With Mike Wolfe’s Hiatus, I Think It’s Time He Leave ‘American Pickers’ Behind
After 15 years of sorting through one man’s trash to find treasure, American Pickers is going on a hiatus. This break is the perfect time for Mike Wolfe to leave the show. Between the passing of original co-host Frank Fritz and other significant life changes, the hiatus has given Wolfe the perfect opening to depart and leave American Pickers to a new generation. As much as we all love him on American Pickers, it is time for Mike Wolfe to leave the show behind.
American Pickers first aired on the History Channel in 2010, capturing Wolfe and Fritz’s journey as they traveled around America to find artifacts and antiques. The reality show was an instant success and has remained on the air for the last 15 years with almost no breaks between filming. However, for the first time in 15 years, American Pickers is taking a hiatus in filming which means it is the perfect time for a transition. Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz started the show together, but so much has changed that it is time for Wolfe to step away.
The Show Has Not Felt The Same Without Frank
Fans of American Pickers know that co-host Frank Fritz passed away last September. Although Fritz left the show in 2021 on poor terms, he still had connections to Wolfe and American Pickers, as Wolfe revealed to Variety. The most recent season of American Pickers has even been dedicated to Fritz. Truth be told, American Pickers has not felt the same since he left in 2021, but his recent death has cast a weight on the show. Fritz had a talent for making deals that paired well with Wolfe’s knowledge of antiques. Fritz and Wolfe’s duo made American Pickers so popular.
There has been some drama and controversy about Wolfe and Fritz’s relationship in these last few years, as well as rumors about Fritz’s alleged addiction to post-surgery pain meds pushing him away from Wolfe and American Pickers. However, Wolfe told Variety he was by Fritz’s side as he passed away. It is clear that Fritz’s death influenced Wolfe’s decision to halt the show. American Pickers is Wolfe and Fritz’s legacy and a testament to their friendship. Without Fritz, Wolfe should start over elsewhere.
Mike Wolfe Is Starting A New Chapter
The American Pickers hiatus comes at a changing time in Wolfe’s personal life and career. This break has allowed Wolfe to say yes to new opportunities and jobs, as he told People Magazine. Wolfe explained that he is beginning a new chapter in his life now that he is 60, which means accepting spots in new projects and shows. That new chapter has already yielded some interesting roles. Wolfe has a role in a new movie, Day of Reckoning, alongside his real-life partner Leticia Cline. With new projects on the horizon and big changes in Wolfe’s life, the hiatus for American Pickers is the right time for Wolfe to start an entirely new journey away from the show.
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Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz were known to fans for their friendship and their ability to find rare artifacts across the US on the show American Pickers
We Have A New Generation of ‘American Pickers’
If Wolfe leaves American Pickers, though, who will take over? Well, American Pickers already has a strong cast with other pickers: Danielle Colby, who has been on the show since the start helping chase down leads, and Robbie Wolfe, Mike Wolfe’s younger brother. Alongside friend and antiques expert Jon “Jersey Jon” Szalay, there are already people on the show ready and willing to keep picking. In fact, they already go out on their own trips frequently.
Wolfe’s departure would also be the perfect time to start introducing new players to the game and encourage a whole new generation to picking through and salvaging old treasures. Similar to The Curse of Oak Island, the American Pickers could expand their operation and create a larger team. With a hiatus and new adventures, it is the perfect time for Mike Wolfe to leave American Pickers behind.
The American Pickers hiatus has opened the doors for Wolfe to take a step back from American Pickers. Wolfe’s departure would not mean the end for American Pickers, nor does it mean Wolfe has to cut ties with the show he started. However, this would be the perfect opportunity for Wolfe to sit back and start a new chapter without American Pickers at the center.
