Fans of American Pickers were confused when long-time co-host Frank Fritz started missing from the show during Season 21. At the time, he was recovering from major back surgery. Then, they were shocked when he was fired before Season 22, with many believing a disagreement with co-host Mike Wolfe led to his removal.
Another heartbreaking moment came in July 2022 when Fritz suffered a stroke. But the most devastating news arrived on September 30, 2024, when he passed away at the age of 60. That could have been the end of his story, but a legal dispute over his will soon followed. His father, William “Bill” Fritz, is now contesting the will.
American Pickers Was a Hit, but It Changed After Frank Left
When American Pickers first aired on January 18, 2010, it became an instant success. The premiere attracted 3.1 million viewers, making it the most-watched debut for the History Channel. It even surpassed the 2007 launch of Ice Road Truckers. The show’s popularity has kept it on the air for years, and Mike Wolfe has already confirmed a 27th season.
Each episode begins with a simple introduction that explains the concept of the show: “We’re pickers. We travel the back roads of America looking to buy rusty gold. We’re looking for amazing things buried in people’s garages and barns. What most people see as junk, we see as dollar signs.
We’ll buy anything we think we can make a buck on. Each item we pick has a history all its own. And the people we meet? Well, they’re a breed all their own. We make a living telling the history of America… one piece at a time.”
The show’s success was not just about finding old treasures. It was about the connection between the hosts and the people they met. The chemistry between the cast made the show enjoyable.
The conversations felt natural, and the respect they showed to sellers made it special. However, things changed after Fritz left the series in 2022. Many viewers felt that the show lost its original charm, and ratings declined.
Meanwhile, Fritz was struggling with several personal issues. He had difficulty walking and suffered from Crohn’s disease. His health declined after his stroke, and he needed full-time care.
A court placed him under guardianship, and he also battled alcoholism. However, when he passed away in 2024 due to complications from his stroke, he was surrounded by family and friends, including Mike Wolfe. One person who was not there was his father, Bill Fritz.
The Dispute Over Frank Fritz’s Will
The legal battle over Frank Fritz’s estate is now making headlines. His estate is worth $6 million, and his father, Bill, wants control of it. The situation became complicated after Fritz’s stroke in July 2022. In August 2022, a judge decided that he needed a legal guardian to protect his well-being. The court determined that he could not make decisions for himself, which made guardianship necessary.
At the time of his stroke, Fritz did not have a living will. However, a new will was created in 2023, eight months after the guardianship began. Bill Fritz argues that the 2023 will is invalid. He believes that since his son was already under guardianship, he could not have been in a clear state of mind to sign a will.
Bill Fritz has made strong claims about the situation. He insists that the will is not real, saying, “He did not have a will. He did not sign it. I am his only loved one. None of them are related to him.” He argues that he and his son had a close relationship until Frank’s guardians blocked him from visiting. Bill believes that as Frank’s father, he should receive the entire estate.
On the other side, Frank’s friends and caretakers are defending the will. They argue that Bill was not present in Frank’s life for many years. They say he moved away when Frank was young and rarely contacted him. Even after Frank’s stroke, Bill only visited once and refused to be part of his guardianship. They claim that Frank was mentally sound when he completed the will and that the court’s approval confirms its legitimacy.
How This Dispute Affects Frank Fritz’s Legacy
The question remains: who is right in this situation? Bill Fritz’s sudden interest in the estate raises concerns. If the claims about his absence from Frank’s life are true, then his actions may be motivated by money rather than genuine care for his son’s legacy. However, if Frank was truly unable to make decisions for himself, then it falls on his friends and caretakers to prove that he was mentally capable when signing the will.
The legal system will ultimately decide whether the will is valid. If the court rules in Bill Fritz’s favor, he will gain control of the estate. If not, the estate will remain in the hands of Frank’s chosen beneficiaries.
This legal battle has created controversy around Frank Fritz’s passing, but it does not change what he meant to fans. His legacy is tied to American Pickers and the joy he brought to viewers. Many people can relate to his struggles and imperfections. Could he have prepared a will earlier? Yes. But most Americans also delay such decisions. His situation serves as a reminder of the importance of planning for the future.
Throughout his years on television, Fritz helped showcase pieces of history in a fun and engaging way. No lawsuit can erase that. His story may now be linked to legal drama, but his legacy remains in the hearts of those who admired him.
Also Read: How to watch American Pickers Season 25 Episodes? Streaming Guide & Episodes Schedule
