Mike Wolfe’s Nashville-based antique store, Antique Archaeology, temporarily closed due to construction issues that caused a gas leak.
The store announced the closure earlier this week on social media, apologizing for the inconvenience and promising updates on reopening.
They wrote, “We apologize for the inconvenience! The Nashville store is closed due to a gas leak in the building from construction in the area.
“We will keep everyone updated on when we open back up.
“We look forward to seeing y’all soon and again, apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.”
Thankfully, the issues didn’t last for long and the store reopened on Wednesday, November 27.
Both the Nashville and Iowa stores are closed on Thursday, November 28, for Thanksgiving. They company posted on Instagram, “Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! We’re so thankful for all your support and for being part of this journey with us.
“Both stores are closed today, so take the day to enjoy good food, good company, and time with the ones who matter most.”
American Pickers suffers ratings drop
The store’s temporary closure coincides with declining ratings for American Pickers, according to The Sun.
The November 20 episode titled Surfs, Signs, Savage attracted 521,000 viewers, a decrease from the November 13 episode Pickin’ Wall to Wall, which had 582,000 viewers.
The November 6 episode Carnival Cashout garnered 547,000 viewers, while the October 30 episode DIY Delorean recorded the season’s lowest ratings at 442,000 viewers.
The October 23 episode The Great Razooly saw a slight increase with 566,000 viewers, and the October 16 episode Wolfemen vs. The Automations had 463,000 viewers.
The season premiere on October 9, featuring Evel Knievel memorabilia, attracted 565,000 viewers.
These figures represent a significant decline compared to Season 25, where the premiere episodes drew 723,000 and 676,000 viewers, respectively.
Subsequent episodes saw increases. The January 24 episode reached 948,000 viewers and the February 28 episode peaked at 966,000 viewers. The season finale on March 27 had 832,000 viewers.
American Pickers is the fifth most-watched History channel series
American Pickers ranks as the fifth most-watched series on the History Channel, following Curse of Oak Island, Tales from Oak Island, UnBelievable with Dan Aykroyd, and Mountain Men.
The show’s declining ratings have raised concerns among fans and industry observers.
Some attribute the drop to the absence of former co-host Frank Fritz, who left the show in 2020 due to health issues and passed away in September 2024. His departure and subsequent death have left a noticeable void, with fans expressing that the show isn’t the same without him.
In response to the ratings decline, Mike Wolfe has been actively engaging with fans through social media and in-store promotions. He continues showcasing unique antiques and merchandise. Wolfe looks to maintain interest in the show and his stores.
Additionally, Wolfe has been involved in various projects, including renovating historic properties in Tennessee, reflecting his commitment to preservation and community development.
Just the fact alone that Frank had to be drug free to come back stuck in my craw. That many medical problems he would never be totally off certain drugs. The show shot itself in the foot. Most people hung on watching, waiting to see if Frank was coming back. Without his personality, it wasn’t going to be successful. I quit watching the day he was off, Mike and his brother have dull personality’s and she’s self promoting, wasn’t going to work.
Mike, robbie, jersey and Danielle are all interesting, knowledgeable and interesting. But it’s the characters w h o gave collected all t h at s y off who are the real stars of the show.
All you Wendell whiners about frank can go stuff yourselves. Frank was good but had his own issues and they were personal.
Only reason I watched was for Frankie’s type of humor and personality. I know Frankie wasn’t a big city guy but he could fit right in with us New Yorkers. Miss you buddy
Mike Wolfe enjoyed your show. Hated to hear about Frank. Good to have a sidekick. It’s why I touch base. Need to meet. Never meet a stranger. Known as good storyteller. Some said a good as Jerry Clower an Chill Wills. Extensive knowledge of Remodeling. Construction , etc. So contact me. I’m Gary.
The show isn’t the same without Frank.
It should be cancelled because it lost what made it good.
It’s a cheap version of it’s old self.
Not watchable or likable anymore.
Mike and his new sidekick aren’t worth watching.
No chemistry.
I hope this show gets cancelled.