“American Pickers” co-star Frank Fritz has died, along with Mike Wolfe

Fritz and Wolfe, childhood friends and reality TV co-stars, rose to fame on their beloved series “American Pickers,” which followed collectors as they traveled the country in search of antiques.

The show, which premiered in 2010, deviated from the “Antiques Roadshow” format of filming on a controlled set and featuring expert commentary. Instead, Wolfe and Fritz relied on their street smarts and razor-sharp instincts as they traveled the back alleys and main streets of small towns, looking for stories as much as “choices” – as fans call the items they buy.

Their folksy formula struck reality TV gold, turning the two friends into celebrities on a pared-down set and “Pickers” who were ratings and rerun stars for years. Although Fritz left the show before the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020 – a decision that drove a wedge between him and Wolfe – he remained a favorite among rabid “Pickers” fans.

Fritz’s recovery was difficult in the months after the stroke, 911 tapes show, including hospitalizations for seizures, high blood pressure and pneumonia-like symptoms. However, by the end of 2023, he was feeling well enough to enjoy Wolfe’s visit – the couple’s first meeting in three years – as well as a night out with friends just before the holidays.