MINUTES AGO! Very Tragic! Very Sad American Pickers Mike Drops Breaking News Frank! It Will Shock U!

American Pickers ratings have dropped to the lowest of the season as Mike Wolfe revealed the show fired Frank Fritz over his opiate addiction. Hello everyone, my name is Alena B. Welcome to my channel! Before starting the video, please hit the subscribe button and give this video a like.

American Pickers ratings dropped to the lowest of the season in episode 4 after Mike Wolfe shared the real reason for his former co-star Frank Fritz’s firing. Season 26 premiered on October 9, featuring Mike, Robbie Wolfe, John “Jersey” Cia and Danielle Colby. Ratings have been lower than in past seasons, with the October 30 episode marking the lowest yet — only 442,000 viewers tuned in for “DIY DeLorean,” where Mike and Jersey John explored a 4-generation Carney collection with carousel horses, toy tanks, and bumper cars.

The premiere episode had 565,000 viewers, as Mike picked through Evel Knievel memorabilia. Episode 2, airing on October 16, saw an over 100,000 drop, with 463,000 viewers. Episode 3, “The Great Rally,” rebounded slightly to 566,000 viewers.

Season 26’s ratings are low compared to season 25, which began with a two-episode premiere in December 2023, bringing in 723,000 and 676,000 viewers respectively. Episode 3 drew 880,000 viewers, while a January 24 episode surged to 948,000. February ratings mostly dipped, with a low of 774,000 on February 14 and a high of 966,000 on February 28. The season finale on March 27 had 832,000 viewers. When Frank was on the show, ratings were over a million viewers.

Frank last appeared in March 2020, leaving after back surgery. In 2021, Mike announced Frank wouldn’t return, and Frank later revealed a falling out with Mike. Frank said, “I haven’t talked to Mike in 2 years. He knew my back was messed up but didn’t reach out.” He felt the show was “tilted toward Mike 1,000%,” comparing it to Steven Tyler’s front-man role in Aerosmith. “I found my spot; I’m second, and he’s number one. That’s fine,” Frank said.

Mike later disclosed Frank’s struggle with addiction after back surgery, which led to his firing. Mike and others tried getting Frank into rehab, but he didn’t comply with requests for negative drug tests. Despite mixed emotions, Mike forgave Frank, explaining, “It wasn’t him; it was his addiction talking.”

Frank battled Crohn’s disease and needed medication, which weakened his bones. Surgery for his back led to opioid addiction. Frank sought rehab twice and entered alcohol treatment at the Abbey Center in Bettendorf, Iowa. He was sober for 11 months as of a July 2021 interview.

Frank suffered a stroke in July 2022. His friend Chris Davis became his guardian, managing Frank’s care and everyday needs. A conservatorship managed his finances, including Frank’s Iowa antique store, Frank Fritz Finds. On September 30, 2024, Frank passed away in hospice care at age 60. Mike was present, holding his hand as Frank took his last breath.

Mike remembered Frank as a hard worker and a “beautiful person,” adding, “Who knows what our lives would have been like without the show?”

Thanks for watching! Please subscribe to our channel, American Pickers 24, and stay tuned.