Ep 1. Picking Through the Ashes

In this season 20 premiere episode of American Pickers entitled "Picking Through the Ashes," the dynamic duo of Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz are back on the road again in search of hidden treasures amidst the ruins of a West Virginia mining town. Devastated by coal mine closures, this town is left abandoned and left behind by the rest of the world, but it has become a hotbed for antique collectors and pickers.

Mike and Frank make their way through the deserted ghost town, searching for old barns, sheds, and abandoned homes in search of rare and unique finds. The town is filled with abandoned buildings, some of which are over 100 years old. The duo soon discovers that the local residents of the town are holding on to their prized collections, but they are willing to trade. They come across an old car dealership that has been sitting abandoned for over 40 years, and inside, they discover a hidden treasure trove of vintage signs and rare car parts.

As they journey through the abandoned town, they meet some of the local collectors, who take them to their secret storage facilities and show them some of their most prized possessions. They discover a vast collection of motorcycle parts that have been stored in an old horse stable for over 20 years. They also visit a local historian who shares with them the history and stories of the town's past, as well as some of the rare artifacts he has collected over the years.

The episode features some of the most incredible finds yet, including an 1800s medicine cabinet that has been untouched for over a century, a rare fiberglass Statue of Liberty that was once displayed in front of a gas station, and a giant sign from an old funeral home. There's even a giant cast iron safe that has been locked for over 50 years!

But it's not all easy pickings for Mike and Frank. The harsh winter weather and the run-down conditions of the abandoned buildings make for some difficult and treacherous picking conditions. Surrounded by piles of debris and dangerous conditions, they will need to be extra careful as they sift through the rubble.

In "Picking Through the Ashes," all the elements that make American Pickers a hit show are present - history, adventure, and, of course, the thrill of the hunt. With the backdrop of a devastated mining town, the episode shines a light on a forgotten chapter of American history. The abandoned structures, dusty collectibles, and forgotten pieces of history unearthed in this episode showcase the human spirit's resilience and the power of nostalgia to spark joy in others.