Antiques Roadshow Behind the Scenes: An Insider's Guide to PBS's #1 Weekly Show

by Marsha Bemko, Mark L. Walberg (Foreword)

An all-access pass to America's first (and favorite) reality television program -- boasting over ten million viewers each week -- Antiques Roadshow !

If you're a fan of PBS's top-rated Antiques Roadshow , you've probably wondered -- what would it take to get your family treasure on the program? What happens to the antiques after the show airs? Are the appraisers ever wrong? And will Antiques Roadshow come to my hometown?

In this four-color, fully illustrated guide to America's favorite treasure-hunting program, Antiques Roadshow Behind the Scenes reveals inside information about the participants, the appraisers, the fans, and the antiques that make up the show, direct from the woman who makes it all happen -- executive producer Marsha Bemko. Learn what it really takes to put on a Roadshow event (and why certain cities are more likely to get a visit from the show than others), who gets chosen to be on air (and what items producers are really looking for), what it takes to be an appraiser (and how even the experts make mistakes) ... and what happens when things go terribly wrong (such as the occasional antique that turns out to have been stolen!). In addition, learn which books, websites, and resources your favorite appraisers recommend, and get updates on some of the most popular and notorious items ever featured on the show.

From priceless tips to the juicy family secrets hidden in dusty heirlooms, Antiques Roadshow Behind the Scenes is both an invaluable resource and a fascinating slice of Americana.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Lee Goldberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

If, like me, you're a fan of the Antiques Roadshow, this book provides a fascinating peek behind-the-scenes. And even if you're not a fan, but simply love antiques, this book is full of great anecdotes and tips that will help you in your collecting. And if you aren't a fan of the show, or an antique collector, but are a student of television, you'll find this book packed with interesting producing info on the making of a reality series. There aren't many books about TV shows that can satisfy on so many levels and also be a pleasure to read -- but this one succeeds.

The book is written by AR's executive producer, who tells you how the series evolved, what you should (or shouldn't) bring to have appraised, how they decide which cities to visit and which appraisals they will put on the show. But that's not all. She gives you deep background on all the popular appraisers... and, as a bonus, gets them to share some tips on how to hone your own collecting skills. No book about AR would be complete, or satisfying, without a recap of some of their most memorable moments -- fleshing out what happened before, during, and best of all, after the appraisal. This is a breezy, informative and highly entertaining must-read for Antiques Roadshow fans.

[Denise Spicer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cool book with lots of color photos – of staff, stars, guest, experts, fans, and of course, antiques. The author, the producer of this very popular PBS TV show gives a little of the history (an American version of a British show), how the show is put together, lots of interesting details about antiques and appraisals, and fun, informative details. Has a forward by host Mark Walberg.

[Ells · Rating 5 out of 5]

As if finding out the background stories of Leigh and Lesley Keno are not enough! All of the behind the scenes information you would ever want to know can be found in this fun read. Marsha Bemko tells about how a city gets picked, how the set is put up and taken down, how many people it takes to make a show and who get picked to be appraised on TV. We also get the low-down on what--and what not--to bring to the Roadshow.

There are appraiser bios and tips. We even find out about the big finds and what makes a "wow" moment for the show.

Fun, information and lots of related books and websites for further delving into the world of antiques and collectibles.

If you are fan of the show, you'll really enjoy reading this!

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes, I'm an Antiques Roadshow junkie! I had mixed feelings about this book. I enjoyed finding out about the appraisers (did you know that two of them are married?), but it was kind of a letdown finding out the details about how each episode is created. Like all reality shows, it's not as real as it looks!

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good to know info in case I ever get a chance to attend the Roadshow. Interesting behind the scenes and fun things about items that never made it on TV.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are not antiques collectors, but the Antiques Roadshow is really about art, design, history, and social context. This is what makes it fascinating to me, not the value of things. I met the author, executive producer Marsha Bemko, when one of the appraisers pitched videotaping his appraisal of the unique 1960s table we had brought to Ms. Bemko. All I wanted to know was who had created the table (turns out to be a Frank Rohloff), and I was informed of that during the appraisal, which was broadcast January, 2010. My wife and I saw both the mayhem and fun of the appraisal environment, and this book captures it well, as well as detailing the long genesis of the program, which is loosely based on the British original. The book also provides a lot of individual appraisal stories as well as advice on getting appraisals, selling your antiques, and taking care of different types of antiques. There is also a good bibliography and links to useful organizations, publications, and other antiques-related web sites.

[Mary Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting stories and inside information.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a collector and reseller of vintage and antiques, and won tickets to the Roadshow when it came to town. This book was a freebie from an exit contest at the show.

There are anecdotes from Roadshows past, a history of its origins, loads of full color photos, and highlights on the appraisers all wrapped up in a fine coffee table book. But this is more a memento from the Roadshow than a guide for collectors. This is especially true for those who are knowledgeable about the world of antiques and collectibles. Don't get me wrong - there's some chunky data and plenty of beautiful pictures but this falls way short of acting as a price guide or resource.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this in preparation for attending the Antiques Roadshow here in Austin at the end of the month. I thought it was a little thin and with a little more effort could have been a lot more interesting.

[Cindy May]

I thought it was really interesting, but certainly does take away some of the mystery of how people end up on the show. I quite enjoyed reading about some of the lost treasures and stories of what people do with their valuable antiques afterwards.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

Though I had high hopes for this book, it was so badly written that alas, I could not finish it.

[Manintheboat · Rating 2 out of 5]

The "What not to bring to the Roadshow" was funny. "Your bible. Himmel figurines. Boy or Girl scout stuff."

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed learning how Antiques Roadshow operates!