When Were the Storage Wars Aired? Complete Timeline from 2010 Debut to Current Cast Updates
By Maya Lin-Takahashi
Q1: What year did Storage Wars officially start and stop airing?
The original series made its cable debut on December 1, 2010. While the primary linear run slowed down around 2019, A&E brought the show back for new seasons starting in April 2021, keeping the property active through regional episodes and catalog broadcasts.
Q2: Were the lockers on Storage Wars actually real?
The storage units were real delinquent rentals subject to public lien actions under California statutes. However, settlements and insider testimonies following Dave Hester's 2012 litigation revealed that production teams frequently condensed auction processes, reshot bid calls for television angles, and faced persistent scrutiny regarding whether specialty items were pre-screened or planted.
Q3: How much money do buyers realistically make from storage auctions?
Unlike the polished returns often depicted on television, modern storage hunting carries high operating overhead. Industry clearinghouse metrics show that roughly 70% to 80% of abandoned units contain low-grade household goods, broken furniture, or outright debris that costs hundreds of dollars in landfill fees to haul away. Consistent profits require dedicated retail storefronts, flea market stalls, or organized online sales platforms.
Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.
