The Pickup Artist is a reality television series on VH1 featuring eight male contestants who have been branded socially awkward, and highly unlucky in love and relationships with women. They’re introduced to Erik von Markovik, a.k.a. “Mystery,” who bills himself as a former nerd who learned how to become an expert ladies’ man and seduction guru. With Mystery’s teachings and guidance, his so-called “students” will slowly learn and compete for the title of “Master Pick-Up Artist,” putting themselves to the test in bars, coffee houses and clubs. At the very end of the competition, the sole Master Pick-Up Artist will be awarded $50,000.