American Pickers snubs Frank Fritz on new season’s premiere as fans fume late host’s show ‘disrespected’ him

AMERICAN Pickers fans have called out the show for snubbing Frank Fritz’s death.

The 60-year-old TV star died on September 30, following medical complications two years after suffering a debilitating stroke.

Frank Fritz died in hospital care from medical complicationsCredit: Getty

Season 26 saw the cast back in action - but fans noticed there was no Frank dedication — Season 26 saw the cast back in action – but fans noticed there was no Frank dedicationCredit: The History Channel

Mike Wolfe has vowed to dedicate the rest of his time on the show to himCredit: Getty

Ahead of the show’s return on Wednesday night, the History Channel dedicated a night of coverage to highlights of Frank’s time on the show.

But when season 26 actually launched, fans were saddened to see there was no mention of him on the episode itself.

Taking to Reddit, one fan wrote: “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?”

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“Total disrespect! This show was and is still dead to me,” commented another.

“I saw the title card on one of the Frank-centric reruns last night but not on the new episode premiere,” commented another.

Frank’s right side of his body was paralyzed as a result of the 2022 stroke, but despite this he had shared hopes of returning to the show at some point.

His health was initially hidden from fans, with Frank appearing on the first seven episodes of season 21 before he disappeared from screens.

Unbeknownst to fans, Frank was recovering from back surgery which saw him have 185 stitches and two rods in his spine.

In July 2022, he had a stroke that ruled him out of a possible return, with a string of other health issues including a bout of pneumonia following shortly after.

American Pickers’ Frank Fritz ‘lost the will to live’ after stroke as friend claims ‘really tough recovery’ led to deat

His death was announced on October 1 by co-star Mike Wolfe, revealing he was by Frank’s side when he died.

“We’ve been on countless trips and shared so many miles and I feel blessed that I was there by his side when he took one last journey home,” he wrote.

“I love you buddy and will miss you so much I know you’re in a better place.”

Ahead of the season 26 premiere, Wolfe took to Instagram to share his own tribute to his friend.

“It has taken me a long time to figure out what I was going to say or if I even wanted to post that we have new episodes starting tomorrow night,” he wrote.

“The timing of this and Frank’s passing is not great however we have been making shows without Frank for four years now and we have always wanted him to be back with this crew, but he couldn’t due to health issues.”

“Every time the crew and I were in Iowa, we would go and sit by Frank’s side and let him know how much he was missed, how he could never be replaced and we will work incredibly hard on every episode to make him proud,” he added.

“As always, since Frank has left, I dedicate this show and all the others this season in his honor.”