Pawn Stars, the History Channel’s popular reality TV series, gave birth to one of the internet’s most enduring memes: the Best I Can Do meme. This phrase, often uttered by Rick Harrison, owner of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop and the show’s central figure, has evolved into a versatile template for humor and satire across the internet.
Pawn Stars and the origin of ‘The Best I can do is…’
Pawn Stars has been on air since July 2009, and follows the daily operations of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas. Most episodes feature Rick Harrison evaluating items brought in by customers and negotiating prices. Harrison’s frequent use of the phrase “the best I can do is,” usually followed by a low offer for the item, quickly became a key part of the show.
The transformation of the phrase into a meme began in 2010. Early meme formats featured an image of Rick Harrison with the text on top describing an expensive-sounding item and the bottom text having the comically low price Rick would be willing to offer.
@history Best I can do is… #PawnStars #HistoryChannel ♬ original sound – HISTORY
The earliest recorded instance of this meme has Rick offering fifty cents for a dollar. Though the initial post on Reddit received modest attention, the meme gained significant traction over time. It became a staple on various internet platforms, including the r/dankmemes subreddit, where it garnered thousands of upvotes.
The cultural impact of Pawn Stars
The Best I Can Do meme reflects the broader appeal of Pawn Stars, which introduces viewers to unique items, historical artifacts, and the art of negotiation. The meme capitalized on these elements, especially negotiation scenes with Harrison, to create humor that resonated with a broad online audience.
The meme found a home in various online communities, spreading across meme hubs like FARK, FunnyJunk, IGN boards, and later, on sites like Tumblr and Buzzfeed. Its popularity was bolstered by the universal relatability of haggling, and the triumph of getting the best price.
@danielwallace18 The best of Pawn Star memes
♬ La Grange (2019 Remaster) – ZZ Top
The meme is a testament to the enduring legacy of Pawn Stars and its cultural impact. It encapsulates one of the best elements of the show, which is the playful interactions between Harrison and his customers. As Pawn Stars continues to entertain audiences, the meme it inspired remains a beloved part of internet culture, and a humorous reflection on the art of the deal in the digital age.
How do people use the Best I Can Do meme?
The Best I Can Do meme is used to express everything from personal frustrations to larger issues with society. Twitter user @conoromarz summed it up best, writing, “‘The best I can do’ meme is saying: I know you want this, but best I can do is offer you something completely different and shitty.”
The journey from a catchphrase on “Pawn Stars” to a widely recognized internet meme highlights the show’s influence beyond television, and showcases how a simple phrase can capture the imagination of online communities.
Best I Can Do meme template
Editor’s note: This article is regularly updated for relevance.
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