Shocking Truth! An explanation of the “American Pickers” conflict between Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz

Frank Fritz and Mike Wolf’s American Pickers Feud Explained

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They were once one of television’s most iconic duos. Frank Fritz and Mike Wolf began their careers as co-hosts on the History Channel series American Pickers in 2010. The pair had a falling out after 10 years of working together, and Wolf, 60, continued hosting the show without Fritz, 58. On October 1, Wolf announced that Fritz had died two years after suffering a stroke. Despite their drama, Wolf insinuated that the duo made amends before Fritz passed away. “I feel blessed that I was there by his side when he took one last journey home. I love you, buddy, and will miss you so much. I know you’re in a better place,” Wolf wrote in his Instagram post.

On American Pickers, Wolf and Fritz traveled the U.S. searching for rare artifacts and treasures to either sell in antique shops or keep in their personal collections. Danielle Colby was also a co-host from 2010 to 2022. Wolf and Fritz’s dynamic was the highlight of the show, so it devastated viewers when the two stopped talking.

Here’s a timeline of Frank Fritz and Mike Wolf’s feud:

March 2020: Frank’s final appearance on American Pickers. Rumblings of Fritz and Wolf’s drama began in March 2020 when Fritz randomly stopped appearing on the show without explanation. He was nowhere to be found when the show returned for Season 22 in January 2021. After COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, Colby, Wolf’s brother Robbie, and antiques expert Jersey John began taking turns joining Wolf on the road trips.

July 2021: Frank says he hasn’t spoken to Mike in two years. Fritz told The Sun that he stopped filming the show because he had back surgery and was dealing with his Crohn’s disease and alcohol abuse. “I haven’t talked to Mike in two years,” Fritz said in the interview. “He knew my back was messed up, but he didn’t call me up and ask how I was doing. That’s just how it is.” Fritz added, “The show is tilted towards him 1,000%. I think Mike wants to get his brother Robbie in there to replace me.”

Fritz further claimed, “You couldn’t just stick two people in a van and get the chemistry you get from me and Mike. We’ve known each other for about 40 years; we can finish each other’s sentences when everybody is getting along.”

July 2021: Mike confirms Frank’s exit from the show. Wolf shared a message with fans confirming that Fritz was leaving the show for good. “I have known Frank for as long as I can remember. He’s been like a brother to me. The journey that Frank, Danny, and I started back in 2009, like all of life, has come with its highs and lows, blessings and challenges, but it has also been the most rewarding,” he wrote. Wolf added, “I will miss Frank just like all of you, and I pray for the very best and all good things for him on the next part of his journey.”

August 2021: Danielle addresses the drama. Colby spoke out about Fritz’s exit as she went on the road with Wolf for the show. “I’m truly saddened for the loss of Frank on the show,” she wrote on Instagram. “I have personally watched everything over the last decade. I have many thoughts but won’t speak them as they are only my thoughts, not gospel. I wish things could have been different, but we must be accountable for our actions when we cause instability or pain and suffering to others.”

August 2021: Frank calls out Mike in response to Wolf’s comments. Fritz told The Sun that Wolf’s statement was “bulls**t.” “Mike didn’t call me himself, never. We haven’t spoken for two years. That is the 100% truth, and I don’t like people that lie to people. I’m not a liar—just for the fact that my brain can’t remember if I lied or not.” He continued, “Everyone in the whole network knew I hurt my back, but did one person—just one—call and see how I was?”

August 2021: Mike responds to Frank. Wolf told The Sun, “We all do care about Frank, and we want him back on the show. I would love to talk with him again. We would absolutely love to, but he just can’t get it right. Frank is just going through a lot personally with addictions. It’s unfortunate that he’s made decisions that have him the way he is.”

July 2022: Mike reveals Frank had a stroke. Almost a year after their public drama, Wolf announced that Fritz had a stroke. “I have been very private in the past year in regards to Frank’s life and the journey he’s been on,” Wolf wrote. “There have been lots of opinions regarding mine and Frank’s friendship and the show, but now is not the time to set the record straight. Now is the time to pray for my friend.”

May 2023: Mike and Frank reportedly reunite. It was reported that Wolf and Fritz met up over Memorial Day Weekend 2023, marking the first time they allegedly saw each other in three years. An alleged friend of the pair reportedly said that they were both in tears during the reunion. They also talked about old times, and Wolf expressed he wanted Fritz back on the show.

October 1, 2024: Mike announces Frank’s death. Wolf announced his former co-host’s passing in an emotional Instagram post. “I’ve known Frank for more than half my life, and what you’ve seen on TV has always been what I have seen: a dreamer who was just as sensitive as he was funny,” Wolf wrote. “Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself.”

The statement continued, “Who would have ever dreamed we would share the cockpit of a white cargo van in front of millions of people interested in our adventures? Before the show, we would take off together to places we never knew existed, with no destination in mind and just the shared passion to discover something interesting.”