History Channel Responsible For ‘American Pickers’ Demise?

American Pickers could end all because of the History Channel’s latest risky move. The latest episode plummeted to under 200,000 viewers. The series returned on July 9 with original cast member Mike Wolfe and his brother Robbie and Danielle Colby.

The show went on a break in March. It wasn’t for long though. Mike announced on Instagram that they have already begun filming the new season. Production is over and the new season premiered.

Yet, fans aren’t impressed and wish that original host Frank Fritz would come back. Ratings for the series have declined ever since the fan favorite got fired.

Did the History Channel make a mistake?

Some have to wonder if the network made a mistake when it fired Frank Fritz for an unknown reason. American Pickers premiered on Saturday, July 9 with 1,007,000 million viewers. However, it’s been on a steep decline ever since. According to the latest report via The Sun, ratings are back down once again.

They plummeted to a shocking 200,000 viewers during the Saturday, August 27 episode. It only amassed 829,000 viewers. While the premiere had a strong hold on American Pickers fans, it seems like most of them are tuning out once again. This comes as many of them want Frank to make a return.

If this plummet continues, American Pickers could meet its demise. Fans have been watching the show for years in its usual timeslot. The past season was criticized for having Robbie at the helm. Fans blame Mike for hiring his brother.

Picking their way through Alabama, the #AmericanPickers make a pit stop in historic Selma where Rex and his Aunt Amelia open the doors to their family’s massive collection of vintage petroliana plus a sneak peek at this awesome 260-Z that gets Mike excited 😄 Tonight at 9/8c! pic.twitter.com/tBgjxYYZoK

— American Pickers (@americanpickers) July 9, 2022

The drop in the ratings was due to the History Channel’s latest move. No, it had nothing to do with Frank. The series was moved from 9 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET. This network decision didn’t do well for the ratings.

Unfortunately, that won’t happen anytime soon. Frank suffered a stroke in early July. Mike Wolfe was the one who broke the news with American Pickers fans. He asked them to pray during this difficult time.

Could American Pickers get canceled?

American Pickers could be at risk of getting canceled. Ratings have been on a decline due to the casting change. The August 13 episode dipped to 868,000 viewers. The July 29th episode only attracted 821,000 viewers.

This is a stark contrast to the ratings from earlier this year. Season 23 of American Pickers premiered on January 1, 2022, with 1,050,000 viewers. However, ratings declined with each passing week. By the end of the season, only 830,000 viewers watched.

American Pickers fans have been boycotting the show since the news of Frank’s firing and because of Robbie. As the numbers show, the boycott has worked. The show may not last to Season 30 or even Season 25 if this continues.

From this past Saturday's #AmericanPickers — Mike: "This car of the future has been given a future because of what Rick saw in it. To be able to buy a car like this, this historically significant, this unique, this different, this custom, is amazing!" pic.twitter.com/KF6LoOjaNn

— American Pickers (@americanpickers) August 29, 2022

What are your thoughts on the cast shakeup? What do you think of the new season? Do you still watch American Pickers? Sound off below in the comment section.

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