How many seasons does ‘American Pickers’ have and where can I watch the show?

The makers of American Pickers have paid tribute to the reality TV show’s longtime former co-host, Frank Fritz, who died aged 60 on Monday.

“We will always remember ‘the bearded charmer’ and his never-ending search for vintage motorcycles and bikes,” a post on American Pickers’ X account said. “Our thoughts are with Frank’s loved ones during this difficult time. He will be deeply missed.”

Death confirmed by American Pickers co-host

Fritz’s death, which came two years after he suffered a stroke, was announced on Tuesday by his former American Pickers co-star Mike Wolfe, who continues to anchor the History Channel programme.

“I’ve known Frank for more than half my life and what you’ve seen on TV has always been what I have seen, a dreamer who was just as sensitive as he was funny,” Wolfe wrote on Instagram. “The same off camera as he was on, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself.”

Per the Associated Press, Fritz’s friend Annette Oberlander has revealed that he passed away at a hospice facility in Davenport, Iowa, having failed to fully recover from the stroke he suffered in summer 2022.

“He was a fierce friend,” Oberlander said. “He leaves behind an incredible amount of friendships because that’s what was most important to him. A very large amount of friendships. Close friendships.”

Fritz a part of long-running show for a decade

With Wolfe, Fritz co-hosted American Pickers for 10 years from its TV debut in January 2010, as the pair criss-crossed the US in search of undiscovered valuable antiques. “The show follows the team as they scour the country for hidden gems in junkyards, basements, garages and barns, meeting quirky characters and hearing their amazing stories,” the series’ official synopsis reads.

Fritz appeared in his final American Pickers episode in March 2020, in the show’s 21st season; since his departure, Wolfe has anchored the programme alongside Danielle Colby, his brother Robbie and ‘Jersey Jon’ Szalay.

Now approaching the 15th anniversary of its first appearance on US small screens, American Pickers has so far amassed 388 episodes across 25 seasons, and is set to return for a 26th run this month.

When does American Pickers season 26 premiere? How can I watch it?

The new season of American Pickers premieres on the History Channel on Wednesday October 9, 2024, at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, before airing on subsequent Wednesdays at the same time. Season 26 episodes will also be made available on the streaming platform Discovery+ the after they air on the History Channel.

If you don’t have cable, you can stream the History Channel on online platforms including DirecTV, Hulu+ Live TV and Sling.

If you want to watch back episodes of American Pickers, your streaming options include Discovery+, Hulu and Hoopla, according to the TV Guide.