FANS have threatened to abandon the show after Frank Fritz was axed due to reoccurring health problems and his rehab stint.
The American Pickers star revealed earlier this week that he completed 77 days in rehab before he was fired.
Producers released a teaser video for the newest episode of the show as solo host Mike Wolfe, 57, discovered a hot spot for antique motorcycles.
The reality star also uncovered an ancient car that he rolled out of an old farmhouse.
The History Channel captioned their preview clip: “Tonight, #AmericanPickers unearths a barn-fresh 1932 pickup in North Carolina that hasn’t seen the light of day in 50 years plus much more. It’s all-new at 9/8c!”
However, fans were not pleased as they swarmed the comments with accusations about Mike’s ex-co-star, Frank Fritz, 55.
“It’s not worth watching without Frank. Last few weeks I was hoping it would be the episode that he returns,” one tweeted angrily.
“Now we know, he’s not returning so I’m not watching anymore.”
“We need the big homie Franky back,” another asked while a third slammed: “One of my favorite show. To bad I will no longer watch it because no Frank and how Mike has handled the ole thing.”
“Sucks how you have binned Frank, thought you guys were like brothers. Boycotting this show,” one disgruntled viewer added.
“Won’t watch again till bring back frank,” a fifth ranted while a final put: shortly: “No Frank – not watching.”
MIKE’S GOODBYE
Last week, Mike confirmed Frank’s departure on Instagram, as he claimed his co-star was “like a brother” to him.
“I have known Frank for as long as I can remember, he’s been like a brother to me. The journey that Frank, Dani and I started back in 2009, like all of life, has come with its highs and lows, blessings and challenges, but it has also been the most rewarding.
“The support that you all have given us has been a constant reminder of what the show’s message has always been; thru these places, people, and things we all have a common thread. We’re here to not only take care of the past, but also each other,” he explained.
“I will miss Frank, just like all of you, and I pray for the very best and all good things for him on the next part of his journey,” the TV star finished.
REHAB RECOVERY
In an exclusive interview with The Sun earlier this week, Frank revealed that he completed a brief stint in rehab prior to his release from the show.
“I went to rehab and I’ve been sober now for 11 months,” he shared.
“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.”
Frank then detailed his experience at The Abbey Center in Bettendorf, Iowa, where he remained for 77 days.
“They really give you a lot of one-on-one time. I read 12 self-help books while I was there. I didn’t f**k around. I really got into it. I went there to learn and get the most out of it that I possibly could.
“I had a great time there and I helped other people who were having problems too. It’s one of the best things that have happened to me.”
Though he had a short relapse months after attending rehab, he quickly hopped back into his sober routine.
“I’d still like to get back to my job, I miss my friends and my people and being on the road and meeting all those different characters,” he told The Sun candidly.
However, American Pickers’ producers have no plan of letting Frank return to the series at this time.
Trailer for American Pickers starring Frank Fritz and Mike Wolfe
This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
ncG1vNJzZmhqZGy7psPSmqmorZ6Zwamx1qippZxemLyue82erqxnkaKys7XCmqVmqJmYuKa%2B0madmqajYsGpvsSaq56mXam8bq7OspqorKRiwKm71maYn6yVp3qnvsCnomaeop7Bu3nWmqpmnpmnsqV5xaijpaennruoedGen5qaXajBqrrTZqSaop%2BneqmxwKWroWWgp7yjuMSmqmg%3D