For more than a decade, avid viewers have been hooked on the History Channel’s American Pickers, following the adventures of Frank Fritz and Mike Wolfe as they hunt down treasures for Antique Archaeology. Their nationwide quest for antiques, aided by Danielle Colby, who manages the Antique Archaeology office and provides invaluable leads, has turned the show into a cultural phenomenon. So much so, that Mike even made a cameo appearance on NCIS, showcasing his expanding fame beyond the show’s realm.

However, since March 2020, fans have noticed a significant change as Mike took the reins solo, sans Frank. Instead, he’s been joined by Danielle, his brother Robbie, and occasional guest pickers, leaving viewers speculating about Frank’s abrupt absence and whether he was axed from the series. Here’s what we’ve gathered about the situation.

In a surprising turn of events, the longtime friendship between American Pickers’ stars Frank Fritz and Mike Wolfe hit a rough patch in 2020, leaving fans wondering what caused their falling out and where they currently stand.

The rift first became apparent during the 21st season of American Pickers in 2020, when Frank mysteriously vanished from the show starting with the March 9, 2020, episode, leaving viewers in the dark about his sudden absence.

The official word from the History Channel, as per Entertainment Weekly, is that Frank won’t be returning to American Pickers. While they haven’t explicitly said he was “fired,” sources close to the production have indicated that Frank no longer fits into the show’s overarching vision. His prolonged absence from the small screen, spanning over a year, is attributed to back surgery and ongoing complications from Crohn’s disease.

In an interview with The Sun, Frank clarified that his departure wasn’t voluntary but rather a result of necessary back surgery followed by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I didn’t leave the show. I finished shooting, and then I had a little back surgery, and the pandemic came,” he explained.

Later, Frank disclosed that he took a hiatus from filming to undergo back surgery, which resulted in 185 stitches and the insertion of two rods in his spine, as reported by The U.S. Sun. Complicating matters further, he was also grappling with his ongoing battle with Crohn’s disease.

Despite expressing his desire to return to the show, Frank’s future on American Pickers remained uncertain. Meanwhile, Mike confirmed in the summer of 2021 that Frank wouldn’t be making a comeback. He expressed his fondness for Frank, likening their journey on the show to a rollercoaster ride filled with highs and lows.

When the news broke that the dynamic duo of Mike and Frank would be no more, Mike took to social media to express his sentiments. In a heartfelt message, he described Frank as a brother and reflected on the journey they embarked on in 2009, acknowledging its highs, lows, and ultimately, its rewards. “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,” he wrote.

However, tensions escalated as Frank revealed that he hadn’t spoken to Mike in two years, expressing disappointment over Mike’s lack of concern during his health struggles. Frank criticized the show’s production for allegedly favoring Mike’s role, likening it to a rock band where Mike was the frontman and Frank was relegated to a supporting role.

Their relationship took another hit when Frank accused Mike of insincerity regarding his departure from the series, alleging that Mike’s statement was scripted and devoid of genuine sentiment. Mike, on the other hand, suggested that Frank’s battle with addiction had strained their friendship, emphasizing his desire for Frank’s recovery and return to the show.

Despite their differences, when Frank faced a health crisis in July 2022, Mike publicly expressed his support and urged fans to pray for his recovery. Months later, in February 2023, Mike reiterated his affection for Frank during an Instagram chat with fans, emphasizing that Frank’s absence was deeply felt.

Reports emerged in May 2023 suggesting that the two had reconciled over Memorial Day weekend, with Frank’s request to see Mike marking a significant step in repairing their relationship. Despite this positive development, Frank has yet to return to American Pickers as he prioritizes his health and well-being.

The saga between Frank and Mike serves as a reminder of the complexities of long-term friendships and the challenges of maintaining relationships in the public eye. As fans continue to speculate about the future of American Pickers, one thing remains clear: the bond between Frank and Mike, though tested, endures.

As the show continues its run, fans can catch new episodes of American Pickers airing Mondays at 9 p.m. EST on the History Channel.

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