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AMERICAN Pickers fans are accusing a scene of being “staged,” as Mike Wolfe uncovers a “hidden” and “rare” car worth $75,000.
Mike, 60, stars on American Pickers alongside his brother Robbie, Jon “Jersey Jon” Szalay and Danielle Colby.
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In a clip from a recent episode posted on the American Pickers’ Facebook page, Mike and Jersey Jon check out a “mystical Shelby hidden in a barn.”
Mike called an expert who checked out photos of the rare car, which the star noted had missing parts.
When Mike asked how much it would cost to restore, the expert said “well over $100,000.”
When the expert said offering $75,000 was fair, the buyers declined to sell the car to Mike.
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The seller said, “It might sound crazy turning down an offer for a $75,000 car that’s been sitting there 35 or 40 years, but it’s a big decision to make.
“I understand people would say, ‘This guy is a total idiot.’”
Fans turned to the comment section to accuse the scene of being “staged.”
One viewer commented, “Not at all ‘staged.’”
A second said, “These sort of shows have to be staged… it’s entertaining television. Sellers have to give permission to appear on TV, contracts are signed, camera angles are plotted, sellers unfamiliar with filming rehearse, etc.
“Who cares… it is a good program.”
A third wrote, “All are staged.”
“I think a lot of this stuff is planted ahead of time,” a fourth said.
A rep for American Pickers did not respond to The U.S. Sun’s request for comment.
NEW SEASON, NEW PICKS
American Pickers’ Season 26 kicked off on October 9.
The U.S. Sun reported the show had low ratings for the premiere episode.
On the hour-long premiere, Mike picked through Evel Knievel memorabilia, including a one-of-a-kind billboard from his Snake Canyon jump.
But the episode failed to bring in many viewers, as The U.S. Sun reported just 565,000 fans tuned in.
This was a major drop from Season 25, which kicked off with a two-episode premiere in December 2023.
Classic Car Cemetery raked in 723,000 viewers and part two of the premiere, Hidden Cash Stash, had ratings drop to 676,000.
Episode three saw an increase to 880,000 viewers, and the numbers remained around the same throughout the rest of the month.
By the January 24 episode, ratings skyrocketed to 948,000 viewers.
The numbers dropped back down through most of February with the lowest rating on February 14 at 774,000 viewers and the highest on February 28 at 966,000.
The finale episode on March 27 brought in 832,000 viewers.
Mike Wolfe’s businesses
Mike Wolfe has created a business empire featuring real estate, antique stores, and more.
FRANK’S FINAL BOW
As American Pickers fans know, longtime star Frank passed away at 60 years old on Monday, September 30, two years after suffering a stroke.
His final episode was in March 2020, as he left the show to recover from back surgery.
During his time off, Frank lost 65 pounds and was living a healthier lifestyle, including being sober from alcohol.
He had been open about wanting to return to the series after his hiatus but was officially let go in 2021, Mike confirmed.
“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,” Mike said at the time.
The two had a falling out, as Frank exclusively told The U.S. Sun in a 2021 interview, “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.
“I think Mike wants to get his brother Robbie in there to replace me. I don’t know why he’s behaving like that towards me.”
The two reconciled after Frank suffered the stroke in July 2022.
Mike and other loved ones were by Frank’s side at the time of his passing.
REMEMBERING FRANK
American Pickers posted on social media following Frank’s death, “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.”
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