“American Pickers” is planning a marathon in honor of the late Frank Fritz – see schedule

History Channel will dedicate another one American pickers Marathon for the main actor Frank Fritz, who died on September 30th at the age of 60. The marathon takes place on Wednesday (October 9) in advance of the premiere of American pickers Season 26 on the same day.

This is the History Channel’s second day of programming dedicated to Fritz since his death. The first took place on October 2nd. The October 9th marathon will take place from 11:00 a.m. ET to 6:00 p.m. ET. A collection of Fritz-centric “Best of” episodes will then air from 6 to 9 p.m. ET. This all leads to the Season 26 premiere at 9/8c. There will also be “In Memoriam” title cards for Fritz at the beginning of select episodes. For the full episode schedule, see the Upcoming Airings section here.

Fritz died on September 30, more than two years after suffering a stroke. He died as a result of the stroke and was in hospice care at the time of his death. Fox News reported on October 2nd. His manager Bill Stankey also confirmed that Fritz suffers from Crohn’s disease, an autoimmune disease.

“We are sad to announce that our friend and beloved member of the History Channel and American pickers “Family, Frank Fritz, passed away on September 30, 2024,” The History Channel and Cineflex Productions said in a joint statement Fox News. “Frank was filming American pickers for over a decade. We will always remember “the bearded charmer” and his never-ending search for vintage motorcycles and bicycles. Our thoughts are with Frank’s loved ones during this difficult time. We will miss him very much.”

Fritz and co-star Mike Wolfe became famous as a result American pickersthat follows antique and collectible hunters as they roam the United States in search of rare artifacts and national treasures to purchase from collectors and sell in their antique shops. It first aired in 2010. Wolfe announced Fritz’s death on social media on October 1st (see post below).

“It is with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night,” Wolfe wrote. “I’ve known Frank for a long time [sic] more than half of my life [sic] And what you saw on TV was always what I saw: a dreamer who was as sensitive as he was funny. Just as he was off camera, Frank had the opportunity to reach the hearts of so many people just by being himself,” Wolfe continued. “Who would have ever thought that we would be sharing the cockpit of a white van in front of millions of people interested in our adventures.”

“Before the show, we set off together to places we never knew existed, with no destination in mind, just a shared passion to discover something interesting and historic,” Wolfe continued. “We have taken countless trips and covered so many miles together and I feel blessed to have been by his side as he made one final journey home. I love you buddy and will miss knowing you so much [sic] in a better place.”

Check out more tributes to Fritz from him American pickers Co-stars here.

American pickersSeason 26 premieres, Wednesday, October 9, 9/8c, History Channel