As reality shows go, "American Pickers" is a pretty laid-back one.
The concept of two guys driving around America to discover hidden treasures from people's
attics, barns, and garages has proved so popular with the viewers that the show has almost
two dozen seasons under its belt, and the good-natured haggling element adds just enough
fun tension to the road trip vibe of the series.
"Well, I'll tell you one thing - he's got a nose for good crap."
"Fifty bucks."
"Absolutely."
"Alright."
"I mean, that guy's like a bloodhound.
He just went right to it."
Unfortunately, the show's chill facade eventually fell apart, revealing a nasty rift between
its main duo.
Since it first came to light, much has been said about the feud between "American Pickers"
hosts Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz.
In short, after Fritz suddenly stopped appearing on "American Pickers," the two reality TV
stars shared a series of public statements about one another, revealing what appears
to have been a considerable tension underscoring their former working relationship.
As a result, Fritz's absence from the show continues, and will by all accounts remain
permanent.
That said, during the 20 full seasons and handful of Season 21 episodes Fritz co-hosted
"American Pickers," he left an indelible mark on the series.
For example, Fritz at one point claimed that each of the scenes in which he and Wolfe meet
with prospective antique sellers are unscripted.
"Can we take Big Lou out of the cabinet?"
"Nobody touches Big Lou."
"Uh oh."
"Alright."
He then cited the value of filming genuine human moments as one of his favorite aspects
of the job, which shows a genuine warmth that no doubt contributed to his appeal as a TV
host.
On one particular occasion, however, an attempt at a comedic bit framed Fritz as unnecessarily
petty.
Out of the many, many scenes of the show, this may very well have been the single Frank
Fritz moment from "American Pickers" that went too far.
Season 13, Episode 14 of "American Pickers" includes a scene in which Frank Fritz drives
a van while Mike Wolfe speaks to an unseen third party on his cell phone in its passenger
seat.
Although Wolfe is negotiating a transaction, Fritz argues that his business dealings are
taking too long, and are an unwelcome staple of virtually all of their numerous road trips.
"That's 31.
Thirty-one minutes about the same motorcycle.
The last time I drove the van in silence was when…oh that's right: never."
Some onscreen math then accompanies Fritz calculating just how much time he's typically
subjected to sitting silently through Wolfe's phone conversations.
Given the nature of most reality TV shows, this is fairly likely a scripted comedy bit.
Nevertheless, the scene characterizes Fritz as a bitter and discourteous partner, who
takes issue with the fact that his co-host chooses to use his down time to conduct business.
In light of the fact that Fritz and Wolfe are no longer on speaking terms, this scene
is all the more egregious — it's now irrevocably colored by what seems to have been a very
real, friendship-ruining tension.
"Twenty-five full days and full nights of my life are spent listening to Mike Wolfe
talk on the phone."
When two people spend a bunch of time together, it's not unheard of for one to slowly build
up a dislike toward what they see as the other's disagreeable habits.
Since parting ways with the show, Fritz hasn't hesitated to throw a few verbal daggers in
Wolfe's direction, as evidenced by a July 2021 interview with The Sun, where he said:
"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."
He also insinuated that the two men aren't exactly on great terms, and that he feels
Wolfe may have wanted his exit so he could make his brother, Robbie Wolfe, a full co-host
of the show.
While Fritz didn't outright insult Wolfe too harshly, he made clear that he thinks his
former co-host has turned against him.
Fritz also revealed that he feels that the fans like him more, even though Wolfe is the
clear focal point of the show.
"Yep, that's the biggie.
No heart and soul."
Rewatch the cell phone scene with knowledge of such comments, and you might find yourself
wondering just how far gone the two men's friendship was at that point.
"I mean, phhh, what a conversation piece."
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