Ep 1. Episode 1
- TV-PG
- January 7, 2019
- 43 min
In the premiere episode of Antiques Road Trip's 18th season, expert antiques dealers set out on a cross-country adventure in their vintage cars to uncover valuable treasures. The episode begins with presenters Natasha Raskin Sharp and Charles Hanson selecting their cars and discussing their strategies for the trip ahead. Both are determined to find items with unique stories and high value to win the competition.
Their first stop is an antique shop in the picturesque town of Stamford. Natasha is immediately drawn to a collection of glassware from the 19th century and takes a closer look. She speaks with the shop owner, who shares historical information about the pieces and reveals that one of them is a particularly rare find. But when Charles arrives, he has his sights set on an antique figurine that he believes could be a valuable addition to his collection.
The presenters then make their way to an auction house in Lincoln, where they attend a live auction. They review the items ahead of the bidding and consult with each other on which items could potentially bring in the most money. The two go head-to-head for a stunning silver tea set but soon realize they are among many bidders vying for the same item. This highlights the level of competition both presenters are facing as they visit more shops and auctions on their journey.
Next, they stop at a sprawling antique fair in Nottingham, where they spend the day scouring the stalls for rare finds. Natasha locates a unique set of art deco dining chairs while Charles discovers an ornate wooden statue. They both get excited about their finds, but as the fair draws to a close, the real challenge begins. They must decide which items to purchase and how much to pay, eventually taking a risk on their respective items, hoping that they will prove to be worthwhile investment later on.
The episode wraps up with the presenters rushing to catch the ferry to the final destination that will determine the winner of the road trip. They both take their respective cars on board, each confident that they have made smart purchases that will bring them victory. The anticipation builds as they dock at their last stop, where the final valuations will take place.
In addition to the excitement of the search for valuable antiques, Antiques Road Trip also offers a glimpse into the personal lives of the presenters. Charles and Natasha's dynamic personalities shine as they banter back and forth, demonstrating their deep passion for antiques and sharing snippets from their personal lives. This season of Antiques Road Trip promises to be incredibly entertaining with even more exciting finds, intense competition, and a whole lot of fun.