American pickers Stars Frank Fritz And Mike Wolfe experienced many ups and downs in their decades-long friendship.

The pair began working on hit series together 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 collectibles worked together successfully for 21 seasons, there were rumors that there was a falling out between the men after Fritz was noticeably absent from the show in 2020. A year later, Fritz announced that he had left the show due to back surgery and subsequently crashed out with Wolfe.

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

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

Keep scrolling for a recap of 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 traveled in the van looking for collectibles. The series premiere attracted 3.1 million viewers, making it the History Channel’s highest-rated debut.

2019

Tensions between Fritz and Wolfe began after they had worked together for a decade.

March 2020

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

July 2021

After confirming his exit, Fritz said in an interview 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 enough to show you how much,” he mused. “That’s fine. It’s like you have Aerosmith and that’s there Steven Tyler and he is the front man. I found my place, I’m second and he’s number 1 on the show. It’s not a problem for me, maybe he has a problem.”

Fritz also claimed that he felt Wolfe wanted to “replace” him with his brother. Robbie Wolfewho had performances.

“I don’t know why he behaves like that towards me. You couldn’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 40 years. We can finish each other’s sentences. If everyone gets along and there’s no drama, me and him are very compatible.”

Mike did not address the allegations, but made a statement about Fritz’s exit.

“I’ve known Frank since I can remember, he was like a brother to me. The journey that Frank, Dani (Colby) and I started in 2009, like all life it has had its ups and downs, blessings and challenges but it has also been the most rewarding,” he wrote via Instagram. “The support you all gave us was a constant reminder of what the show’s message has always been; (Through) these places, people and things, we all have a common denominator. We are here not only to take care of the past, but also to take care of each other.”

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

August 2021

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

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

July 2022

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

“I have been very reserved over the past year about Frank’s life and the journey he has taken,” Wolfe wrote via Instagram. “There have been many opinions about mine and Frank’s friendship and the show, but now is not the time to clarify the matter. Now it’s time to pray for my friend.”

May 2023

The Quad City Times reported that Mike and Fritz met again over Memorial Day weekend. According to the outlet, Mike wanted Fritz to consider returning to American Pickers. However, Fritz wanted to prioritize his health in the fight against Crohn’s disease.

October 2024

Mike announced that Fritz had passed away and that he was able to spend some of his last moments with his old buddy.

“I have known Frank for more than half of my life and what you saw on television was always what I saw: a dreamer who was as sensitive as he was funny. “Openly and in front of the camera, Frank had the opportunity to reach the hearts of so many people just by being himself,” Mike wrote via Instagram. “Who would have ever thought that we would be sharing the cockpit of a white van in front of millions of people interested in our adventures.”

He thought about how far the two of them had come from their days as friends to their success American pickers.

“Before the show, we set off together to places we never knew existed, with no destination in mind and only with a shared passion to discover something interesting and historical,” he continued. “We have taken countless trips and covered so many miles together 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’re in a better place.”