Mike Wolfe Update: New Show, Frank Fritz Tribute & Divorce
If you’ve been following American Pickers, you’ve seen a lot change: Mike Wolfe is still on the road picking but now also hosts a new History Channel series while navigating the loss of his longtime co-host Frank Fritz. This update covers his new show, the legacy of his late partner, and the personal turns his life has taken since 2020.
TV series: American Pickers (since 2010) ·
Net worth: $7 million (estimated) ·
Spouses: 2 marriages ·
New show: History’s Greatest Picks (2026) ·
Co-star: Frank Fritz (died 2024)
Quick snapshot
- Exact reasons for the divorce (neither party has detailed them publicly)
- Whether Wolfe is currently dating anyone
- Nature of Wolfe’s health (no verified illness reports)
- 2010: American Pickers premieres
- 2020: Fritz leaves show; Wolfe divorces
- 2024: Fritz dies
- February 2026: History’s Greatest Picks debuts
- American Pickers continues filming; new season airs after Fritz tribute marathon in October 2025
- Wolfe’s solo show expands his role on the network
- Antique Archaeology remains open in Nashville and Iowa
Eight key facts about Mike Wolfe, drawn from recent coverage:
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mike Wolfe |
| Born | June 11, 1964 |
| Famous For | American Pickers (History Channel) |
| Net Worth | $7 million (estimated) |
| Marriages | 2 (Jodi Faeth, divorced 2020) |
| Children | 1 daughter, Charlie |
| Siblings | Robbie Wolfe (brother) |
| New Show | History’s Greatest Picks (2026) |
What has happened to Mike Wolfe?
Mike Wolfe’s new History Channel series
In February 2026, Wolfe premiered History’s Greatest Picks with Mike Wolfe, a solo project that focuses on the stories behind legendary antiques. The series debuted on Sunday, February 22, at 9 p.m. ET on the History Channel, according to People (celebrity news magazine). Wolfe told the outlet that the show is “not just about the items, but the people and the history behind them.”
The passing of Frank Fritz
Frank Fritz, Wolfe’s co-host on American Pickers for a decade, died on September 30, 2024, at age 60. The cause was complications from a stroke, as reported by People. Wolfe said the timing of his new show’s premiere — just over a year after Fritz’s death — felt significant. “I owe him so much,” Wolfe told Yahoo Entertainment (news platform).
The implication: Wolfe’s latest chapter is inseparable from the partnership that launched his career. That loss frames every move he makes now.
What happened to Mike on American Pickers?
Changes in the show’s cast
After Fritz left American Pickers in 2020 due to health issues, Wolfe continued with his brother Robbie Wolfe and longtime cast member Danielle Colby. Robbie had already been appearing as a picker and became a regular. In 2024, Fritz made a brief return appearance before his death, according to Fox News (news network).
Frank Fritz’s departure and return
Wolfe has publicly said that Fritz’s struggles with addiction created distance between them, a claim confirmed by TV Insider (entertainment trade). But Wolfe emphasized their bond: “We loved each other.” The History Channel honored Fritz with a marathon on October 9, 2025, ahead of the Season 26 premiere, as reported by IMDb News (film industry database).
The pattern: The show’s cast has permanently shrunk, but Wolfe has kept the road open by pivoting to solo hosting.
What does Mike Wolfe do now?
Hosting ‘History’s Greatest Picks’
Wolfe’s new series is a solo venture where he travels to explore iconic antiques and the stories behind them. Parade (lifestyle magazine) confirmed the February 22, 2026 debut. Fox News described it as a show about “the stories behind some of the nation’s most legendary antiques and collectibles.”
Running Antique Archaeology
Wolfe still operates Antique Archaeology, with locations in Nashville, Tennessee, and Le Claire, Iowa. He also maintains an active presence on Instagram and Facebook, where he posts new picks and motorcycle road trips. According to IMDb News (citing The U.S. Sun), Wolfe said American Pickers was still filming in March 2026 and would continue until June before resuming in January.
The trade-off: Wolfe now carries two shows — one a tribute to his past, one a bet on his future. He’s betting his audience will follow him into the archive.
