What happened to Frank Fritz on American Pickers and will he be back in 2023? Tue 2 March 2021

May 2024 · 3 minute read

American Pickers is back on the History Channel with a new season in 2023. Fans are excited to see their favorite hosts back on the US show. However, one of the series’ original cast members is missing and viewers want to know what happened to Frank Fritz from American Pickers.

Antique and collectible pickers, Frank and his fellow co-star, Mike Wolfe, starred on the show since its very beginning back in 2010. The show returns with its brand-new season this year, and viewers are eager to know what is in store for them. However, they were surprised to see that Mike was accompanied by Danielle Colby-Cushman and Jersey Jon but not American Pickers OG Frank.

What happened to Frank Fritz on American Pickers?

As Frank is nowhere to be seen on American Pickers season 24, fans are understandably concerned as to where he is and how he’s doing these days.

Mike acknowledged Frank’s absence on the show as he revealed the reality star would need to undergo back surgery in 2020. Then, in July 2021, Mike confirmed that Frank wouldn’t be returning to the History Channel show.

American Pickers star Mike later took to Instagram in July 2022 to share that his friend and co-star had suffered a stroke.

He wrote: “I have been very private in the past year in regards to Franks life and the journey he’s been on. There has been lots of opinions in regards to mine and Frank’s friendship and the show but now is not the time to set the record straight. Now is the time to pray for my friend.

“Frank has suffered a stroke and is in the hospital. Please keep him in your hearts and thoughts.

“Frank I pray more than anything that you make it through this okay. I love you buddy.”

Many American Pickers fans have taken to Twitter to share that they “miss” Frank now that he’s no longer on the show.

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A post shared by Mike Wolfe (@mikewolfeamericanpicker)

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Frank has Crohn’s disease

Prior to suffering a stroke in 2022, Frank was vocal about his struggle with Crohn’s disease back in 2012.

The History Channel star explained: “Crohn’s and travel is all about management,” in an interview with the National Enquirer.

He added: “My entire crew knows about my Crohn’s. They understand it when I need a break. I mean… if I have to go, I have to go!”

He also let people know that he was doing fine when some viewers were concerned about his health, reports Distractify.

“I have an illness called Crohn’s [disease], which at times is difficult to deal with, I started losing weight and ran with it! I have been exercising and eating good… Thanks for all of your kind words of concern! I couldn’t do what I do without all of you!”

I miss Frank.

— One Mans Opinion (@sml2727) July 5, 2023
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Is Frank back on American Pickers 2023?

The History Channel’s American Pickers resumed season 24 on Wednesday, July 5, 2023. Now, some fans are asking if Frank is back on American Pickers in 2023.

The Quad-City Times reports that on Memorial Day weekend in 2023, Frank and Mike had a “tearful reunion.”

Many fans of the show will likely be pleased to hear that the two men, who both are original cast members of the series, are still friends.

However, Frank, 59, won’t be returning to American Pickers this season.

The star is currently under conservatorship after suffering a debilitating stroke in 2022.

Per The US Sun, the stroke “reportedly left his decision­-making capacity impaired.”

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