colorful and boy do people have junk. Many customers come off with a sob story why they are selling or pawning their goods. The better the story – the more you may receive for the item. People have some crazy stuff. A woman came in the store wanting to sell her love swing! Yes, her love swing. Les declined that one due to health hazards … thank goodness! One guy wanted to sell his gold grill-which he took out his mouth right at the counter. Sometimes folks come in with cool memorabilia items or awesome cars to sell. Nothing is too small or too big for them to evaluate.

The focus of the show are the interactions of the staff and customers. The store has several large body guards which seems to be needed. Patrons are not usually happy to be at the pawn store and always want more money. I love it!

The show is going on it’s 7th season. You can find “Hardcore Pawn Detroit”: and it’s spinoff “Hardcore Pawn: Chicago” on truTV.