Why did Frank Fritz not return to 'American Pickers' Season 25? Fans demand former host's comeback amid health issues
IOWA, NASHVILLE: As 'American Pickers' Season 25 premiered, fans were eagerly looking forward to seeing Frank Fritz in the show. However, the former host was nowhere to be found. Fritz suffered a stroke in July 2022, which affected his speech, making him unable to return to the show, per The US Sun.
This made some viewers suggest that the show is no longer entertaining in Frank's absence. Dubbing Frank as the "bearded charmer," fans wondered why he is not returning to History Channel.
'American Pickers' followers are well aware that Frank faced some serious health issues that led him to take a step back from filming. Frank had back surgery in March 2020 and was left with 185 stitches and two rods in his spine, per The US Sun.
Two years later, he suffered a stroke that he is still recovering from. Therefore, the host had to take a break from the show.
'American Pickers' seems to have moved on without Frank. As an inside source revealed to The US Sun, "The cast and show want him to [return]."
As the new season premiered, a fan asked the channel, "Where’s the short fat guy?"
Another wondered, "Who is the chubby chick and the guy on the end with glasses? Where's Frank?" "No Frank, no Pickers. Period," claimed another seeing that Frank was nowhere to be found in the show.
Who is the chubby chick and the guy on the end with glasses? Where's frank?
— Mr. Steve ☆ (@SteveJeckel) December 25, 2023
One tweeted, "I love the show, but it's not the same without the one and only bearded charmer Frank." A fan also declared, "We want the bearded charmer!" "No Frank- No Thanx!" another angry fan lashed out.
I love the show, but it's not the same without the one and only bearded charmer Frank.
— K S (@kj_kjato) December 26, 2023
Who replaces Frank Fritz in 'American Pickers' Season 25?
Robert "Rob" Wolfe, Mike Wolfe's younger brother, is replacing Frank Fritz's position in 'American Pickers' Season 25. Just like his brother, Rob also has a tireless interest in unearthing treasures and unraveling captivating stories behind every piece of his discoveries.
His website says, "He is adept at facilitating acquisitions and locating specific items of interest." Moreover, Rob has an astute eye for rare finds.
Together with his brother, Rob will delve into barns and garages, unraveling "rusty gold."
Is former 'American Pickers' host Frank Fritz OK?
Frank is healing as of now. In Frank Fritz Friends Facebook group, led by one of his close friends, Frank is sitting in a wheelchair along with some of his friends.
Frank suffered a stroke in July 2022. He is still recovering as the stroke affected his speech, which was the reason he did not return to the show. A guardian had been appointed for him following the stroke, and he was placed under conservatorship.
Frank has Crohn's disease, a serious inflammatory system that affects the digestive tract.
Apart from this, in 2020, Frank also went to rehab for alcoholism.
'American Pickers' Season 25 premiered on December 27 and will be releasing new episodes every Wednesday at 9 pm ET on History Channel.
