Do Mike Wolfe And Frank Fritz Still Work Together? Unpacking Their American Pickers Journey

Margie Fisher DVM 06 Aug 2025

For many years, folks across the country tuned in to watch Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz travel America's back roads, searching for forgotten treasures. They were, in a way, the faces of American Pickers, a show that brought the fascinating world of antique collecting right into our living rooms. It's a bit like watching a treasure hunt unfold before your very eyes, and the dynamic between the two hosts was, for many, a big part of the appeal. So, quite naturally, a question that often comes up these days is that: do Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz still work together?

The show, which has been on the air for a good while now, really showed us the adventure of finding hidden gems. It brought to light the stories behind old items and the people who held onto them. Mike and Frank, with their different approaches to picking, seemed to make a pretty good team for a long time, often finding things that might otherwise be overlooked. It was, in some respects, a show about history, wrapped up in a bit of a road trip.

However, as time goes on, things can change, and sometimes friendships or working relationships shift. For fans of American Pickers, there has been a lot of talk and wondering about what happened between these two familiar faces. People are, you know, curious about their current status and whether they still share the screen, or even if they still talk much. This article aims to clear up some of that curiosity, offering a look at what we know about their journey together and apart.

The Early Days of American Pickers
Mike Wolfe: A Look at the Picker
- Mike Wolfe: Personal Details and Bio Data
Frank Fritz: The Other Half of the Duo
- Frank Fritz: Personal Details and Bio Data
The Shift in Their Working Relationship
Frank Fritz's Departure from the Show
Life After American Pickers for Frank
Mike Wolfe and the Show's Continuation
Current Status of Their Relationship
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Early Days of American Pickers

American Pickers first hit television screens a while back, and it quickly became a popular program. The idea was pretty simple, really: two friends, Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, would travel around in their van, looking for old items to buy and sell. They would often visit people's homes, barns, and sheds, digging through piles of what some might call junk, but what they saw as valuable historical pieces. It was, you know, quite a unique concept for a TV show at the time.

Their on-screen chemistry was, for many viewers, a big part of the show's appeal. Mike, with his knack for spotting a good deal and his business drive, often led the way. Frank, on the other hand, had a slightly different approach, often bringing a more laid-back or humorous element to their adventures. They had, as a matter of fact, a way of bouncing off each other that made their interactions pretty entertaining to watch. Their shared passion for finding forgotten treasures was, basically, the heart of the show.

They traveled countless miles together, exploring different parts of the country and meeting all sorts of interesting characters. From rusty old signs to vintage motorcycles, they found a wide variety of items, each with its own story. The show really highlighted the thrill of the find and the value in preserving history through these objects. It was, in a way, a journey of discovery, not just for them, but for the audience too.

Mike Wolfe: A Look at the Picker

Mike Wolfe is, arguably, the driving force behind American Pickers. He's known for his sharp eye for antiques and his keen business sense. From a young age, he had a passion for collecting and finding old things, which eventually led him to create the concept for the show. He's, you know, someone who really knows his stuff when it comes to vintage items and their worth.

His approach to picking is often very direct; he knows what he's looking for and how to negotiate. Mike has, in fact, built a successful business around his passion, with antique shops and other ventures. He tends to be the one who does most of the driving and the talking during the picks, always on the lookout for the next great find. His energy is, basically, a constant on the show.

Beyond the show, Mike has been involved in various projects, including writing books and supporting different causes. He seems to be a very busy person, always pursuing new opportunities related to his love for history and old items. His work has, really, made a significant impact on how many people view the world of antique collecting. Learn more about Mike Wolfe's journey on our site.

Mike Wolfe: Personal Details and Bio Data

Full Name	Michael Wolfe
Born	June 11, 1964
Hometown	Joliet, Illinois (grew up in Bettendorf, Iowa)
Known For	Co-host of American Pickers, antique collector, businessman
Occupation	Television personality, antique dealer

Frank Fritz: The Other Half of the Duo

Frank Fritz was, for many seasons, the other familiar face on American Pickers, often riding shotgun with Mike. He brought a different kind of energy to the show, sometimes a bit more reserved, but with a good sense of humor and a deep knowledge of certain types of collectibles. His personality, in a way, balanced out Mike's more assertive style.

Frank had, you know, his own unique way of finding items, often focusing on things like old toys, signs, and oil cans. He had a particular fondness for certain types of memorabilia and would often get excited about finding specific pieces. His interactions with the people they visited were, sometimes, quite memorable, showing a genuine interest in their stories and their items. He was, actually, a beloved figure for many viewers.

Away from the cameras, Frank also had his own antique business and was, in some respects, just as dedicated to the world of picking as Mike. He seemed to enjoy the hunt for forgotten treasures and the connections he made along the way. His presence on the show was, basically, a constant for a long time, and his contributions were pretty significant to its early success.

Frank Fritz: Personal Details and Bio Data

Full Name	Frank Fritz
Born	October 11, 1963
Hometown	Davenport, Iowa
Known For	Former co-host of American Pickers, antique collector
Occupation	Television personality, antique dealer

The Shift in Their Working Relationship

Over the years, as is often the case with long-running shows and partnerships, there were whispers and then more open discussions about changes in the dynamic between Mike and Frank. Viewers began to notice Frank's reduced appearances on American Pickers, which, you know, led to a lot of questions. It seemed like something was shifting behind the scenes, and people were naturally curious about what was going on.

