FRANK’S COMEBACK American Pickers’ Frank Fritz in talks to return to show 1 year after stroke as he ‘watches episodes’ to support friends

AMERICAN Pickers star Frank Fritz has been in talks to return to the show one year after his stroke, as he “watches episodes” to support his friends, a source exclusively told The U.S. Sun.

Frank, 59, last appeared on American Pickers in March 2020 before undergoing back surgery and was officially let go from the show in 2021.

The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal he has been in talks to return to the show one year after suffering a stroke in July 2022.

A source close to Frank told The U.S. Sun: “I don’t know why he wouldn’t return to the show. He could go back to the show, maybe.

“He watches the new episodes. He’ll laugh about it. Got to find something on there to razz them about. He’ll tell them about it.”

The insider said when it came down to Frank being fired from the show it “wasn’t that big of a deal.”

The insider claimed: “He came home after filming and said, ‘I think I’m going to be done for a while.’ I think he had burnout. His back surgery was major. Whatever decision came down, it came down.

“Frank had a stroke now he has to do what he has to do. And Mike and Robbie and the show do what they have to do.”

The source insisted there is “no bad blood” between Frank and his former co-workers.

The insider alleged: “People on the show, the crew, Mike and Robbie, there is no bad blood. The crew comes to see him. They keep in touch. They come to see him when they’re in town. They all get together. It’s a good time.

“They’re just buddies and the conversation is what it always was. Those guys are crazy about picking and finding stuff, so that’s the conversation.”

But though Frank returning to the show is a possibility, the insider admitted: “I don’t know that he wants to.”

FRIENDS AGAIN
Mike, 59, and Frank reunited over Memorial Day Weekend for the first time in years after a shocking feud, as The U.S. Sun previously revealed the status of their relationship today.

A source close to Frank told The U.S. Sun: “Everything between them is fine. They’ve known each other for 40 years. They went to high school, they’ve done all this stuff together. They’re very good friends, great friends.

The insider said Mike has visited Frank a “handful of times” since he suffered the stroke, as the two “call and text” today as well.

Frank is even closer to Mike’s brother Robbie, the source claimed, despite him replacing the fan-favorite on the show.

FRANK’S FIRING
The last time Frank appeared on American Pickers was during a March 2020 episode.

He left the show to recover from back surgery, leaving him with 185 stitches and two rods in his spine.

During his break from the show, Frank lost 65 pounds and entered rehab for alcohol addiction in Iowa for 77 days.

Frank revealed his feud with co-star Mike during the 2021 interview with The U.S. Sun.

The fan-favorite said: “I haven’t talked to Mike in two years. 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.

“The show is tilted towards him 1,000 percent. I can’t even bend that far down to show you how much.

“That’s fine. It’s like you’ve got Aerosmith and there’s Steven Tyler and he’s the frontman.

“I found my spot, I’m second and he’s number one on the show. That’s no problem with me, maybe he does have a problem.”

He also admitted: “I think Mike wants to get his brother Robbie in there to replace me. I don’t know why he’s behaving like that towards me.”

Mike shortly after the interview announced Frank’s firing over Instagram in July 2021.

He captioned a photo of the friends: “I have known Frank for as long as I can remember, he’s been like a brother to me. The journey that Frank, Dani 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.

“The support that you all have given us has been a constant reminder of what the show’s message has always been; thru these places, people, and things we all have a common thread. We’re here to not only take care of the past, but also each other.”

Mike concluded: “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.”

Frank suffered a stroke in July 2022, and was placed under conservatorship and guardianship the following month.

REUNITED
The Quad-City Times reported Frank and Mike mended their relationship during an emotional reunion over Memorial Day Weekend.

The insider said: “This was not a feud between Mike and Frank at all. They were not feuding. They needed separation to appreciate each other.”

The friend revealed their relationship became tense after 11 seasons of working 10-hour days, seven days a week on the show.

The source told the newspaper that the long-awaited reunion left the men emotional.

The friend said: “Both were crying. Mike brought up how nervous they both were to be going on David Letterman, which was one of their first big appearances.”

Mike told him: “Nobody can replace you, Frank.”

The arrangements were made after Frank told the friend: “I need to talk to Mike. ”

The insider ended: “Mike really stressed all the good times they had before the show and during the show.

“Mike did say he’d like Frank back on the show, but Frank is focused on his health.”

FRANK’S NEW LIFE
Today, Frank lives in his Iowa home and continues outpatient treatment.

The pal told The U.S. Sun: “Frank continues to improve daily. You’re never 100 percent after a stroke, but he’s fine. He’s aware of what’s going on.

“If he were sitting here right now, you could sit and talk to him. He’s the same old Frank.”

The friend shared: “He can walk, but he’s always going to need the wheelchair because he can’t walk long distances.

“Basically, you lose motion. He lost motion. A stroke can affect your left or your right side, it affected his right side.”

The insider said Frank continues to go to outpatient therapy weekly for a few hours.

Frank is a private person and “enjoys being totally out of the limelight.”

The source continued: “He’s had a stroke, but he’s definitely not debilitated to the point where he can’t do anything or do whatever he wants. He doesn’t have any problems with that. It’s just a change of lifestyle and it slowed him down.