Las Vegas community not camera-shy, as reality TV shows can attest

Paradise and downtown Las Vegas are hubs for television shows and movies. From the movie "Casino" to MTV's "Real World" series, people and places in this area of the valley are often depicted on television.

The rise of reality television shows in the past decade or so has allowed Las Vegas to come to the forefront. The History Channel offers "Pawn Stars," based on the daily grind of employees at Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, 713 Las Vegas Blvd. South, and "American Restoration" featuring Rick Dale, owner of Rick's Restorations, 1112 S. Commerce St.

Rick Harrison, co-owner of Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, which has been on air since 2009, said life hasn't been the same since.

"It's pretty weird," Harrison said. "It's not like you can go into Walmart now without shades and a hat. If one person asks for a photo, you turn around, and there's a line behind you. But I still hang out with the same people, and I'm still the same guy."

A long line usually forms outside of the 24-hour pawn shop during daylight hours. Inside are historic -- and sometimes rare -- trinkets and documents. In the back, the store sells T-shirts, key chains and other memorabilia from the television show featuring Harrison; Richard Harrison, his father; Corey Harrison, his son; and family friend Austin "Chumlee" Russell.

Several similar shows have spawned from the success of "Pawn Stars," including truTV's "Hardcore Pawn," based on a shop in Detroit, and the History Channel's "Cajun Pawn" in Alexandria, La. Harrison said the historical aspect and the variety of episodes is what makes "Pawn Stars" unique.

"I do try to give history lessons on the show," Harrison said. "It's underappreciated in schools now. Moms talk to me about how they like the history lessons. Plus, the show's different every week."

History is a theme for other television shows for Las Vegas, including "Fortune Finders," in which one episode depicts John Cahill, Clark County public administrator, and his staff's work of assessing plans for families of the deceased. The episode aired in February on National Geographic, and it was the only time seen on television.

Cahill is disappointed that the producers weren't seeking more for the show, but he believes the episode gave viewers a better look at what happens when people don't leave behind plans for their death for friends and family.

"The staff has pride for what they do, and we were hoping for more," Cahill said. "Anything else we can do to help people with preparation (before death), we're all for it. We thought this was a dramatic way to do it."

Cahill joked that one reason his office wasn't pursued for more episodes was due to his lack of "star power." If anything, he said, the one episode heightened awareness of what happens to one's belongings when he dies and the work his staff puts into those plans.

"We're so obscure, but there are a lot of obscure things that go on (with the staff's work)," Cahill said. "It was an interesting experience, and (it showed how) people die like they live. Sometimes it's a drama, sometimes it's comedy and sometimes it's tragic, but it's always interesting."

Other shows that have been of interest to television networks revolve around food. Pick Your Poison Bake Shop, a bakery that delivers alcohol-infused cupcakes to businesses downtown and in Paradise, was featured on the Food Network's "Cupcake Wars" in December. The Food Network picked up on the downtown draw for television by featuring the Bar+Bistro at The Arts Factory, 107 E. Charleston Blvd., in one of its most recent episodes of "Restaurant Stakeout." The show depicts restaura teur Willie Degel exposing restaurants' flaws in service, cooking and other aspects via hidden cameras.

Reality television shows aren't always what they seem. Jaime Diaz, Bar+Bistro event coordinator, said much of the episode, which premiered April 4, was planned.

"A lot of it was pretty much scripted," Diaz said. "Sometimes (the crew) thought we were too mellow and wanted us to create conflict. We're never like that. The employees treat each other like family, so it was weird to be actors."

Diaz said regardless of how employees were depicted in the show, he's thrilled for the restaurant to gain exposure on a national level, especially because few businesses off the Strip reach television networks. He expects more buzz to generate around the Bar+Bistro when chef Beni Velázquez is featured on the Food Network's "Chopped" in the coming months.

Although these businesses and services have made national television appearances, their employees, such as the men of "Pawn Stars," still place a focus on residents.

"If you're a local, you go straight to the front of the line (at the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop)," Harrison said. "If locals show their Nevada I D , they get first priority, always."

Contact Paradise/Downtown View reporter Lisa Carter at lcarter@viewnews.com or 383-4686.