You’ve seen the white van. You’ve seen the rust. And if you’ve been watching the History Channel at any point since 2010, you definitely know the guy with the graying hair and the relentless energy for old signs and skeleton keys. Mike Wolfe is the heart of Mike on American Pickers, but honestly, the show looks a lot different today than it did when it first started.
People keep asking if he’s retiring or if the show is dead.
It's not. But it’s definitely in a weird transition phase.
As we roll through 2026, Mike is balancing a legacy that’s been hit by some pretty heavy personal losses and a brand-new solo project that has fans wondering if the original show’s days are numbered. If you’re looking for the guy who used to crawl through spider-infested barns with Frank Fritz, you might be surprised by where he’s at now.
The Reality of American Pickers Without Frank
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Frank Fritz. For years, the chemistry between Mike and Frank was the entire hook. It was the "odd couple" on a road trip. When Frank left in 2020 for back surgery and then never came back, it left a massive hole.
Then came September 2024.
Frank passed away at age 60, and it hit Mike hard. Even though they had a well-documented rift and a period where they didn't speak, they reconciled before the end. Mike was actually holding Frank’s hand when he took his last breath. That kind of loss changes a person, and you can see it in the more recent episodes.
The show has tried to fill the gap with Mike’s brother, Robbie Wolfe, and "Jersey Jon" Szalay. Does it work? Sorta.
Ratings have been a bit of a rollercoaster. While the die-hard fans still tune in, the viewership numbers for American Pickers have seen a steady decline from the millions they used to pull. In late 2025, episodes were averaging around 300,000 to 500,000 viewers—a far cry from the show’s peak. People miss the original duo, and no amount of "rusty gold" seems to replace that nostalgia.
The Big Pivot: History’s Greatest Picks
Mike isn't just sitting around waiting for American Pickers to bounce back, though. He’s actually launched a new series that premiered in February 2026 called History’s Greatest Picks with Mike Wolfe.
This show is a total departure from the "freestyling" van life.
Instead of Mike digging through a literal pile of trash in a barn in South Carolina, he’s in a studio setting. He’s acting more like a curator or a host, presenting the stories of legendary artifacts that other people have found. Think items like Babe Ruth’s jersey or the Mustang from the movie Bullitt.
It’s fast-paced—about eight stories per episode—and uses reenactments and expert interviews. It feels more like a documentary series and less like a reality show. Mike even admitted on social media that he was "excited and nervous" about this "uncharted territory."
Why the Change?
- Burnout: He’s been on the road for over 15 years. That’s a lot of hotel rooms and gas station coffee.
- Scale: This new format lets him talk about world-class treasures that you just don't find in a random Iowa basement.
- Legacy: It’s part of the "HISTORY Honors 250" initiative, leading up to the U.S. semiquincentennial in July 2026.
Shutting Down Antique Archaeology Nashville
In a move that shocked a lot of fans in early 2025, Mike officially closed the doors of his Antique Archaeology store in Nashville.
It had been open for 15 years in the Marathon Village. If you ever went there, you know it was basically a pilgrimage site for fans. But it also got a lot of flak for being "too much of a gift shop" and not having enough actual antiques.
Mike’s reasoning for the closure was pretty human: he wanted to simplify. He’s focusing on his original LeClaire, Iowa, location and his family. He’s been very vocal about the fact that "balance is something we all chase," and managing two massive retail hubs while filming two shows was just too much.
Personal Hurdles and Life in Tennessee
Life hasn’t been all television deals and vintage motorcycles lately. In September 2025, Mike and his long-time girlfriend, Leticia Cline, were involved in a serious car accident in Columbia, Tennessee.
Mike walked away with a broken nose and some stitches, but Leticia was seriously hurt and had to be airlifted to a hospital with a collapsed lung and broken bones.
He’s spent a lot of the last few months by her side during her recovery. This accident, combined with Frank’s death and the closing of the Nashville store, seems to have shifted his perspective. He’s leaning more into his community in Tennessee, where he’s been buying and restoring old buildings to save the "soul" of small towns.
What’s Next for the Original Show?
Is American Pickers canceled?
No. Mike has confirmed that they are still filming and that Season 27 is a go. He still loves the hunt. He still loves the people. But the "road" looks different now. You’ll see more of Danielle Colby taking a lead role in the office and Robbie handling the heavy lifting on the picks.
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The show is becoming more of an ensemble effort rather than just the "Mike and Frank show." It’s a bit more polished, a bit more sentimental, and definitely more focused on the historical significance of the items rather than just the haggle.
How to Keep Up With Mike in 2026
If you’re still a fan of the "rusty gold" lifestyle, here is the best way to stay in the loop without falling for the clickbait "Is he dead?" rumors that plague the internet:
- Watch the New Series: Check out History’s Greatest Picks on the History Channel for a more "expert" look at high-end collectibles.
- Follow the Iowa Shop: The Nashville store is gone, but the LeClaire, Iowa, location is the true home of Antique Archaeology. They still post their latest picks and inventory online.
- Check Instagram: Mike is surprisingly active on social media, often sharing behind-the-scenes clips of his voiceover sessions or his restoration projects in Tennessee.
- Support Local Picks: Mike’s biggest piece of advice has always been to look in your own backyard. Small-town antique malls and estate sales are where the real stories are.
Basically, Mike Wolfe is evolving. He’s gone from a guy with a camera and a dream of "picking" America to a legitimate historian and TV mogul. He’s older, he’s been through some stuff, but he’s still looking for that one-of-a-kind find that tells a story about who we are.
Next Steps for Enthusiasts:
If you're looking to start your own collection or want to see Mike's latest finds, your best bet is to visit the Antique Archaeology website directly. They’ve moved a significant portion of their business to an online marketplace since the Nashville closure, making it easier to snag a piece of "pickers" history without traveling to Iowa. Keep an eye on the History Channel’s Sunday night lineup for the premiere of his newest episodes through the summer of 2026.