Corey & Chum React to Their FAVORITE Items Pawn Stars Inside the world of the hit History Channel series Pawn Stars, few moments are as entertaining as when longtime shop staff react to rare, strange, or unexpectedly valuable items brought into the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas.
Among the most recognizable faces are Corey Harrison and Austin “Chumlee” Russell—two personalities whose reactions often range from skepticism to genuine excitement when something truly special walks through the door.
This article takes a closer look at some of the most memorable “favorite item” reactions from Corey and Chum, and why these moments continue to make the show a global fan favorite.
The Heart of the Shop: Corey Harrison’s Evolving Eye for Value
Corey Harrison—often referred to as “Big Hoss”—has grown up inside the pawn business. As the son of Rick Harrison, co-owner of the shop, Corey developed a sharp sense for spotting value, even when items look unimpressive at first glance.
Over the years, Corey has reacted to everything from Civil War artifacts to vintage motorcycles and rare pop culture memorabilia. One of his standout traits is his ability to quickly shift from casual interest to serious business mode.
When a seller brings in something unusual, Corey is often the first to test whether it has real resale potential or if it’s just another overhyped collectible. Corey’s Favorite Types of Items Corey has openly shown enthusiasm for:
Rare firearms with historical documentation Classic cars and motorcycles with original parts High-end sports memorabilia Investment-grade gold and coins
What makes Corey’s reactions engaging is his balance between skepticism and curiosity. Even when he doubts an item’s authenticity, he still engages deeply, often asking detailed questions about provenance and market demand. In many episodes, Corey’s “favorite item” moments come when he realizes an object is worth far more than expected—leading to that classic stunned expression fans have come to love.
Chumlee: The Unexpected Expert with Surprising Instincts
Austin “Chumlee” Russell is often seen as the comic relief of the shop, but fans of Austin Russell know that his instincts are more valuable than they first appear. While Chumlee may joke around and hesitate during negotiations, he has occasionally surprised everyone with unexpected knowledge—especially when it comes to pop culture collectibles.
Chumlee’s reactions to favorite items are usually driven by emotion rather than strict financial analysis. That makes his moments on screen feel more relatable and human. Whether it’s a vintage arcade machine, a rare toy collection, or a signed music artifact, Chumlee often connects with items based on nostalgia. Chumlee’s Favorite Finds Some categories that consistently excite Chumlee include:
Retro video games and arcade machines Classic cartoon memorabilia Music collectibles from iconic bands Unusual novelty items with cultural value
His most memorable reactions often involve disbelief followed by excitement once he learns the item’s true value. Even when he initially misjudges something, Chumlee’s openness to learning makes those moments entertaining and authentic.
When Corey & Chum Clash (and Agree)
What makes their dynamic especially compelling is how often Corey and Chumlee disagree. Corey tends to be more analytical and profit-driven, while Chumlee brings emotional and cultural perspective. This creates a natural tension during appraisals.
However, there are also rare moments when both react the same way—usually when an item is either extremely valuable or extremely bizarre. These shared reactions often become fan-favorite clips because they highlight the chemistry between the cast. For example:
When a seller brings in museum-level artifacts, both go quiet in shock When a pop culture relic appears, both become unusually enthusiastic When an item turns out to be fake, both react with frustration or humor
These shared emotional beats are part of what makes Pawn Stars so engaging after so many seasons.
Why Their Reactions Matter to the Show’s Success At its core, Pawn Stars is not just about antiques—it’s about storytelling. Every item carries a history, and Corey and Chumlee help translate that history into entertainment. Their reactions serve three key purposes:
1. Humanizing the Appraisal Process Instead of cold business transactions, viewers see real emotional responses—surprise, doubt, excitement, and humor.
2. Educating Viewers When Corey breaks down value or Chumlee explains cultural significance, audiences learn how collectibles are evaluated in real life.
3. Creating Entertainment Value The chemistry between cast members turns ordinary negotiations into memorable TV moments.
The Legacy of “Favorite Items” Moments Over time, Corey and Chumlee’s reactions have become a defining feature of the series. Fans don’t just watch for the items—they watch for how the cast responds to them. Some of the most replayed moments online include:
Corey’s shocked silence when a rare artifact is authenticated Chumlee’s laughter when a bizarre novelty item appears Joint reactions when a seller dramatically reveals hidden value
These moments have helped cement Pawn Stars as one of the most iconic reality series about antiques and collectibles.
Final Thoughts Whether it’s Corey Harrison carefully analyzing profit margins or Chumlee reacting with pure enthusiasm, their “favorite item” moments continue to define the charm of Pawn Stars. The combination of expertise, humor, and unpredictability is what keeps viewers coming back season after season.
In the end, it’s not just about what comes through the door of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop—it’s about how Corey and Chumlee react when history, value, and curiosity collide in the most unexpected ways.
