Much to my amazement, I finally had a chance to carve out some time and get caught up on some recent back episodes of American Pickers and Pawn Stars. It is hard to believe that these History Channel favorites have been going strong for more than 10 years now. It is true that these shows have gone through some significant changes in that time. Frank Fritz is no longer a part of the American Pickers crew, and the cranky old man of Pawn Stars fame has unfortunately passed away. Ill be the first to admit that almost every single reality-based television show about the antiques and collectibles trade is flawed in some way or another. Most are scripted to appeal to casual armchair enthusiasts rather than those that operate day in and day out in the trade. That critique aside, I can confirm with great confidence that most collectors and dealers I know watch these shows regularly. I could also name some well-known auctioneers and third-party grading company executives who are rumored to be heavily addicted to these shows as well (dont worry if you happen to be reading this right now, as your secrets safe with me). Truth be told, I am also a major fan. And after finally having a chance to get caught up on several seasons, I found myself feeling nostalgic for some other shows in this same category that have come and gone without a trace over the past few years. There were three shows in particular that I used to watch regularly until their slow demise. Some lasted longer than others, and, quite honestly, some of these shows should be revived on the countless streaming platforms that are now the norm. Netflix or Hulu could easily finance a revival, and I am sure a lot of viewers, myself included, would watch. The first show I fondly miss was a reality-based collectibles show like no other. Promoted heavily by the Travel Channel and hosted by charismatic toy lover Jordan Hembrough, when Toy Hunter premiered back in 2012 it became a must-watch series for any vintage toy or pop culture collector who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s. Unlike American Pickers, Pawn Stars, and Antiques Roadshow, Toy Hunter featured all the hottest vintage toys from prominent toy lines like Star Wars, G.I. Joe, Transformers, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. It even did an excellent job showcasing less popular toy lines like Visionaries, MASK, and even Food Fighters. The series had a strong cult following and lasted three full seasons. Sadly, it became apparent by the second season that the producers just did not have enough of a story line to keep the series fresh. Jordan was repeatedly placed in unbelievable situations or asked to venture to locations that would be completely unrealistic based on some of the items found. Still, the show has a large following even to this day, and I am guilty of watching past episodes over and over again. In fact, it is what I am watching right now while writing in my basement office (I told you I was an addict)! The second show on this list forgotten by many is Market Warriors. That said, Market Warriors, created by the producers of Antiques Roadshow, graced television sets back in 2012 and only lasted one full season. Yes, the show was flawed and unrealistic at times. Just look at the format, and anyone who has any inside knowledge of the antiques trade is going to be asking how is this even supposed to work? I am being vague here on purpose because I want some curious readers to take the time to look this show up on YouTube and watch. The show does an incredible job of showcasing some of the most popular antique markets across the country (special shoutout to my favorite, Renningers Antique Market in Adamstown, Pa., that is featured in episode one). I can also confirm that the shows cast of eccentric characters really adds to the allure, and if you are an Antiques Roadshow fan, you should find this series just as satisfying. I rewatch this series whenever I get the chance, and you should too. The final series I miss is kind of an acquired taste. It premiered back in 2010 during the great aftermath of the financial crisis. Storage unit auctions were just becoming a known thing to the general public, and two competing shows premiered. The first is one that almost everyone has heard of, that being Storage Wars, which is still going strong today. The later show was Auction Hunters, a series that lasted six seasons that almost no one remembers. The show featured two guys and a van traveling the country bidding on storage unit auctions. Compared to Storage Wars, it was severely lacking, according to some critics, due to the fact that it did not have the diverse and unique personalities that Storage Wars offered. Still, some of the episodes are worth checking out. That said, out of all the shows I mentioned on this list, I would easily forgive you if you chose to bypass this one. Today, It is quite incredible to me just how far the antiques and collectibles trade has come as a theme for reality-based television shows. Unfortunately, the glut of shows we got since 2010 has now started to dry up. Aside from the ongoing popular shows like Antiques Roadshow, American Pickers, and Pawn Stars, I dont think we will ever get to see the same kind of quirky shows that came and went since the History Channel reignited interest in this demographic with the launch of American Pickers and Pawn Stars. That said, I still hold out hope that we return to this period in the trades history once again. And if Jordan Hembrough of Toy Hunter fame or the cast of Market Warriors happens to read this article, know that you will live on in the memories of all of us who tuned in each and every week to see your adventures unfold, regardless as to how ridiculous we all knew they were. Perhaps one day soon we will get back to this same place again, or maybe I am just getting nostalgic for a time long passed. After all, isnt that much of the point of being in the antiques and collectibles trade to begin with? Now back to watching reruns of Toy Hunter. Shawn Surmick has been an avid collector since the age of 12. He currently resides in his hometown of Boyertown, Pa., and is a passionate collector of antiques and collectibles. His articles focus on various topics affecting the marketplace.