AMERICAN Pickers ratings continue to plummet without fired Frank Fritz, as fans think star Mike Wolfe “ruined” the show.
Season 23 of American Pickers kicked off on January 1 with Mike, 57, new host Robbie, who is the star’s younger brother, and Danielle Colby.
Fan-favorite Frank‘s firing was announced in July 2021 after last appearing on the long-running series in March 2020.
The Celeb Report can exclusively reveal show ratings continue to plummet after dropping under one million viewers for the first time in years.
The Saturday, March 12 episode brought in just 830,000 viewers.
This is down from the week prior, as 853,000 people watched the Saturday, March 5 episode.
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As The Celeb Report previously reported, ratings have been steadily declining all season.
The January 1st premiere had 1,050,000 viewers.
The January 8th episode had 1,011,000 people tuned in.
The January 15th episode brought in just 859,000 viewers.
The Season 22 premiere on January 25, 2021 had 1,273,000 people watch.
Mid Season 22 ratings were also higher, as the July 5th episode had 1,336,000 viewers and the July 19, 2021 episode had 1,322,000 fans watch.
Episodes featuring fan-favorite Frank also had higher ratings, as the March 2, 2020 episode, which was his final show, had 1,282,000 viewers tune in.
The last time ratings dipped under 1 million was days after Mike announced Frank’s firing in July 2021.
The July 26 episode had just 960,000 viewers.
The History Channel officially replaced Frank with Mike’s younger brother in cast photos and on the website ahead of Season 23.
SHOW BACKLASH
Fans have even boycotted the show because of Frank’s firing, as many have dubbed Robbie “boring.”
Comments on the American Pickers’ official Twitter page from the March 12 episode read: “Bring back Frank. You ruined my favorite show.”
A second commented: “I tried to watch one of the new episodes a few days ago, and it just isn’t the same. So sad as I have been a major fan over the years. I’ll continue re-watching the old ones instead. This maybe should have ended when Frank ‘left.’”
A third said: “No more free styling. Picks by appointment only. It sucks. Get Frank back.”
A fourth wrote: “I was a big fan, but now the show is MEH without Frank. Missing a lot of the laughs, scheduled picks and no freestyling. Scripting feels forced now.”
FRANK’S FIRING
Frank, 57, last appeared on American Pickers during a March 2020 episode, as he took time off to recover from back surgery.
The original cast member’s firing was announced in July 2021 despite his desire to return to the History show.
Frank left the show to recover from grueling back surgery that left him with 185 stitches and two rods in his spine.
During his time off the show, Frank lost 65 pounds, as he is living a healthier lifestyle and is sober from alcohol.
Frank also told The Celeb Report that he checked into rehab for alcohol abuse in Iowa for 77 days.
Frank said last year: “I went to rehab and I’ve been sober now for 11 months.
“I didn’t like drinking anymore. My mom was an alcoholic and she died five years ago and it was alcohol-related. My grandfather was an alcoholic and he died. That didn’t sit well with me.”
Frank continued that he goes to meetings “twice a week” after the stint.
Frank said he would’ve been sober for a year if it weren’t for a relapse.
He added: “It was maybe for four hours, but it was enough. The next day I went to a meeting and I got right back on track.
“I don’t think I’ll ever have a drink again because I don’t like the feeling anymore and some of the dumb things that I did.”
Frank continued: “I’m feeling really good. Life is good and I’d like to get back into the swing of things. I wish I had done it five years ago, I would have been a different person.
“It was the best thing for me and I wish I had done it sooner or I wouldn’t be in the position that I am right now.”
FEUDING COSTARS
Frank also revealed his feud with co-star Mike, 57.
Frank previously told The Celeb Report of their falling out: “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.”
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He even 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.”
Frank currently owns his Illinois store, Frank Fritz Finds, and resides in his native Iowa.
