MIKE WOLFE BEGS FIRED FRANK TO SAVE PICKERS!
But TV junkman is delighted by A&E series’ death spiral
WITH ratings for American Pickers hitting the scrap heap and new episodes yanked off the air, TV junkman Mike Wolfe has made an impassioned, last-ditch plea to his old partner turned nemesis Frank Fritz to return and save the show, sources squeal!
But insiders snitch to The National ENQUIRER Frank is determined to nurse a grudge against his old buddy — at least for now — and isn’t swayed by Mike’s increasingly desperate appeals.
“Coming crawling back to Frank is a bitter pill for Mike to swallow, but he had no choice,” says a mole. “Ratings have been a disaster and fans are boycotting the show to demonstrate their rage over Frank’s absence.
“From Mike’s perspective, he had few options but to beg Frank’s forgiveness!”
As The ENQUIRER previously revealed, the rift between Frank, 57, and Mike, 58, began two years ago when Frank took time off from the show to recover from back surgery and then checked into rehab to beat booze. His last appearance was in March 2020 after 21 seasons.
He was given the boot in July 2021 and was soon replaced by Mike’s brother, 62-year-old Robbie Wolfe, who owns an antique store in Davenport, Iowa.
Since Frank’s departure, the show’s ratings have plummeted, with Pickers notching its smallest audience since Frank got the heaveho on Sept. 17 when a mere 762,000 viewers tuned in. Since then, A&E Networks has stopped airing new episodes — although it appears Pickers will return, since the network filed to renew the show’s trademark.
Sources say one of the sticking points for Frank is if Robbie will have an ongoing role on the show, since the bearded antiques dealer has made it clear he does not care to share co-hosting duties with Mike’s brother.
“Frank isn’t a vengeful man but it’s certainly not going to be a three-way co-host gig,” dishes a source. “He’s adamant Robbie be demoted, or he’s not returning!” Sources also say Frank’s health is a wild card, as he remains at a rehab facility after suffering a debilitating stroke in July.
“He’s still recovering,” bleats a source. “But he’s very much savoring Mike’s uncomfortable position!”