Why You Should Watch Discovery Channel's "American Chopper"

American Chopper is a great show not just because of the gorgeous custom choppers they produce (though that certainly does help), but because of the interesting personalities that inhabit the shop and scene of OCC. Led by founder Paul Teutul, Sr., whose burly build and booming voice have sent more than one man running in the other direction, the staff at OCC continuously turn out the most beautiful bikes that imagination -and a little hard work- can produce. When the crew needs his particular brand of motivation, Paul Sr. lays down the law swiftly, accepting no argument. Frequent clashes between him and his sons have always left him as the victor. If Paul Sr. argued with me, I'd agree with everything he said, too.

Son Paulie Jr. is chiefly responsible for the fabrication of their one-of-a-kind bikes, and he is often caught in the crossfire of his father's rages. What might be uncomfortable for Paulie is completely entertaining for us, however, and we love him for being able to provide such amusements. But it's younger son Mikey who provides all the real laughs. Never a hard worker and always quick with a joke, Mikey somehow spends his days at OCC doing almost nothing! It's fascinating considering Paul Sr. busts heads all day long, but even he can't help but laugh at young Mikey's crazy antics. Frequently-appearing staff member Vincent DiMartino often does much of the work piecing bikes together, somehow managing to avoid the worst of Paul Sr.'s bite, and always pulling through with a perfect bike in the end.

Since the show began in 2003, the Discovery Channel has received some criticism from viewers. But everyone keeps tuning in to American Chopper, just the same, and Discovery had better not change a thing. (Paul Sr. wouldn't stand for it, anyway). The show is fabulous. You don't have to be into motorcycles to love this show, but if you are then you really ought to be tuning in. Billy Joel (yes - the Billy Joel!) appeared in one episode to have a bike custom-made by the great crew at OCC. He was very specific in his needs and wants - nothing to do with music, chiefly. While the others worked on Billy's real bike, Mikey took it upon himself to provide The Pianoman with the perfect piano bike - complete with keyboard and microphone for those composing moments on the road.

It was one of the funniest things, and one of the greatest practical jokes, ever. Listen, if you can get one over on Billy Joel (the Billy Joel), you're okay in my book. Check out all the bike-building action on Discovery Channel's American Chopper, Monday nights at 10pm ET.