Frank Fritz from American Pickers, feud timeline by Mike Wolfe

They were once one of the most famous duos on television.

Frank Fritz and Mike Wolfe began their careers in 2010 as co-hosts of the History Channel series “American Pickers.”

The pair had a falling out after working together for ten years and Wolfe, 60, continued to host the show without Fritz, 58.

On October 1, Wolfe announced that Fritz had died two years after suffering a stroke.

Despite their drama, Wolfe hinted that the duo made amends before Fritz died.

“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,” Wolfe wrote in his Instagram post.

On American Pickers, Wolfe and Fritz traveled across the United States in search of rare artifacts and treasures to either sell in antique stores or add to their personal collections. Danielle Colby was also a co-host from 2010 to 2022.

Wolfe and Fritz's dynamic was the highlight of the show – so it shocked viewers when the two stopped talking.

Here is a timeline of the feud between Frank Fritz and Mike Wolfe.

March 2020: Frank's last appearance on “American Pickers”

The rumors about drama between Fritz and Wolfe began in March 2020 when Fritz arbitrarily stopped appearing on the show without explanation. He was nowhere to be found when the series returned for season 22 in January 2021 after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.

Colby, Wolfe's brother Robbie and antiques expert “Jersey Jon” Szalay took turns accompanying Wolfe on the road trips.

July 2021: Frank says he hasn't spoken to Mike in 2 years

Fritz told The Sun that he stopped filming the show because he had back surgery. He also struggled with Crohn's disease and alcohol abuse.

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

Fritz added: “The show is 1,000 percent focused on him (Wolfe). I can’t even bend down enough to show you how much.”

“I think Mike wants to bring in his brother Robbie to replace me,” Fritz continued. “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 between me and Mike. 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.”

July 2021: Mike confirms Frank's exit from the show

Wolfe shared a message with fans confirming that Fritz would be leaving the show for good.

“I've known Frank since I can remember, he was like a brother to me. “The journey that Frank, Dani and I began in 2009, like all of life, has had its ups and downs, blessings and challenges, but it has also been the most rewarding,” he wrote at the time.

Wolfe added: “I will miss Frank, as will all of you, and I pray for the very best and all the best for him on the next part of his journey.”

August 2021: Danielle talks about the drama

Colby spoke about Fritz's exit while traveling with Wolfe for the show.

“I’m really sad about the loss of Frank on the show,” she wrote on Instagram. “I am incredibly saddened by his struggles. I've seen everything personally over the last decade. I have many thoughts, but I don't want to express them because they are just my thoughts, not the gospel. I wish things could have been different, but we must be responsible for our actions when we cause instability or pain and suffering to others.”

“Frank caused himself so much pain that it was hard to watch. I really hope Frank gets the help he needs to get better after years of illness. It is not my place to speak ill of anyone who needs help, so I will continue to keep my comments positive. Sending love to everyone,” Colby added.

August 2021: Frank calls out Mike

In response to Wolfe's comments about Fritz's exit from the show, Fritz told The Sun that Wolfe's statement was “bullshit.”

“Mike didn't call me himself, never, like I said – we haven't spoken in two years,” he claimed. “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.”

“He knows I hurt my back, everyone in the entire network knew I hurt my back, but did one person – just one – call and ask how I was doing? No,” Fritz continued. “How do you feel about that? It makes you feel like you’re just a number.”

August 2021: Mike answers Frank

Wolfe told The Sun: “We all care about Frank and want him back on the show. I would like to talk to him again, we would really like to, but he just can't do it.”

“Frank personally suffers greatly from his addiction problems. It is unfortunate that he has made decisions that make him the way he is,” he added.

July 2022: Mike reveals that Frank had a stroke

Almost a year after their public drama, Wolfe revealed that Fritz had suffered a stroke.

“I have been very reserved over the past year about Frank’s life and the journey he has taken,” Wolfe wrote at the time. “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: Mike and Frank reportedly get back together

It was reported that Wolfe and Fritz met over Memorial Day weekend 2023 and reportedly saw each other for the first time in three years.

A supposed friend of the couple reportedly said that “they both burst into tears during the reunion.” They also reportedly “talked about old times” and Wolfe expressed that he wanted Fritz back on the show.

October 1, 2024: Mike announces Frank's death

Wolfe and Fritz never reunited on screen. Wolfe announced his former co-host's death in an emotional Instagram post.

“I have known Frank for more than half my life, and what you saw on television was always what I saw: a dreamer who was as sensitive as he was funny,” Wolfe wrote. “Just as much behind the camera as in front of it, Frank had the opportunity to reach the hearts of so many people just by being himself.”

The statement continued: “Who would have ever dreamed that we would be sharing the cockpit of a white van in front of millions of people interested in our adventures.” Before the show, we set off together to places, that we never knew existed, without a goal in mind and only with a shared passion to discover something interesting and historical.”

Wolfe concluded his post by saying, “I love you buddy and will miss you so much, I know you're in a better place.”