American Chopper

American Chopper is a television show that originally aired on the Discovery Channel, but currently airs on the channel TLC. It is based around Paul Teutul Sr. (the founder of the company) and his sons Paul Jr. (also known as Paulie or Junior and is co-founder) and Mikey (the shop's custodian, webmaster and provider of comic relief), as they run a business creating custom motorcycles in their Newburgh, New York shop "Orange County Choppers" and the misadventures that come along with it. It tracks the daily tension, rantings and defeats of Sr. and Jr.

Each episode begins with a trailer that gives a brief preview of what you're about to see in the next hour. The majority of the show revolves around the fabrication of one of OCC's bikes, which are typically being made for a big name company or celebrity. Every episode also features heated but humorous verbal arguments between Sr. and Jr., usually revolving around (what some may consider) impossible deadlines and whether is's more important to make a good bike (Jr.) or stay on schedule (Sr.). The argument usually goes a little something like this: Sr. thinks Jr. needs to take the project in a new direction fast, to get to work and decrease last minute changes. Jr. thinks Sr. needs to lay off, trust that the team will get the project done and realize the creative elements is what's most important.

For the most part, the show's setting takes place in the New York workshop. Although, the show shows theirpersonal and promotional activities, ranging from magazine photo shoots to family gatherings and custom bike shows. Mike Wingert narrates the show, reiterating what the viewer is seeing and adding his take on things. Sr., Jr. Mikey and the other workers also help with giving commentary.

Junior manages each new project. He typically spends a lot of time upfront on the creative end od the process. Sr. oversees the entire process and occasionally adds his creativity and fabrication skills. His focus is on one thing- getting the bikes built on schedule. Mikey is usually working on his next hairbrain scheme. It's usually something off the wall and pointless, but it's entertaining and adds to the show's humor. Occassionally he can be seen doing metal work.

Every episode ends with the finished bike being revealed to the client, and Sr. and Jr. reflecting on the project; majority of the time they sy how happy they are with the turnout.

Analysis:
The shows does a good job of illustrating how personalities clash at work. It's something I (and i'm sure many other people) can relate to, and what I believe to be some of the appeal to the viewers. The creativity and hard work that goes into the projects also captures the viewers interest. The show also displays the struggle of the father son relationship, and how seperating the two isn't as easy as it looks.

A Look at one of many arguments that has occured on American Chopper