American Pickers Season 4

Right now you can watch American Pickers Season 4 on and — and it is more addictive than the premise lets on. The 1-season run is exactly the right length for what it is doing. A 7/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Mike Wolfe anchors the format, but the whole cast makes it watchable. Put it on tonight and see for yourself.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, American Pickers Season 4 earns its spot. What separates American Pickers Season 4 from the rest of its genre is a genuine understanding of what its audience actually wants to watch. The fourth season opens with a truly historic find: a 65-million-year-old dinosaur bone found in Mississippi. Purchased for a mere $450, the bone is priceless, according to the paleontology museum curator who appraises it. In subsequent episodes, the duo will "pick" a speedy cycle car, crafted from the wing tank of a WWII-era plane; the work of iconic painter Norman Rockwell; a 350-pound taxidermy African elephant head, which they ultimately swap in exchange for a vintage photo booth and jukebox; and two coin-operated "peek-a-boo" strip poker machines from the 1950's. Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was aired in 2011. The format has been replicated endlessly since American Pickers Season 4 first appeared, which is its own form of tribute. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

Reality sceptics are warned — American Pickers Season 4 has converted more than a few doubters. If you have run out of similar titles to watch, this is a strong next pick. Short enough to finish in a weekend, substantial enough to feel satisfying. Mike Wolfe is a big part of why it works, but the format itself is the real star. The kind of thing that generates strong opinions in every room it is watched in.