AMERICAN Pickers fans have begged the higher-ups to bring back a fan-favorite cast member.
Last month, season 25 of the highly anticipated antique series premiered – but received low ratings.
4
4
The new season stars Mike Wolfe, 60, his brother, Robbie, 57, and Danielle Colby, 48.
On the official American Pickers Instagram page, they shared a sneak peek at a new episode airing on Wednesday.
In the clip, new full-time co-star Jon Szalay, also known as Jersey Jon, headed out to find fun and unique memorabilia – including children’s toys.
While many fans were in awe of what the star found, others were asking if AP alum Diamond Dave would be returning.
Read More on American Pickers
Diamond Dave was featured on the show from 2019 to 2023 – and watchers want more of him.
In the comments, one viewer asked: “Ahh when are more episodes with Diamond Dave coming out?! big fan!!”
FANS ALSO MISS FRANK
Fans were also missing Frank Fritz, 60, but he is unable to return to the show after suffering a debilitating stroke.
He suffered the stroke in July 2022 and continues to recover today while under conservatorship and guardianship.
The U.S. Sun exclusively revealed Frank is unable to return to the show over one year after suffering the stroke.
A source close to Frank told The U.S. Sun: “The stroke affected his speech, so he really can’t return to the show.
“But you never know, there is always hope one day.”
A second insider told The U.S. Sun: “He can’t come back and film, but the cast and show want him to.”
Frank last appeared on American Pickers in March 2020 before undergoing back surgery.
He was officially let go from the show in 2021 and then suffered a stroke.
Despite the health issue, a friend close to Frank previously told The U.S. Sun they have hope he could return one day in the future.
FANS WANT CHANGE
In the new teaser poster for the 25th season, Mike, Robbie, Danielle, and Jon posed in the back of the antique store’s iconic white van.
Danielle was standing in the van with one hand gripping the top ledge so she could lean out.
Mike and Robbie were both posed sitting on the bumper of the van with one foot resting on the van.
Jersey Jon casually stood next to the van and leaned against the corner while standing next to a grandfather clock and an old map.
Behind the van was an open stretch of road, a sunset, and a barren desert.
However, Fans and critics in the comment section of the social media post had a lot of complaints about the changes made to the show.
One said: “Stop mixing the old with the new episodes. New should be new from start to finish.”
“Not what it once was,” added another.
“Hopefully less ‘best of’ episodes,” wrote a third.
A fan begged: “More toys, less Jersey Jon wood zzzzzzzzz.”
“Jersey is just so annoying! Can’t watch anymore!” complained a fifth.
Meanwhile, new episodes have received low ratings.
VIEWERSHIP SLUMP
The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal ratings for the premiere episode of American Pickers, Classic Car Cemetery, which had just 723,000 viewers.
The second episode of the premiere, Hidden Cash Stash, dropped down to 676,000.
This is the lowest premiere rating in years.
Last year, season 24 started strong with 943,000 fans watching on January 4, 2023.
The premiere for the second half of season 24 on July 5 had 918,000 viewers.
The season 23 premiere on January 1, 2022 reached over a million viewers with 1,050,000 viewers.
The second half of season 23 premiered on July 22, 2022 with 833,000 viewers.
The newest season will run from December 27 until January 31, giving viewers just 10 episodes.
4
4
