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Frank Fritz of American Pickers, Mike Wolfe’s feud timeline
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Frank Fritz of American Pickers, Mike Wolfe’s feud timeline

They were once one of the most iconic duos on television.

Frank Fritz and Mike Wolfe began their careers as co-hosts of the History Channel series “American Pickers” in 2010.

The pair fell out after a decade together and Wolfe, 60, continued to host the show without Fritz, 58.

Frank Fritz and Mike Wolfe in 2013. The HISTORY Channel / Zachary Maxwell Stertz

On October 1, Wolfe announced that Fritz died two years after suffering a stroke.

Despite their drama, Wolfe insinuated that the duo made up before Fritz passed away.

“I feel blessed to have been by his side as he made one final journey home. I love you buddy and will miss you so much. I know you are in a better place,” Wolfe wrote in his Instagram post.

Frank Fritz and Mike Wolfe at the 2015 A+E Network Upfronts. Getty Images

With ‘American Pickers’, Wolfe and Fritz traveled across the US in search of rare artifacts and treasures to sell in antique stores or keep in their personal collections. Danielle Colby also served as co-host from 2010 to 2022.

Wolfe and Fritz’s dynamic was the highlight of the show – so it devastated viewers when the two stopped talking.

Here is a timeline of the feud between Frank Fritz and Mike Wolfe.

March 2020: Frank’s final appearance in “American Pickers”

The rumblings of Fritz and Wolfe’s drama started 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.

Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz on ‘American Pickers’. The HISTORY channel

Colby, Wolfe’s brother Robbie, and antiques expert “Jersey Jon” Szalay began taking turns with Wolfe on 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. He also dealt with Crohn’s disease and alcohol abuse.

“I haven’t spoken to Mike in two years,” Fritz said in the interview. ‘He knew my back was messed up, but he didn’t call me to ask how I was doing. That’s just how it is.”

Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz on ‘American Pickers’. The HISTORY channel

Fritz added: “The show is 1,000 percent focused on him (Wolfe). I can’t even bend down that far to show you how much.”

“I think Mike wants his brother Robbie there to replace me,” Fritz further claimed. ‘I don’t know why he behaves like that towards me. You can’t just put two people in a van and get the chemistry you get from me and Mike. We have known each other for about 40 years. We can finish each other’s sentences. When everyone gets along and there is no drama, me and him are really good together.

July 2021: Mike confirms Frank’s departure from the show

Wolfe shared a message with fans confirming that Fritz would be leaving the show for good.

Frank Fritz on ‘American Pickers’. The HISTORY channel

“I have known Frank for as long as I can remember, he has been like a brother to me. The journey that Frank, Dani and I began in 2009 has, like all of life, had its highs and lows, blessings and challenges, but it has also been the most rewarding,” he wrote at the time.

Wolfe added: “I will miss Frank, as will all of you, and I pray for all the best and all good things for him on the next part of his journey.”

August 2021: Danielle addresses the drama

Colby spoke about Fritz’s departure when she hit the road with Wolfe for the show.

“I am truly saddened by the loss of Frank on the show,” she wrote on Instagram. “I am incredibly saddened by his struggles. I personally have watched everything over the last ten years. I have many thoughts, but I will not express them, because they are only my thoughts, and not gospel. I wish things could have been different, but we must be responsible for our actions when we cause instability or pain and suffering to others.”

Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz on ‘American Pickers’. The HISTORY channel

“Frank has caused himself so much pain that it’s hard to watch. I really hope Frank gets all the help he needs to get better after being unwell for years. It’s not my place to speak ill of anyone who needs help, so I’ll keep my comments uplifting. Sending love to everyone,” Colby added.

August 2021: Frank calls Mike

In response to Wolfe’s comments about Fritz leaving the show, Fritz told The Sun that Wolfe’s statement was “bulls-t.”

“Mike hasn’t called me himself, never, like I said – we haven’t spoken in two years,” he claimed. “That’s the 100% truth and I don’t like people who lie to people. I’m not a liar just because my brain can’t remember whether I lied or not.”

Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz on ‘American Pickers’. The HISTORY channel

“He knows I hurt my back, everyone in the entire network knew I hurt my back, but did one person – just one – call to see how I was doing? No, Fritz continued. “So, how does that make you feel? It makes you feel like you’re just a number.”

August 2021: Mike responds to Frank

Wolfe told The Sun: “We all care about Frank and we want him back on the show. “I would love to talk to him again, we would love to, but he just can’t do it right.”

“Frank personally has a lot to do with addictions. It’s a shame he made decisions that made him the way he is,” he added.

July 2022: Mike reveals that Frank has had a stroke

Nearly a year after their public drama, Wolfe announced that Fritz had suffered a stroke.

“I have been very private over the past year regarding Frank’s life and the journey he has been on,” Wolfe wrote at the time. “There have been a lot of opinions about me and Frank’s friendship and the show, but this is not the time to set the record straight. Now it’s time to pray for my friend.”

Frank Fritz on ‘American Pickers’. Courtesy of the HISTORY Channel

May 2023: Mike and Frank reportedly get back together

It was reported that Wolfe and Fritz met over Memorial Day Weekend 2023, the first time they had reportedly seen each other in three years.

An alleged friend of the couple reportedly said that “they were both in tears” during the reunion. They also reportedly “talked about old times” and Wolfe said he wanted Fritz back on the show.

October 1, 2024: Mike announces Frank’s death

Wolfe and Fritz’s on-screen reunion never materialized. Wolfe announced the death of his former co-host in an emotional Instagram post.

Mike Wolfe announces the death of Frank Fritz. Instagram / @mikewolfeamericanpicker

“I’ve known Frank for more than half my life and what you’ve seen on TV has always been the same as I’ve seen: a dreamer who was as sensitive as he was funny,” Wolfe wrote. “Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself.”

The statement continued: “Who would have ever dreamed that we would share the cockpit of a white van for millions of people interested in our adventures. Before the show, we set off together to places we didn’t know existed, with no destination in mind and only the shared passion to discover something interesting and historic.”

Wolfe concluded his message with, “I love you buddy and will miss you so much. I know you in a better place.”