These changes weren't sudden, but rather a gradual process that became more noticeable over time. The show's format, while still centered on picking, seemed to adapt to Frank's absence, with Mike often picking with other members of the team, like Danielle Colby. This evolution, in a way, signaled a new chapter for the program, but it also left many wondering about the original duo. It was, basically, a different look for a show many had grown to love.

Public statements from both Mike and Frank, at different times, shed some light on the situation, though they sometimes offered differing perspectives. The general feeling was that their working relationship, which had been so central to the show's early success, was, you know, no longer the same. This kind of thing happens, of course, but it was still a big deal for fans who had followed them for so long.

Frank Fritz's Departure from the Show

Frank Fritz's official departure from American Pickers was, as you can imagine, a significant moment for the show and its fans. This happened around 2021, after a period where he had been absent from many episodes. The reasons given for his stepping away were, in fact, related to health issues and a desire to focus on his own well-being. It was, you know, a pretty big announcement for everyone.

Frank himself spoke openly about his health challenges, including back surgery and, later, a stroke. These personal struggles understandably took him away from the demanding schedule of filming. He also mentioned, at times, that he felt there were some disagreements or misunderstandings between him and Mike, which is, basically, not uncommon in long-term working relationships. This added another layer to the story for many observers.

The network, History Channel, confirmed his departure, stating that they wished him well and appreciated his contributions to the show. It was, in some respects, the end of an era for the original pairing that had made American Pickers such a hit. The show, of course, continued, but without one of its main characters, it felt, for many, a little different.

Life After American Pickers for Frank

After leaving American Pickers, Frank Fritz faced, and continues to face, various health challenges. He has been quite open about his recovery process, particularly after suffering a stroke in 2022, which significantly impacted his health. His focus has, you know, really shifted to his personal well-being and getting better. It's been a tough road for him, by all accounts.

Friends and family have provided updates on his condition, indicating that he has been undergoing therapy and working towards recovery. The public has, in a way, shown a lot of support for Frank during this difficult time, sending him well wishes. It's a reminder that even public figures deal with very personal struggles. His journey has, basically, become one of resilience in the face of adversity.

While he is no longer actively picking on television, Frank has, in some reports, still maintained an interest in the antique world, though perhaps in a more private capacity. His priority is, clearly, his health and regaining his strength. It's a very personal situation, and his privacy is, you know, important as he continues his recovery. His story, really, shows how life can take unexpected turns.

Mike Wolfe and the Show's Continuation

With Frank Fritz's departure, Mike Wolfe has continued to lead American Pickers, often with the help of other cast members like his brother Robbie Wolfe and long-time colleague Danielle Colby. The show has, you know, adapted to the change, exploring new territories and finding new treasures. It's a pretty strong testament to the enduring appeal of the show's core concept.

Mike has remained dedicated to the show and its mission of finding historical artifacts and sharing their stories. He continues to travel extensively, meeting interesting people and uncovering unique items. His passion for picking is, in fact, still very evident in every episode. The show has, basically, maintained its format of road trips and negotiations, even with the cast changes.

The series has continued to air new episodes, reaching a wide audience interested in antiques and history. Mike's role as the main host has, in a way, solidified, and he remains the central figure driving the show forward. He's, you know, really committed to keeping the spirit of American Pickers alive for its many fans. For more information, you can check out the show's official page on the History Channel website.

Current Status of Their Relationship

The question of whether Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz still work together is, you know, pretty straightforward: they do not work together on American Pickers anymore. Frank is no longer part of the show, and Mike continues to host it with other individuals. Their professional partnership, which was the foundation of the show for many years, has, basically, come to an end.

As for their personal relationship, that's a bit more nuanced. Public statements from both Mike and Frank have, at times, indicated a strain in their friendship following Frank's departure and health issues. While Mike has publicly expressed well wishes for Frank's recovery, it's not clear if they have reconciled or maintain a close personal connection. Relationships, you know, can be complicated, especially when business is involved.

Frank has, in some interviews, indicated that he felt a lack of support from Mike after his health struggles, which is, obviously, a very personal feeling. Mike, on the other hand, has stated that he reached out. The exact nature of their current personal bond remains, in a way, private and subject to their own experiences. What is clear, however, is that their professional collaboration on American Pickers is, simply, a thing of the past.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why did Frank Fritz leave American Pickers?

Frank Fritz left American Pickers primarily due to health reasons, including back surgery and a stroke. He also mentioned, you know, some personal disagreements with Mike Wolfe and a desire to focus on his own well-being. It was, basically, a decision driven by his personal circumstances at the time.

Are Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz still friends?

Their friendship status is, honestly, not entirely clear to the public. While they were close for many years, Frank has indicated some strain in their relationship following his departure from the show and his health issues. Mike has expressed well wishes, but whether they maintain a close personal friendship now is, you know, a private matter between them. It's a bit of an unknown, really.

Who is the new co-host of American Pickers?

There isn't, you know, one single "new co-host" in the same way Frank was. Mike Wolfe now often picks with his brother, Robbie Wolfe, and their long-time colleague, Danielle Colby. They share the screen and help Mike with the picking adventures. It's, basically, a team effort now, rather than a fixed duo.

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