Timeline: Mike Wolfe’s career and personal milestones
- 2010 – American Pickers premieres on History Channel with Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz. TV Insider
- 2015 – Wolfe marries Jodi Faeth. Celebrity Net Worth
- 2018 – Daughter Charlie is born. Parade
- 2020 – Frank Fritz leaves the show; Wolfe divorces Faeth. People
- September 30, 2024 – Frank Fritz dies at age 60. Yahoo Entertainment
- October 2025 – History Channel airs a Fritz tribute marathon. IMDb News
- February 22, 2026 – History’s Greatest Picks with Mike Wolfe premieres. Fox News
Confirmed facts versus what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- Mike Wolfe divorced Jodi Faeth in 2020 after 10 years of marriage (People).
- Frank Fritz died in 2024 (People).
- Wolfe launched a new History Channel series in 2026 (People).
- Wolfe’s brother Robbie Wolfe appears on American Pickers (Fox News).
- Wolfe’s net worth is approximately $7 million per multiple sources (Celebrity Net Worth).
What’s unclear
- Exact reasons for the divorce (neither party detailed publicly).
- Whether Wolfe is currently dating anyone.
- Nature of Wolfe’s health — no verified illness report exists.
- Whether History’s Greatest Picks will be renewed beyond its first season.
“He never doubted the dream. And honestly, I owe him so much for that.”
— Mike Wolfe, speaking about Frank Fritz, as told to People
“We loved each other. That was real. The feud stuff? That was just the addiction.”
— Mike Wolfe on the Fritz relationship, as told to Fox News
Wolfe’s new show is his bid to stay on the network that made him, but it also cements a sobering reality: the original duo that defined American Pickers is gone. For the audience that grew up with Mike and Frank, watching Wolfe go solo means accepting that one of TV’s most endearing buddy acts has become a solo act.
With American Pickers still filming and a new season coming, Wolfe is effectively running two series. He’s betting that viewers who loved the chemistry with Fritz will also follow him into a more museum-like format. The risk: whether the audience will embrace a scripted-history spin on the picking concept.
Why did Mike Wolfe’s wife leave him?
Mike Wolfe divorced Jodi Faeth in 2020 after 10 years of marriage. The couple cited irreconcilable differences, but neither has detailed the exact reasons publicly (People).
Who is Mike Wolfe’s partner now?
As of early 2026, Mike Wolfe has not publicly announced a new partner. He was previously married to Jodi Faeth and has one daughter, Charlie. Wolfe has not been linked to anyone since the divorce (Celebrity Net Worth).
How many times has Mike Wolfe been married?
Mike Wolfe has been married twice. His first marriage was to Jodi Faeth, which ended in divorce in 2020. He has not remarried since (Fox News).
Is Mike Wolfe ill?
No credible reports indicate that Mike Wolfe is ill. Rumors of a stroke likely stem from Frank Fritz’s health issues. Wolfe remains active, filming both of his shows (IMDb News).
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Fans interested in Mike Wolfes recent projects can find a comprehensive overview of his new series and personal updates.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mike Wolfe still on American Pickers?
Yes. Mike Wolfe continues to host and produce American Pickers. The show is still filming new episodes as of March 2026, according to Wolfe himself (IMDb News).
Did Mike Wolfe have a stroke?
No credible reports indicate that Mike Wolfe has suffered a stroke. That rumor seems to have stemmed from Frank Fritz’s stroke in 2024, which led to his death.
What happened to Mike Wolfe’s brother?
Robbie Wolfe, Mike’s younger brother, is alive and well. He appears regularly on American Pickers as a picker and is part of the show’s cast.
How much does Mike Wolfe earn per episode?
Exact per-episode earnings are not publicly disclosed. Multiple sources estimate his net worth at $7 million, with an annual income of roughly $500,000 from the show and related ventures.
Where does Mike Wolfe live now?
Wolfe splits time between his home in Tennessee and his Iowa roots. He maintains Antique Archaeology stores in Nashville and Le Claire.
Is Mike Wolfe married?
No. Mike Wolfe divorced Jodi Faeth in 2020. As of early 2026, he has not remarried and has not publicly announced a new partner.
What is Mike Wolfe’s new show about?
History’s Greatest Picks with Mike Wolfe explores the stories behind iconic historical artifacts. It premiered on February 22, 2026, on the History Channel.
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