New Sad😭News! For American Pickers Fans | Heartbreaking 😭 News! It Will Shock You!

**American Pickers Faces Ratings Struggles Amid Shift in Cast Dynamics and Fan Backlash**

*American Pickers*, the long-running History Channel series that takes viewers on cross-country treasure hunts in search of rare antiques, has faced significant challenges with its ratings in recent seasons. While it remains a staple of the channel, Season 26 has struggled to maintain the viewership numbers it once enjoyed, particularly as it competes with newer, more popular programming. However, the November 6, 2024, episode, “Carnival Cash Out,” marked a rare surge in ratings, drawing in 547,000 viewers—an uptick from the season’s low point. Still, it’s clear that the series is far from its peak viewership of previous seasons.

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### **Season 26 Ratings: A Continuing Decline**

Since *American Pickers* launched in 2010, it has enjoyed substantial popularity, consistently attracting over a million viewers per episode. However, the show has witnessed a sharp decline in its ratings as Season 26 has unfolded. The premiere episode on October 9, 2024, which featured Mike Wolfe sifting through EV memorabilia, brought in a modest 565,000 viewers. Subsequent episodes saw even lower numbers: October 16’s episode (“Wolfman versus the Automations”) brought in just 463,000 viewers, while the October 30 episode, which focused on a DeLorean and carnival-themed items, dropped to an alarming low of 442,000 viewers.

The biggest ratings spike this season occurred on October 23, 2024, with the episode “The Great Ruli” drawing in 566,000 viewers, a slight improvement but still far below the show’s previous highs. It’s clear that the series’ audience, once loyal and consistent, has fragmented, likely due to shifts in both cast and format.

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### **A Mixed Reception to the “Carnival Cash Out” Episode**

The “Carnival Cash Out” episode aired on November 6, 2024, and gave fans a glimpse into a vintage carnival collection, featuring rare carousel horses and bumper cars. This episode provided a momentary boost in ratings, pulling in 547,000 viewers. This surge was welcomed by the show’s fanbase, especially those who eagerly anticipated the nostalgic theme. Fans took to social media to express their excitement about the carnival-focused episode, with one viewer commenting, “I’ve always loved merry-go-round horses,” and another stating, “I love carousels, how amazing!”

However, while the ratings bump provided a glimmer of hope for the show, the numbers remain a far cry from the days when *American Pickers* was a dominant force in the ratings. Even with a nostalgic theme that resonated with fans, the show’s viewership has not returned to its former heights, signaling that deeper changes are at play.

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### **The Absence of Frank Fritz: A Key Factor in the Decline?**

One of the most significant changes to the show—and a topic of frequent fan discussion—is the absence of Frank Fritz, a founding member of the *American Pickers* team. Fritz, known for his chemistry with co-star Mike Wolfe, was a fan favorite who brought a unique dynamic to the show. His departure in 2020, initially due to back surgery and health issues, left a noticeable gap.

However, the departure of Fritz wasn’t just due to physical ailments. A source close to the situation claimed that during his time off, Fritz struggled with addiction, which he later acknowledged was exacerbated by medication he took for his Crohn’s disease. Despite efforts from Mike Wolfe and the production team to help Frank get back on his feet, Frank’s struggle with opioids became a significant issue, which ultimately led to his departure.

In a 2021 interview, Mike revealed that Frank had refused to take negative drug tests when requested by the production team, and the network ultimately made the difficult decision to part ways with him. Despite the fallout, Mike and Frank reconciled, and Mike was by his side when Frank passed away in September 2024 after suffering a stroke in 2022.

Since Frank’s departure, fans have expressed disappointment over the lack of his on-screen presence. Many feel that the show’s dynamic has shifted too dramatically, with some even calling for the series to end. One fan lamented, “American Pickers without Frank is like watching the Patriots without Brady—it just doesn’t have the same magic.”

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### **The Show’s Struggles Beyond Cast Changes**

While the departure of Frank Fritz has certainly impacted *American Pickers*, the show’s ratings decline also reflects broader shifts in viewer preferences. The market for reality-based pick-and-sell shows has become increasingly competitive, with more options for viewers on various streaming platforms and cable channels. Programs like *William Shatner’s Unexplained* and *Mountain Men* have increasingly outperformed *American Pickers* in terms of viewership, with *Unexplained* drawing 696,000 viewers for its November 1, 2024, episode, while *American Pickers* languished in fourth place on the History Channel rankings.

Moreover, critics and longtime fans have pointed out that the show’s format has grown repetitive. The concept of hunting for antiques, while beloved, may no longer captivate the same audience it did when the show first debuted. Some fans feel the show has lost its sense of spontaneity and discovery, now seeming more scripted and formulaic.

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### **The Future of American Pickers: Will It Continue?**

Despite its current challenges, *American Pickers* is not going anywhere just yet. The show is still under contract with the History Channel for several more seasons, with filming for Season 26 underway. Mike Wolfe has also expressed a commitment to continuing the show, sharing that he will soon begin filming for the next season. This is likely due to the show’s long-running success and loyal fanbase, but it remains to be seen if the show can regain its former glory.

While ratings for the November 6, 2024, episode show some potential for recovery, it’s clear that *American Pickers* is in a transitional period. The absence of Frank Fritz, along with shifting audience expectations and the show’s repetitive format, has led to a decline in viewership. The upcoming episodes may provide more clues as to whether the show can evolve to stay relevant in a competitive landscape or if its best days are behind it.

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### **Conclusion: A Show in Flux**

In conclusion, *American Pickers* faces significant challenges in recapturing the magic that made it one of the most-watched shows on cable. While the surge in viewership for the “Carnival Cash Out” episode offers a hint of hope, the ongoing absence of Frank Fritz, mixed fan reactions, and competition from other programs suggest that the show may need to evolve to remain a staple of the History Channel lineup. Whether *American Pickers* can adapt or will continue its decline remains uncertain, but its current trajectory indicates a crucial period of transition.