Is hardcore pawn a reality show or staged?

The TruTV series Hardcore Pawn is a reality show about Detroit-based American Jewelry and Family Loan. Critics of the show claim that portions are staged reporting that they have actually visited the pawn shop while filming and witnessed actors wearing microphones as they played the part of pawn shop customers.

In interviews, owner Leslie “Les” Gold denies allegations that Hardcore Pawn is fake and says that the series features a “wide range of real people who need money” and does not include any “staged antics, products or characters.”

A 6th season of Hardcore Pawn is set to air on truTV in July 2012. A spin-off of the show, Hardcore Pawn: Fort Bragg, is set to premiere in July 2012. This series will focus mainly on military equipment and weapons.