💥 Exclusive News: Frank Fritz Surprises Fans in New Clip! | American Pickers Shocking Updates!

### **Mike Wolfe Promotes Appearance on Rival Network as *American Pickers* Faces Struggling Ratings**

*By [Your Name]*

**November 2024** – Mike Wolfe, star of *American Pickers*, is making waves on a rival network, proudly promoting his appearance on Jason Momoa’s new show *On the Road*, which is currently streaming on Max. The *American Pickers* host, 59, shared his excitement for the premiere of the eight-part docuseries, which has become available to viewers as of Thursday.

In a video posted to his social media, Mike was seen riding a red motorbike through the streets, wearing a black leather jacket and gearing up for an all-new episode of *On the Road* — a show that features Jason Momoa, 44, traveling around the country to meet various craftsmen and experts in their fields. “It inspired me to take the old flatty out for a spin. See you all tonight,” Mike captioned the clip, showcasing his enthusiasm for the project.

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### **Mike Wolfe’s New Role in *On the Road* Docuseries**

*On the Road* debuted on Max on January 18, 2024, and features Momoa meeting people who excel in their craft, from skilled artisans to unique tradespeople. Mike, a longtime collector and antique enthusiast, is featured in an episode of the series. The episode highlights his business, *Antique Archaeology*, where he shows Jason some of the rare and valuable items in his collection.

Mike was excited to share behind-the-scenes footage on Instagram, writing: “Excited for the premiere of *On the Road* on Max this Thursday, January 18. Had a blast shooting this with my fellow Iowa brother Jason Momoa at Pride of Gypsy. Can’t wait to share!”

To further celebrate the show’s premiere, Mike and Jason attended a Nashville hotspot last week, Toot’s Orchid Lounge, where the two were seen enjoying drinks with friends. In one photo, Mike and Jason posed together, with Mike sporting his signature black jacket and Jason wearing a hoodie and flat-brimmed hat.

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### ***American Pickers* Struggles with Low Ratings Amid New Challenges**

While Mike Wolfe is riding high with his appearance on *On the Road*, his long-running series *American Pickers* has been facing significant challenges, particularly with its ratings. The first half of Season 25, which began on December 27, 2023, has seen a drop in viewership compared to previous seasons. The premiere episodes of the new season struggled to attract viewers, with the first episode garnering just 723,000 viewers and the second episode dropping even further to 676,000.

In comparison, the Season 24 premiere of *American Pickers* in 2023 kicked off strong, drawing in 943,000 viewers. Episode 3 of the same season saw a slight improvement with 880,000 viewers, but the trend of low viewership has been concerning for the show.

Despite the rocky start, there have been signs of improvement. According to *The US Sun*, the January 17, 2024, episode saw a surge in viewers, attracting 894,000 viewers — the highest of the season. The following episode on January 24 brought in 948,000 viewers, marking the highest ratings of Season 25 so far.

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### **Fan Backlash Over Cast Changes**

The dip in ratings comes amid ongoing fan dissatisfaction with the current cast. One major point of contention has been the replacement of Frank Fritz, Mike Wolfe’s original co-host, with Mike’s brother Robbie Wolfe. Fans have called for Robbie’s firing, believing that his inclusion in the show since 2021 has altered the dynamic and contributed to the decline in ratings.

Frank Fritz, 60, who had been a fan favorite alongside Mike, took a break from the show in 2020 after undergoing back surgery. However, his relationship with Mike deteriorated during his recovery, and he was not invited back to the series. Frank later suffered a stroke in July 2022, further distancing him from *American Pickers* and his former co-host.

The changes in the cast and the absence of Frank have left some fans disillusioned, and they continue to voice their frustration on social media. Despite the backlash, the show has continued to move forward with Mike, his brother Robbie, and new full-time cast member John “Jersey John” Z.

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### **A Transition for *American Pickers* and Mike Wolfe’s Expanding Career**

While *American Pickers* battles with ratings and fan reactions, Mike Wolfe’s career seems to be branching out. His appearance on *On the Road* is a testament to his versatility and ability to attract new audiences outside of the *American Pickers* universe. By working alongside Jason Momoa and appearing on a rival network, Mike is positioning himself as a more widely recognized personality, beyond his role as the host of the History Channel’s long-running show.

For *American Pickers*, the road ahead may involve further changes, especially as the ratings fluctuate and fan demands intensify. With Mike taking on additional projects, it’s unclear whether his commitment to *American Pickers* will remain as strong in the coming years. The show will need to address both the fan backlash and the shifting landscape of reality TV in order to regain its former glory.

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### **Conclusion: A Shifting Landscape for Mike Wolfe and *American Pickers***

Mike Wolfe’s appearance on Jason Momoa’s *On the Road* marks a new chapter in his career as *American Pickers* continues to face challenges. With the first half of Season 25 struggling in the ratings and ongoing fan frustration over the cast changes, the future of the show is uncertain. However, Mike’s expanding media presence suggests he’s exploring new opportunities, both on-screen and off, as he continues to solidify his place in the entertainment world.

As for *American Pickers*, the show will need to address its internal challenges, possibly revisiting the dynamic between its cast members, to stay relevant in an ever-changing TV landscape. Whether the series can turn its ratings around or whether Mike Wolfe’s broader ventures signal the beginning of a new phase remains to be seen.