2 days ago
'American Pickers' Stars Mike and Danielle Reveal New Gigs Amid TV Hiatus
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American Pickers stars Mike Wolfe and Danielle Colby have been keeping busy with other projects amid their hiatus from the show.
Newsweek reached out to Wolfe and Colby's representatives via email for comment on Wednesday.
The Context
American Pickers—a series about collectors in search of antiques—premiered in 2010 and quickly became a History Channel hit. The reality TV show was first led by Wolfe and his childhood friend, Frank Fritz, with Colby working as the office manager at Wolfe's antique store, Antique Archaeology.
In 2021, Fritz left the show, and he died in September 2024 due to complications from a stroke. The program has continued with Wolfe's brother, Rob Wolfe.
(L) Mike Wolfe attends the Ovation VIP Groundbreaking Celebration on October 22, 2014 in Franklin, Tennessee. (R) Danielle Colby attends the Metallica performance during day 2 of Lollapalooza at the Grant Park on August 1,...
(L) Mike Wolfe attends the Ovation VIP Groundbreaking Celebration on October 22, 2014 in Franklin, Tennessee. (R) Danielle Colby attends the Metallica performance during day 2 of Lollapalooza at the Grant Park on August 1, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. Morefor Ovation; Gary Miller/FilmMagic
What To Know
On Monday, Colby—who uses "they" pronouns, according to their Instagram bio—posted an update about their forthcoming burlesque museum, which is set to open on June 21.
"We have our T-shirts in finally, we're just getting those up on the website... I love them, they're great," the burlesque dancer, 49, shared in an Instagram video about the Ecdysiast Arts Museum. "We had to order more because immediately people are wanting them, and we're so happy about that."
They added that they "have some workshops coming," including a flexibility workshop. "Stay tuned!"
According to Merriam-Webster, "ecdysiast" is defined as "stripteaser."
Mike Wolfe has been making use of his other talents, too, recently starring in the 2025 film Day of Reckoning. He also renovated a rental property and announced last month that it's ready to book.
"Two Lanes Guesthouse is officially open in LeClaire, Iowa! Just steps from the mighty Mississippi River and his flagship @antiquearchaeologystore, this cozy house is nestled in the heart of Mike's hometown," a message posted to Two Lanes Guesthouse's Instagram read on May 16.
"It's filled with pieces he's picked all across the country—places with soul, history, and good people. Every item inside has a story, brought together to create a space that feels welcoming, personal, and full of character. It's a stay made for you and all your loved ones—a place to slow down, soak it in, and feel at home."
On May 27, the 61-year-old shared an update on the Esso gas station he bought in Columbia, Tennessee.
"When I purchased this Esso station in downtown Columbia TN, I knew that I was going to need a company that could match my passion and bring this place to life," Mike Wolfe wrote via his Instagram. "@living_exo absolutely nailed my vision and helped me make this ignored space into a spot where the community can gather and enjoy it for years to come. Thank you, @living_exo, y'all are the best!"
In the comments underneath the post, he responded to an Instagram user who asked, "What exactly is it going to be?"
"The tenant is [building] out a place called Revival. It will have food and cocktails," the television personality revealed.
In March, Mike Wolfe announced a hiatus from American Pickers after feeling "overwhelmed with what I'm doing."
"We haven't done that in 15 years, so that's going to feel good. For 15 years, we have just been going and going and going," he told People. "I think we're going to have at least four or five months off, so it's going to be good."
What People Are Saying
On social media, fans shared supportive messages to both Mike Wolfe and Colby about their new gigs.
On Colby:
Instagram user @bubbasmiley2 said of the museum: "So excited!!!! Let's goooooo!"
@ wrote: "I need a shirt! Please take my money!"
@the_crimsonidol posted: "So happy it's turning out so well!"
On Mike Wolfe:
Instagram user @qwk2temper asked about Revival: "We keep driving by, it looks incredible But when is it going to Open!!!!"
In response, Mike Wolfe said: "It's been rented to a place called Revival there [sic] doing the build out right now."
@ronald_e_telners added of the Two Lanes Guesthouse: "Nice!"
What Happens Next
American Pickers Season 27 returns on Wednesday, July 2, at 9 p.m. ET on the History Channel, per Parade.
