After six years of bickering, American Chopper is finally going off the air
Back in 2003 was the television hey-day for motorcycle fans. Discovery Channel was the place for gearheads to get their fix with shows like Monster Garage, Biker Build-Off and American Chopper. As we all know American Chopper was a reality show chronicling the life of the Teutuls and Orange County Choppers. In the beginning the novelty of the show was how crazy it was to see Paul Sr. & Jr.’s on air bickering, while Mikey offered up the crazy comic relief. Oh yeah, and there were some of the visionary custom bikes dreamed up by Paul Jr.
Paul Teutul Sr. of OCC
The arguments between Senior and Junior were funny and fodder for watercooler discussions. The bikes were interesting and watching the process of building those bikes intriguing. And there was Vinnie, Paulie’s right hand man who was often caught in the middle of the fights when all he wanted to do was build bikes. And Cody, who was taken under the OCC wing until he and Vinnie jumped ship to form V-Force Customs.
Speaking for myself, I probably watched the first two seasons until the show began to get formulaic. There was more focus on the crazy rantings between Paul and Paulie and less on the bikes, which then only became theme bikes for various corporations. Oh and the occasional yuk yuk’s from Mikey, who couldn’t build bikes and couldn’t ride them for a while either. As their bank accounts grew fat so did the ego’s. That’s when I jumped ship. And it seemed that I wasn’t the only one. The backlash began as the arguments became boring, the show switched channels, Paul Jr. left the company and Mikey ended up in rehab. And now Paul Sr. is suing Junior for control over the OCC empire. Yikes.
But as they say, all good things must come to an end. Even if it’s about 3 years too late. The series finale will air on TLC Thursday, February 11th at 9 PM. Somehow I don’t predict a happy ending. What do you think?