An unlucky oversight or a slight in opposition to a fallen fan favourite?
We’ll allow you to determine.
As we reported, Frank Fritz handed away final month as a result of problems from a stroke. The truth star greatest identified for his time on the Historical past Channel present American Pickers had been coping with well being points since 2022, and was pressured to go away the present as a result of his situation.
On Wednesday, October ninth, the most recent season of the beloved actuality present returned and followers settled in to observe how the staff would honor him.
Many had been left extremely disillusioned.
Frank Fritz (L) and Mike Wolfe attend 2015 A+E Networks Upfront on April 30, 2015 in New York Metropolis. (Picture by Brad Barket/Getty Photographs for A+E)
Season Premiere Angers ‘American Pickers’ Followers
When a longtime forged member dies, usually the present that made them well-known shares a tribute.
Sister Wives began off their new season with a point out of Garrison Brown, who died by suicide earlier this 12 months. Similar goes for Days of Our Lives, once they misplaced Drake Hogestyn.
It then appeared like a no brainer then to imagine that when Season 26 of American Pickers kicked off, it’d be devoted to Frank. In spite of everything, it premiered just a bit over every week after his demise.
The season premiere aired and … nothing. There was no particular dedication in any respect. No opening graphic, not tribute on the finish of the episode. Nothing.
For sure, followers weren’t completely satisfied in any respect!
Frank Fritz getting critical in a confessional on ‘American Pickers’. (Youtube/Historical past Channel)
‘This Show Was and Is Still Dead to Me’
After his stroke in 2022, Frank left the collection to care for his well being. Followers have missed him, however have understood his absence.
They had been much less forgiving of the present failing to acknowledge his passing. On condition that the present was filmed months earlier than Frank’s demise, it was comprehensible that there was no footage discussing his passing.
However followers had been fast to level out the opposite methods they may’ve paid tribute.
“There was no dedication to Frank on the season premiere last night. I feel like they should have at least made a title card at the end or something to honor him?” posted on Reddit person in a American Pickers sub-Reddit.
“Total disrespect! This show was and is still dead to me,” posted one other, livid with the slight.
“Honestly I think the show is dog s—- without Frank. I don’t even bother watching episodes without him anymore,” shared one other.
Historical past Channel’s Tribute To Frank
It included moments like their massive sale to Aerosmith or when he bought this near proudly owning a classic Knucklehead Harley Davidson. However the reel was posted on Youtube, not aired on the Historical past Channel itself.
It did, nonetheless, accompany this assertion:
“We are saddened to share that our friend and beloved member of The HISTORY Channel and American Pickers family, Frank Fritz, has passed away on September 30, 2024. Frank filmed American Pickers for over a decade. We will always remember ‘the bearded charmer’ and his never-ending search for vintage motorcycles and bikes. Our thoughts are with Frank’s loved ones during this difficult time. He will be deeply missed.”
Frank Fritz on a bike throughout a memorable episode of ‘American Pickers’ (Historical past Channel/ Youtube)
Frank’s Closing Days
Ultimately, it’s secure to say that it was a missed alternative for The Historical past Channel to not, on the very least, embrace a tribute card on the finish of the season premiere. However because the twenty sixth season is simply taking off, there’s time to appropriate the error.
Within the weeks that adopted Frank’s passing, followers have acquired extra details about Frank’s failing well being from his longtime pal Jerry Gendreau.
He truly defined in an interview with The Solar simply how unhealthy issues had been for poor Frank in the direction of the top.
“You would go to see him in the nursing home and one-half of his body was completely done. He would lift his arm up and it would just drop,” defined Jerry.
Including that it was “tough to be totally bedridden” for Frank, Jerry defined that he felt Frank was simply able to be completed with all of the “bad days.”
“I’ve seen this when people get tired, they get tired. I think if you don’t have the will to live, you won’t,” Jerry stated.
“I think Frank could’ve lived a lot longer if the will to live would’ve been there.”
Right here’s hoping he’s at peace now.
