Plus, the future of American Pickers revealed

AMERICAN Pickers suffered a ratings drop for the January 1 episode of Season 26 despite Mike Wolfe buying a country legend’s iconic suits worth thousands.

Mike, 60, stars on American Pickers along with Robbie Wolfe, Jon “Jersey” Szalay and Danielle Colby.

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Mike Wolfe trying on Hank Williams Jr.’s suit on the January 1st episode of American PickersCredit: History Channel

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595,000 viewers tuned in to see the iconic suitsCredit: History Channel
On the January 1 episode, Junkyard Jamboree, Mike picked through country singer Hank Williams Jr.’s dazzling suits and clothing items made by iconic designer Nudie Cohn.

Mike purchased a blue and white suit for $7,000 a piece, along with other clothing pieces, as the picker even tried on one of the “incredible” outfits.

Fans flooded Mike’s Instagram comments praising the episode, as one fan wrote, “Wow, what a find.”

A second said, “So rad Mike,” while a third wrote, “That collection was fascinating!”

But The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal the iconic antiques couldn’t save the episode, as only 595,000 fans tuned in.

This is a major drop from last week’s episode with 760,000 viewers.

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Mike dropped $14,000 for both piecesCredit: History Channel

RATINGS SLUMP

The December 11 episode had 676,000 viewers, while the December four episode had 584,000 watch.

There was a surge in viewers for the November 27th episode, as 623,000 viewers tuned in.

The November 20, 2024 episode Surfs, Signs, Savage brought in 521,000 viewers, while the November 13 episode, Picken’ Wall to Wall had 582,000 fans watch.

The November 6, 2024 episode Carnival Cashout had 547,000 viewers.

DIY Delorean, which aired on October 30, brought in the lowest ratings of the season with just 442,000 viewers.

The third episode of Season 26, The Great Razooly, saw a slight surge with 566,000 viewers on October 23.

The second episode of the season, Wolfemen vs. The Automations, brought in just 463,000 people on October 16.

The premiere episode on October 9 brought in 565,000 fans as Mike picked through Evel Knievel memorabilia.

The ratings for Season 26 are drastically low compared to last season.

One of the highest-rated episodes for Season 25 had 966,000 viewers on February 28.

Numbers reached the millions when former host Frank Fritz, who passed away on September 30, 2024, was on the show.

Frank last appeared on American Pickers in March 2020.

FAN REACTION

Fans have been calling for the show’s cancellation during Season 26.

“This show needs to go… cancel this show it’s a husk of what it was,” one fan wrote.

Another said, “It was never good. This show ruined the buying/selling market.”

A third asked, “Will American Pickers continue?”

MORE PICKERS

But The U.S. Sun reported in May 2024 that the series has more seasons left in its contract.

“They’re filming for Season 26, and they have signed on for three more years,” the show insider claimed.

The show also revealed filming will pick back up in February.

“Do you have a unique collection? The Pickers are heading to SOUTH CAROLINA and NORTH CAROLINA this FEBRUARY, ready to dig through rare, unique, and historically rich treasures,” a Facebook post read on the show’s official page.

“They’re searching for private collections filled with fascinating items and captivating stories. If you or someone you know has a hidden gem waiting to be discovered, let us know, we may just find our next big pick!”

Last week, the Antique Archaeology owner posted about the difficulties he faced in 2024 and his excitement for the future.

He said, “I chose this photo to post because this is where I’m at right now in my life, happy, content and excited about the future. This past year has brought loss and some heartache but it also has beautiful moments with my daughter and family.

“The projects that I have thrown myself into have inspired me to do more. Turning 60 this year has centered me and brought me to a place in my mind that I feel at peace and I love that my circle is getting much smaller so I can be present more with the ones I love.

“I’m incredibly blessed for all of your support. For 15 years now we have been able to tell stories and focus on the history, people, and places that continue to bring us all together. I fall in love with America over and over again when I travel.

“There is no such thing as a nobody or a place that is nowhere. Now more the ever let’s seek and find common ground. 2025 We got this!!!”

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Late star Frank Fritz on an episode of American PickersCredit: History Channel

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Mike stars on the show along with Robbie Wolfe, Jon ‘Jersey’ Szalay and Danielle ColbyCredit: YouTube/Samcrac