American pickers stars Frank Frits And Mike Wolfe had many ups and downs in their decades-long friendship.

The pair began working together on hit series in 2009, and the show premiered on the History Channel the following year. The series followed Wolfe and Fritz’s travels across the United States in search of antiques to resell or add to their personal collections.

While the collectible pickers worked together successfully for 21 seasons, rumors swirled that the men had a falling out after Fritz was noticeably missing from the show in 2020. A year later, Fritz revealed that he left the show to undergo back surgery and subsequent fall had undergone. out with Wolfe.

“I haven’t spoken to Mike in two years,” Fritz said in a July 2021 interview with The sun. ‘He knew my back was messed up, but he didn’t call me to ask how I was doing. That’s just how it is.”

Three years later, Fritz died at the age of 60 from a stroke. Wolfe shared the news and hinted that he and Fritz had rekindled their friendship.

Keep scrolling for a look back at Wolfe and Fritz’s ups and downs:

January 2010

American pickers season 1 started at the beginning of the new year. Fans fell in love with Fritz and Wolfe’s dynamic as they explored by van in search of collectibles. The series premiere drew 3.1 million viewers, making it the highest-rated History Channel debut.

2019

Tension between Fritz and Wolfe began after ten years of working together.

March 2020

Fritz made his last appearance on American Pickers in season 21.

July 2021

After confirming his departure, Fritz said in an interview with The sun that he felt Wolfe was the bigger star on the reality series.

“The show is 1,000 percent focused on him. I can’t even bend down that far to show you how much,” he pondered. ‘That’s fine. It’s like you have Aerosmith and it’s there Steven Tyler and he’s the frontman. I found my place, I’m second and he’s number 1 in the show. That’s not a problem for me, maybe he does have a problem.”

Fritz also claimed that he felt like Wolfe wanted to “replace” him with his brother Robbie Wolfewho has made appearances.

‘I don’t know why he behaves like that towards me. You can’t just put two people in a van and get the chemistry you get from me and Mike,” he said. “We have known each other for about forty years. We can finish each other’s sentences. When everyone gets along and there is no drama, me and him are really good together.

Mike did not address the allegations, but did release a statement about Fritz’s departure.

“I have known Frank for as long as I can remember, he has been like a brother to me. The journey that Frank Dani (Colby) and I started in 2009, as all life has its highs and lows, blessings and challenges, but it has also been the most rewarding,” he wrote via Instagram. “The support you have all given us is a constant reminder of what the message of the show has always been; (through) these places, people and things we all have a common thread. We are here to take care not only of the past, but of each other.”

He added that he would “miss” Fritz and wished him “all the best and all good things to him on the next part of his journey.”

August 2021

A month later, Fritz denounced Mike’s statement, calling it “bulls….”

“Mike hasn’t called me himself, never, like I said – we haven’t spoken in two years,” he claimed to The Sun. “That’s the 100% truth and I don’t like people who lie to people. I’m not a liar just because my brain can’t remember whether I lied or not.”

July 2022

A year after the drama took place, Mike revealed that Fritz was in the hospital after suffering a stroke.

“I have been very private this past year regarding Frank’s life and the journey he has been on,” Wolfe wrote via Instagram. “There have been a lot of opinions about me and Frank’s friendship and the show, but this is not the time to set the record straight. Now it’s time to pray for my friend.”

May 2023

The Quad City Times reported that Mike and Fritz reunited over Memorial Day weekend. According to the outlet, Mike wanted Fritz to consider returning to American Pickers. However, Fritz wanted to prioritize his health during his battle with Crohn’s disease.

October 2024

Mike announced that Fritz had died and that he could spend some of his last moments with his old friend.

“I have known Frank for more than half my life and what you have seen on TV has always been the same as I have seen: a dreamer who was as sensitive as he was funny. Off camera, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself,” Mike wrote via Instagram. “Who would have ever dreamed that we would share the cockpit of a white van for millions of people interested in our adventures.”

He reflected on how far the pair had come from their days as friends to their success American pickers.

“Before the show, we set out together to places we didn’t know existed, with no destination in mind and only the shared passion to discover something interesting and historical,” he continued. “We have made countless trips and shared so many miles and I feel blessed to have been by his side as he made one final journey home. I love you buddy and will miss you so much, I know (you) are in a better place.