American Pickers Returns for Season 27 Amid Ratings Slump and Major Changes Behind the Scenes

After facing months of uncertainty, declining ratings, and the heartbreaking loss of former host Frank Fritz, American Pickers is officially returning to the History Channel with Season 27. Filming has wrapped, and fans can expect new episodes to air in fall 2025, according to exclusive sources who spoke with The U.S. Sun.

While the long-running series has certainly seen better days, star Mike Wolfe—who has led the show since its debut in 2010—isn’t ready to throw in the towel just yet. Season 27 will mark a transitional period for American Pickers, as the cast adjusts to life without Fritz and Wolfe prepares to take his longest break from the show in 15 years.

Back on the Road, One More Time

Mike Wolfe, 60, continues to lead the antique-hunting series alongside his brother Robbie Wolfe, longtime fan favorite Danielle Colby, and restorer Jon “Jersey” Szalay. A source close to the production confirmed that the cast recently finished filming in Los Angeles, wrapping up a season that’s expected to premiere later this fall.

“They just got done filming in Los Angeles,” the insider said. “New episodes will come out in the fall.”

The show, which follows the team as they scour the country for rare and valuable collectibles, has been battling low viewership in recent years. According to Nielsen ratings, the October 30, 2024 episode titled DIY Delorean drew just 442,000 viewers—the lowest-rated episode of the season. Even the highest-performing episode, which aired on December 18, 2024, only reached 760,000 viewers. That’s a steep decline from the millions who tuned in when Frank Fritz was still on the show.

Despite the slump, Wolfe has made it clear that the series isn’t ending. Instead, he’s taking a well-earned break to refocus and prioritize his family and personal projects.

A Much-Needed Pause After 15 Years

“For 15 years, we have just been going and going and going,” Wolfe told People Magazine in a recent interview. “I think we’re going to have at least four or five months off, so it’s going to be good.”

This upcoming hiatus will be Wolfe’s longest in the show’s history. A second source close to the production told The U.S. Sun, “He’s got a couple of things he’s doing. He’s coming out with a show at the end of the year. He’s opening up a second vacation rental. He’s going to stay picking. He’s just trying to slow it down and get a little more time for family.”

Wolfe shares a 13-year-old daughter, Charlie, with ex-wife Jodi Faeth, and sources say she’s at the center of his decision to take a step back.

“He wants to focus on family,” the source added. “He’s stretching himself too thin. He’s 60, he wants to slow down and spend more time with his daughter. He has a lot going on.”

Navigating a Post-Fritz Era

One of the show’s biggest challenges has been its attempt to recover after the departure of Frank Fritz in 2020. Fritz, who co-hosted the series with Wolfe for a decade, left amid reported tensions with Mike, health complications, and a struggle with alcohol addiction. In 2022, he suffered a stroke that left him with severe health issues. Tragically, Fritz passed away on September 30, 2024, at the age of 60.

Viewership declined dramatically following his exit, and some fans called for the series to be canceled altogether. “This show needs to go… cancel this show it’s a husk of what it was,” one viewer commented online. Another wrote, “It was never good. This show ruined the buying/selling market.”

Still, the American Pickers team has continued pushing forward. Wolfe has remained vocal about the impact Fritz had on the show and his life, and Season 27 is expected to include a tribute to the late picker.

Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses from the Cast

In recent months, the American Pickers crew has shared behind-the-scenes moments from filming, offering fans a window into life on the road.

In April, Mike posted a photo with Danielle Colby and a collector named Nora, reflecting on their shared passion for collecting. “Her and JP have devoted their lives to their passions and collecting,” he wrote. “Nora’s energy has made such an impact on my life and Danny’s. I can’t wait for you all to meet her.”

In March, Mike also shared a lighthearted photo of himself and Jersey jumping under an umbrella during a shoot, writing, “This is why @jsrestore and I work so well together. He keeps me grounded and I lift him up.”

Jersey and Robbie also posted several updates throughout the spring, confirming active filming and teasing what’s to come.

Beyond Picking: Mike’s Expanding Career and Personal Life

Wolfe isn’t just slowing down—he’s also branching out. He’ll soon host History’s Greatest Picks, a new series he described as a mix of storytelling, archival footage, and reenactments.

“In one hour, we’re going to cover four different stories, so it is about picking,” Wolfe explained.

He also made his acting debut in the independent film A Day of Reckoning, which premiered in March 2025. Wolfe attended the red carpet with his girlfriend, Leticia Cline, a former reality star and fellow vintage enthusiast.

In addition, Wolfe continues to manage several businesses. He owns Antique Archaeology, with one location in his hometown of Le Claire, Iowa, and another in Columbia, Tennessee—though the latter recently closed its doors.

End of an Era: Closing of the Nashville Store

After nearly 15 years of business, the Antique Archaeology store in Nashville officially closed on April 27, 2025. Wolfe announced the closure via a heartfelt Instagram post.

“This place has meant the world to me — not just the brick and mortar, but the people,” Wolfe wrote. “But sometimes, even when something is good, you have to pause and ask yourself where your time is going — and where your heart is calling you next.”

He concluded the message by reassuring fans that he isn’t stepping away entirely: “I’ll still be picking, sharing, and selling online and at our original Le Claire, Iowa store. This isn’t goodbye — it’s just a new rhythm.”

Employees reportedly received little notice before the closure. Staff in Nashville were informed just one day before the public announcement, while those in Iowa were told a week prior. On the final day, Wolfe appeared visibly emotional, wiping away tears as he said goodbye to fans and thanked them for years of support.

The decision followed months of criticism from customers over high prices and a growing emphasis on merchandise rather than antiques.

Looking Ahead

Despite a tough few years, American Pickers is pressing on—leaning into its roots while adapting to the realities of its aging cast and shifting audience. Season 27 will be a pivotal one: part tribute, part evolution, and possibly a farewell to the frenetic pace that has defined the series for over a decade.

Mike Wolfe, ever the resilient picker, seems ready for this next chapter. Whether he’s behind the camera, on the road, or spending more time at home with his daughter, one thing is clear—his passion for storytelling and antiques hasn’t faded. It’s just finding a new rhythm.