Name: King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch
Genre: Reality
Released: 2023-04-28T00:00:00+00:00

The moment Ken Goldin leans over a table strewn with vintage sports memorabilia, his eyes gleaming like the rare cards in front of him, you know exactly what “King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch” is selling—Goldin himself. This Netflix reality series, now in its third season, follows the eponymous auction house mogul and his team as they navigate the glittering world of rare collectibles. It’s a show that thrives on the allure of high-stakes auctions and the nostalgia of iconic memorabilia, but ultimately, it stumbles under the weight of its own self-promotion.

At its best, “King of Collectibles” offers a fascinating glimpse into the auction world. The episode featuring a 1976 Apple computer tucked away in a collector’s basement is a standout, blending tech history with the thrill of discovery. Similarly, the segment involving an iconic El Clásico jersey taps into the emotional resonance that collectibles hold for fans. These moments ground the series in something tangible and exciting, showcasing the genuine passion that drives this niche industry.

However, the show’s focus quickly narrows to Goldin’s own charisma—or lack thereof. His hosting style often feels more like a sales pitch than a narrative drive. The Reddit thread calling him “creepy” isn’t far off; his demeanor can come across as overly rehearsed and self-important, overshadowing the actual stories of the collectibles and their owners. This is compounded by the show’s structure, which frequently cuts away from compelling moments to highlight Goldin’s team dynamics, often feeling like filler rather than substance.

The series also struggles with originality. While the auction house setting provides a unique backdrop, the formula quickly becomes predictable: introduce a rare item, showcase its history, build anticipation for the auction, and then reveal the winning bid. This repetitive structure is exacerbated by Goldin’s tendency to monopolize the screen time, leaving little room for the diverse voices of collectors, historians, or even his own team members to shine.

Performances are a mixed bag. Goldin’s charisma is undeniable, but it often veers into cringe-worthy territory, particularly in episodes where he attempts to connect emotionally with items or bidders. The supporting cast, including David Amerman and Joe Montana, provide occasional highlights, but they’re rarely given the opportunity to develop their own narratives. Their roles feel more like props than fully realized characters.

As for genre fit, “King of Collectibles” straddles the line between reality TV and business documentary. It succeeds when it leans into the latter, offering insights into the valuation and auction process. But when it veers too far into reality TV tropes—like Goldin’s overly dramatic reactions or the team’s manufactured conflicts—it loses its way.

In the end, “King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch” is a show that could have been so much more. It has all the ingredients for a compelling exploration of the collectibles market, but it gets bogged down by Goldin’s self-promotion and repetitive structure.

Tags: Netflix, David Amerman, Joe Montana, Ken Goldin, King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch