For nearly two decades, Julien’s Auctions has been the preeminent house for pop culture memorabilia — the place where guitars once played by Kurt Cobain, a “Thriller” jacket worn by Michael Jackson, or scripts and lyrics written by legendary icons finds its next custodian. Julien’s has built its reputation on provenance, passion, and the visceral excitement of the auction experience. Now, with the launch of Julien’s “On Air,” the house is asking a bold question: what happens when you take that thrill and bring it directly to pop culture fans and collectors?

“On Air” is an intimate, curated, bi-weekly broadcast auction designed to feel more like a conversation between those who care deeply about cultural history and the objects that embody it.

“On Air” centers on a tightly curated selection of ten lots. That deliberate restraint is the point. In a world where the sheer volume of available auction lots can overwhelm even the most seasoned bidder, “On Air” strips the experience back to what matters: ten remarkable objects, each one given the time and attention it deserves.

The format is built around a live-stream broadcast hosted by Julien’s auctioneer Kody Frederick, and in some cases joined by a special guest — a collector, a consignor, a fan, or even the celebrity whose world the item inhabits. Guests can provide the kind of intimate, first-hand knowledge that only a specific context can capture — the story of how an item was acquired, what it meant to the people who owned and held it, and why it matters now.

The collectibles market has undergone a profound transformation in recent years, accelerated by the rise of live commerce and a generation of buyers who are as comfortable watching a product drop on their phone as they are walking into a gallery.

What Bidders Can Expect

The “On Air” experience introduces a focused selection with only ten lots per drop.

Our host auctioneer will guide viewers and bidders through the cultural significance of each lot, drawing out the guest’s personal connection to the material.

Live Commentary From Primary Sources

The guest format means that viewers and bidders hear directly from the people closest to the material — not just curators and specialists, but the artists, collectors, and cultural figures who have a lived relationship with each object. This is the kind of information that rarely makes it into a catalogue note.

A Weekly Ritual

Build “On Air” into your weekly bidding routine. The format rewards engagement over time. Viewers and bidders who tune in regularly can be better positioned to move quickly when the right lot appears.

Exclusive Lots

The “On Air” selection will feature items exclusive to the format. An extension of our traditional tentpole auctions, “On Air” is a primary destination for artifacts that Julien’s and its consignors have specifically chosen for this interactive experience.

What is Julien’s “On Air”?

Julien’s “On Air” is a bi-weekly live-stream auction from Julien’s Auctions featuring 10 exclusive pop culture lots per drop, hosted by an auctioneer alongside a specialist, celebrity or collector guest. Each broadcast airs Monday bi-weekly, and new items drop the next day on Tuesday.

How do I bid in Julien’s “On Air”?

Bidders can register and participate in real time through juliensauctions.com. Bidding is open during the stream so you can place bids as the host auctioneer presents each of the 10 lots.

What kinds of items are sold in Julien’s “On Air”?

Every drop features exclusively curated pop culture memorabilia — spanning music, film, sports, entertainment and fashion. Lots are unique to the “On Air” format and will not appear in other Julien’s sales or catalogues.

Who are the guest hosts on Julien’s “On Air”?

Each edition may feature a different special guest alongside a Julien’s host auctioneer — ranging from collectors and consignors to fans and celebrities with a personal connection to the lots being offered.

When does Julien’s “On Air” start?

The next drop goes live on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. New auctions air bi-weekly every Monday at juliensauctions.com.