FANS boycott American Pickers season 23 after host Frank Fritz was fired and replaced by Mike Wolfe’s brother Robbie.
The show’s ratings have dropped substantially after the season premiere last week as production continues without the axed star.
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Fans have decided not to support the new episodes of American Pickers after Frank was fired last year.
Earlier this week, producers shared a sneak peek of Saturday’s new episode, where Mike uncovers an old Banjo in West Virginia.
The official American Pickers Twitter account shared a photo from the episode where the reality star held the instrument, captioned: “Mike @AmericanPicker seeks out an old, super tunnel banjo from brothers Brad and Bruce’s old family store property in Cottageville, West Virginia during this Saturday’s new episode.”
However, fans were not excited about the preview, as they shared their grievances of the new show without Frank.
“No longer follow or watch now that Frank was skidded,” one claimed.
“I won’t watch show anymore, you guys did Frank shitty,” a second agreed.
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A third complained: “Where is Frank!?” while another remarked: “Where is Frank?? 💩show.”
“Frank or quit!” one protested, while a final added: “Frank is a big miss.”
MISSING FRANK
American Pickers ratings have plummeted after the season 23 premiere on Saturday, January 1.
After long-time host Frank Fritz was axed from the show in July, the network brought in star Mike Wolfe’s brother Robbie as his replacement.
The Sun exclusively revealed that even though ratings were still above 1 million viewers, the numbers dropped compared to previous seasons.
The Season 23 premiere brought in 1,050,000 viewers, less compared to the Season 22 premiere on January 25, 2021, which had 1,273,000 people tune in.
Episodes featuring fan-favorite Frank also had higher ratings, as the March 2, 2020 episode, which was his final show, had 1,282,000 viewers tune in.
BRINGING IN BROTHER
The new numbers came after the History Channel replaced the TV personality with Mike’s brother Robbie in cast photos and on the website.
Frank, 57, last appeared on American Pickers in the Spring, as he took time off to recover from back surgery.
The original cast member’s firing was announced in July despite him expressing his desire to return to the History show.
His grueling back surgery left him with 185 stitches and two rods in his spine.
ADDICTION ISSUES
During his time off American Pickers, Frank lost 65 pounds, as he is now living a healthier lifestyle and is sober from alcohol.
The Iowa native also told The Sun that he checked into rehab for alcohol abuse 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.”
The History Channel star continued on to say that he goes to meetings “twice a week” after the stint.
FEUDING FRIENDS
Frank also revealed his feud with costar Mike Wolfe, who has remained the show’s fixture despite his co-star’s leave.
He previously told The Sun of their falling out: “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.”
Frank currently owns his Illinois store, Frank Fritz Finds, and resides in his native Iowa.
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American Pickers returns with new episodes in January as Mike Wolfe & friends kick off season without fired Frank Fritz
