American Pickers ratings hit 1.3 MILLION per episode without Frank Fritz as he ‘wants to return’ to show after firing
AMERICAN Pickers ratings hit over 1.3 million per episode without Frank Fritz, as he “wants to return” to the show after he was fired.
, 57, last appeared on during a March 2020 episode, as he took time off to recover from back surgery.
The original cast member was fired from the series earlier this month despite “wanting to return” to the History show.
The Sun can exclusively reveal ratings have remained strong since Frank’s departure, as recent episodes have reached over 1.3 million viewers.
On the March 2, 2020 episode, which was Frank’s final show, 1,282,000 viewers tuned in.
The February 24, 2020 episode had 1,283,000 people watch.
For the February 10, 2020 episode, 1,280,000 viewers tuned in.
The February 3, 2020 show ratings hit 1,155,000.
The July 19, 2021 episode without Frank reached 1,322,000 viewers, while the July 5 episode had 1,336,000 watch.
The rise in ratings come as Frank exclusively told The Sun he would like to return to American Pickers, which he has appeared on since 2010.
He said: “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.”
FRANK'S TIME OFF
Frank left the show to recover that left him with 185 stitches and two rods in his spine.
During his time off the show, , as he is living a healthier lifestyle and is sober from alcohol.
Frank also told The Sun that he in Iowa for 77 days.
Frank said: “I went to rehab and I’ve been sober now for 11 months.
“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 said of his time in treatment: “They gave me a lot of information and we were booked up for 13 or 14 hours a day. There was no sitting around watching TV or eating food. You were scheduled out for an hour, then an hour and half, all through the day.
“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.”
Frank continued that he goes to meetings "twice a week” after the stint.
Frank said he would’ve been sober for a year if it weren't for a relapse.
He added: "It was maybe for four hours, but it was enough. The next day I went to a meeting and I got right back on track.
“I don’t think I’ll ever have a drink again because I don't like the feeling anymore and some of the dumb things that I did.”
Frank added: “I’m feeling really good. Life is good and I’d like to get back into the swing of things. I wish I had done it five years ago, I would have been a different person.
“It was the best thing for me and I wish I had done it sooner or I wouldn’t be in the position that I am right now.”
HEARTBREAKING SPLIT
Frank also told The Sun that his also .
He explained: “The main problem was this girlfriend I had, I thought I was getting married and I bought a brand new house. Then I found out that all the time while I was on the road, she had a boyfriend back here.
“It hurt my feelings, my self-esteem and my whole world. I gave it a good shot, I tried to drink her away. I never drank that much before.”
But Diann : “It's not true what he's saying. If he's trying to make me look like the bad person of course I'm going to say it's not true, because it's not.
"The bottom line is that I know the truth and that's all that matters. He's playing the victim and it's not true. I wasn't cheating on him at all, I was waiting here every two weeks when he was on the road, waiting for him to get home.
“I just want to move on because every time I think about it I get a little upset, I get hurt all over again and I can't keep doing this.
She concluded: "I don't care to have drama or chaos in my life, I'm just trying to heal right now. It's been two years, I'm ready to move on."
FEUDING COSTARS
Frank also .
Frank previously told The Sun of their falling out: “I haven’t talked to Mike in two years. He knew my back was messed up, but he didn’t call me up and ask how I was doing. That’s just how it is.
"The show is tilted towards him 1,000 percent. I can’t even bend that far down to show you how much.
"That’s fine. It’s like you’ve got Aerosmith and there’s Steven Tyler and he’s the front man. I found my spot, I’m second and he’s number one on the show. That’s no problem with me, maybe he does have a problem.”
But last week, Mike .
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He captioned a photo of the cast on Instagram: "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.
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“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.”
Mike concluded: “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.”
