TORONTO — There is going to be a lot more wheeling and dealing on History.
Austin “Chumlee” Russell of Pawn Stars said Wednesday the cast is about to sign on for 80 more episodes.
Appearing on Global’s The Morning Show, Russell said he never expected the show to be as popular as it has become.
“We thought we’re going to have a cool story to tell our friends for a couple of years until everyone forgets about it,” he said. “Here we are almost five years later. It’s just crazy.”
The show depicts transactions at the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop — opened in 1989 by the Harrison family — and stars Russell along with Richard “Old Man” Harrison, his son Rick Harrison and grandson Corey “Big Hoss” Harrison.
Since Pawn Stars is seen in nearly 40 countries, the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop has become a top tourist destination in Las Vegas. The cast rakes in thousands of dollars selling autographs, photos and souvenirs at the store, which has expanded several times since the debut of the series.
Due to Nevada privacy laws, Russell doesn’t actually work behind the counter — none of the show’s stars do — and the interactions shown on the series are taped while the store is closed, using sellers and items selected by producers.
Russell, who recently shed close to 100 pounds, is appearing this weekend at Toronto’s Fan Expo. He said the perks of his celebrity status include not having to make reservations for dinner.
“Feeling appreciated,” he added. “That’s the best part.”
New episodes of Pawn Stars return to History on Tuesday nights starting Aug. 27.
Pawn Stars airs in Canada on History, which is owned by Global News parent company Shaw Media.
Watch Chumlee on Global’s News at Noon:
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