You're not missing much by not being able to watch American Pickers. It's about a couple of apparently unwed guys in the 40-50 age range who drive a Mercedes van around back roads finding household castoffs (shabby old motor scooters, broken toys, rusted signs, etc) and exclaim off camera, "I paid $100, but I know I can get $175 for it." It seems like fiction, because they are always buying, but you never see them selling. While I am sure there are still pickers out there, this show smacks of Hollywood production all the way
As far as studies in dysfunctional families go, you cannot beat Pawn Stars and Orange County (NY) Choppers. Those shows highlight some genuinely unpleasant main characters who use sarcasm, talking down, meanness, and other aggressive behaviors to wend their ways through family life and business life. More Hollywood BS.
One of the "plain folks" shows we enjoy is Swamp People. It's about likeable Cajuns and Homa Indians who go into their native swamps, and capture and kill some pretty big alligators (over 13 feet). The fact that these people are generally armed with .22 Magnum (and up !) rifles gives the advantage to the hunters. But there is the element of real fear and respect operating in the hunters as the alligators can, and sometimes do, win.