American Pickers’ new ratings revealed as first episode since Frank Fritz’s stroke brings in shocking numbers
AMERICAN Pickers’ new ratings have been revealed as the first episode since Frank Fritz’s stroke bought in shocking numbers.
Frank, 58, was hospitalized for a stroke on July 14 after a friend found him on the floor of his Iowa home.
Mike, 58, announced his ex-friend’s hospitalization on July 21.
The Sun can exclusively reveal the first episode after news broke brought in high ratings compared to previous shows.
The July 23 episode brought in 901,000 viewers.
The new episode came after a weekend marathon that featured old episodes of Frank, whose last episode aired in March 2020.
LOW RATINGS
American Pickers returned on July 9 with hosts Mike, his brother Robbie, who replaced Frank, and Danielle Colby after being on break since March.
Ratings for the July 9 premiere had just 833,000 viewers tune in.
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Season 23 of American Pickers kicked off on January 1, 2022 with 1,050,000 viewers.
The January 8 episode had 1,011,000 people watch.
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But by the end of the season, viewers lost interest, as only 830,000 viewers watched the March 12 episode.
The March 19 episode, which was the final one before the months-long break, had just 804,000 viewers.
PICKING FRANK
Fans have been boycotting the show since Frank’s firing.
As one viewer wrote on Twitter: “Very dry and boring without Frank - scripted, no freestylin'; a very different show. I understand that he isn't coming back but you should have ended the original show and started a new one moving forward.”
A second commented: “Haven’t watched since 2020 when Frankie got canned. Not going to waste my time on this stuff ever again… I wish they would take this new garbage off the History Channel. It’s a great station.”
A third said: “Not the same without Frank.”
FRANK'S FIRING
Frank 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 and was sober from alcohol.
Frank also told The Sun 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 went to meetings "twice a week” after the stint.
He added: “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 during the interview.
Frank previously told The Sun: “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.”
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."
MIKE ASKS FOR PRAYERS
Despite the feud, Mike was the one to inform fans of his stroke.
He captioned an Instagram photo of the reality star: “I have been very private in the past year in regards to Frank's 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.”
Fans have slammed Mike for being “fake” for asking for prayers despite their years-long feud.
911 CALL
The Sun obtained the 911 call placed by Frank’s friend from the star's Iowa farmhouse on July 14 just before 11am.
The friend said: "I just showed up at my friend's house here and he was sprawled out on his floor. He can't speak to me. He might be seizuring [sic] I'm not sure.”
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LIFE AFTER PICKERS
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As The Sun previously reported, Frank was in talks for a spinoff show before the stroke.
Frank’s Illinois antique store, Frank Fritz Finds, remains open despite his hospitalization.
