TLC Picks Up Discovery Channel's Reality Hit, American Chopper

Weathering some criticism from viewers and critics alike, the Discovery Channel continued to show their version of the working American family. Namely, the Teutuls. Led by Paul Sr., the crew at American Chopper did what they do best -building bikes- while fans enjoyed the on-screen antics of the regular cast members. While Paul Sr. (the boss) rages and yells at others, the audience gets to sit back and smile. Facing Paul's wrath is no laughing matter for his son Paulie (Paul Jr.), but it created plenty of enjoyment for fans. Throw into the mix young Mikey, whose totally cavalier attitude showed his jokester ways early on. Able to do almost everything at the OCC (Orange Country Choppers, the name of the Teutuls business) except work, only Mikey ever seemed able to steer clear of Paul's wrath. In fact, most of the time it was only Mikey who could make him laugh.

Add to this perfect chemistry Vincent DiMartino, who does a great deal of work to get the bikes built while Paulie gets hung up in the details, Mikey forgets details and jokes around instead, and Paul storms out of his office to hoot and holler. Put it all together and what do you have? American Chopper, a hugely popular hit for the Discovery Channel. In spite of criticism (the main charge being that motorcycles and the Discovery Channel don't mix), the show (and the Teutuls) became a household name. Their success for the network was set, and their place on the channel seemed guaranteed.

So, what happened? Why, after three successful seasons, has American Chopper left Discovery for the greener reality pastures of TLC, The Learning Channel?

The fact is, TLC, Travel, Discovery, and a whole host of channels are all owned by the same corporation. If the Teutuls, or any other reality crew, decide to switch networks it's most likely due to some ratings-juggling decreed by the powers that be who control this huge block of cable networks. While many Discovery Channel shows are soaring to success, many TLC shows are falling off the radar. TLC is introducing new shows left, right, up, and down for 2007 in a bid to get more viewers. Since the first Trading Spaces booms, TLC hasn't really had a bona fide hit. The all-reality channel shows viewers how to flip houses, change spaces, pick designers, sell homes, get organized, protect against theft, and even get tattooed. Remarkably, even all of this isn't quite enough. The big move will free up programming for the Discovery Channel (a network that is still blazing away with their own reality hits like MythBusters) and bring new viewers to TLC.

Look for the Teutuls and the entire cast we all know and love from American Chopper on TLC, January 18, at 9pm ET.