‘American Chopper’: Paul Teutul, son’s show canceled by Discovery
“American Chopper” has had a great ride, but like all things, it must now drive off into the sunset. It was announced on Friday that after a decade on TV, and battles between Paul Teutul Sr. and his son that ranged from the show to court cases, the series is going to be coming to an end with its live build-off special on December 11.
In many ways, the timing of the cancellation feels almost poetic, as Paul Sr. and Paul Jr. have finally started to mend fences in their long-troubled relationship, which was fine at the start of the series so many years ago. This means that the show could at least have some sort of reasonably happy ending, even though there is a fanbase here that is so devoted that Discovery not only brought it back once already following cancellation, but would probably watch it for another ten years if given a chance.
In a statement, here is what Discovery and TLC Networks group president Eileen O’Neill had to say per Entertainment Weekly:
“After 10 years and 233 episodes of incredible, riveting reality television, American Chopper will be ending its run … This series was one of the very first family-based reality programs on television. Special thanks to Pilgrim Studios for over a decade of great producing. The Teutuls have given us really innovative bike builds and real drama since 2002. We wish both Orange County Choppers and Paul Junior Designs the best.”
Discovery and TLC’s programming has also seen quite an evolution over the past ten years; while the former network continues to be focused largely on some educational programming including their “Curiosity” series and “Mythbusters,” the latter network has slowly more involved with producing controversial shows including “Sister Wives,” “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo,” and “19 Kids and Counting.”
Paul Sr. was a contestant earlier this year on Donald Trump’s “The Celebrity Apprentice.”
milliana
December 12, 2012 @ 12:32 pm
As a Ducati bike owner and I have bought and recommends OCC Chopper. Good steady and a fine ride. This kid Jason who designed my bike- i give props to this yougn man.
Marco
November 25, 2012 @ 7:09 pm
For all those who think their a real biker…Jesse James ain’t any different than Paul Sr. & Jr…
Nate
November 25, 2012 @ 1:03 pm
Considering OCC has been a mile out of town from the other motorcycle culture at Sturgis ( McDonald’s) they have never been mainstream.
TODDSTER
November 16, 2012 @ 10:12 pm
It was, what it was.Kinda cool at times,but mostly something to watch when nothing else was on T.V. As a lifelong biker,the whole theme/custom bike thing is just a laughable joke. As anyone who knows motorcycles, what they built was fancy garage art. They came around at the same time the “chopper fad”,( that now is dead) had alot to do with their success. I always thought anyone I saw with an O.C.C. T-shirt on was nothing more than poser and a bad one at that. May the fat tire motorcycle era be dead and if it takes American Chopper with it, oh well.
Frank Christiani
November 16, 2012 @ 8:59 pm
Good I’m glad! I’m a Journeyman Toolmaker and professional manufacture…not that that is in itself is relevant. But in a way it is very relevant. any interesting build has to include very personal animosity and hatred, and dedicates more of the show to family problems than actually making the Bike or manufacturing professionalism. (personally, those bikes are built like crap…always were.)
My Blood Pressure spikes every time I gotta listen to them mix it up. If I wanted to get into family BS I’d watch the Kardasians!
“Discovery Channel”…what happened to you. You used to be so interesting to watch…now you fan the flames of the degradation of family and as of the 10 yrs, family business.
Now go away!