Deadliest catch is based on the real life drama aboard a series of crabfishing boats in Alaska, i never knew how they got onto my plate till iI watched an episode of this show, the crewmen are amazing at doing their job, it is full of what will happen next?, and the action, and the beating the crew gets by storms and the occasional greenhorn pranks keep me hooked to this show all put together expertly narrated by Mike Rowe. My only problem i have is phil who you cannot understande because he is always swearing all you can hear are beeps(sort of like ozzy osbourne) But he is one hell of a captain, Whether it is grinding through ice with a ship that wasn't built for doing that kind of work or rescuing people overboard all the ships deserve our respect for their labor to catch these crabs nearly without fear of drowning or dying some awful death.
46 Reviews
Still entertaining, but some of the edge is gone
orca99usa1 August 2013
Warning: Spoilers
This review contains reported analysis of some of the story lines in Deadliest Catch that may not be as they have been presented to be.
I have been a big fan of this show from the beginning. Even with the relative sameness of the fishing part of the series, the personal situations and the adversity the crews face with mechanical problems, injuries, fatigue, the weather and the sea keeps it entertaining. More bothersome is the license that Discovery has apparently started to take with this supposedly most realistic of their reality shows. While some things cannot be staged, I have read reports that the network has begun manipulating story lines for entertainment purposes (or perhaps they always have, and we are just now finding out about it).
A couple of examples: DC reported that Captain Elliot Neese was fired from the Ramblin' Rose after last season and that he bought his own boat, the Saga. There are just two problems with this: The head of the company that owns the Ramblin' Rose describes Elliot as "a fine young man" and a "very capable" captain (just the opposite of how he is portrayed on the show). It has also come out that not only was Ellot not fired from the Ramblin' Rose, the company who owns the RR is also the registered owner of the Saga - not Elliot. He was given the Saga to run because it is considered to be a better boat than the RR. So much for the "new boat owner".
In an episode earlier this season it was reported that Elliot told his crew not to knock ice off the Saga as it began listing to one side. As the story goes, the crew ignored his instructions and deiced the boat anyway. First of all, if there is enough ice on a boat to make it list, no captain is going to order his crew not to take an action that might prevent it from capsizing. Second, it also came to light that the footage that supposedly shows Elliot's crew defying his orders was shot during a previous episode and it was spliced in to fit the fabricated story.
There have also been rumors that some of the conflicts aboard the boats are orchestrated for television, and that some of the dialog in the wheelhouses with the captains, instead of being spontaneous and real, is in fact scripted and may be shot in more than one take. Given all of this, I also have to wonder about the portrayal of the personal drama of Elliot Neese of the Saga and his multiple girlfriends, and of Scott "Junior" Campbell of the Seabrooke as a double-crossing liar who enters into alliances with other captains and then betrays their trust.
Discovery used to be a network I could count on for scientifically solid, entertaining television. They are rapidly becoming the television equivalent of the trash tabloids you see at the grocery store checkout line (maybe their next series will tell us that space aliens really did visit the President at the White House). They are neck deep in dubious reality shows. They have developed all variety of "monster" shows with various groups chasing creatures that probably don't exist, and now they feel the need to lie about what is going on aboard the crab boats. I guess that the Bering Sea just isn't exciting enough anymore.
I have been a big fan of this show from the beginning. Even with the relative sameness of the fishing part of the series, the personal situations and the adversity the crews face with mechanical problems, injuries, fatigue, the weather and the sea keeps it entertaining. More bothersome is the license that Discovery has apparently started to take with this supposedly most realistic of their reality shows. While some things cannot be staged, I have read reports that the network has begun manipulating story lines for entertainment purposes (or perhaps they always have, and we are just now finding out about it).
A couple of examples: DC reported that Captain Elliot Neese was fired from the Ramblin' Rose after last season and that he bought his own boat, the Saga. There are just two problems with this: The head of the company that owns the Ramblin' Rose describes Elliot as "a fine young man" and a "very capable" captain (just the opposite of how he is portrayed on the show). It has also come out that not only was Ellot not fired from the Ramblin' Rose, the company who owns the RR is also the registered owner of the Saga - not Elliot. He was given the Saga to run because it is considered to be a better boat than the RR. So much for the "new boat owner".
In an episode earlier this season it was reported that Elliot told his crew not to knock ice off the Saga as it began listing to one side. As the story goes, the crew ignored his instructions and deiced the boat anyway. First of all, if there is enough ice on a boat to make it list, no captain is going to order his crew not to take an action that might prevent it from capsizing. Second, it also came to light that the footage that supposedly shows Elliot's crew defying his orders was shot during a previous episode and it was spliced in to fit the fabricated story.
There have also been rumors that some of the conflicts aboard the boats are orchestrated for television, and that some of the dialog in the wheelhouses with the captains, instead of being spontaneous and real, is in fact scripted and may be shot in more than one take. Given all of this, I also have to wonder about the portrayal of the personal drama of Elliot Neese of the Saga and his multiple girlfriends, and of Scott "Junior" Campbell of the Seabrooke as a double-crossing liar who enters into alliances with other captains and then betrays their trust.
Discovery used to be a network I could count on for scientifically solid, entertaining television. They are rapidly becoming the television equivalent of the trash tabloids you see at the grocery store checkout line (maybe their next series will tell us that space aliens really did visit the President at the White House). They are neck deep in dubious reality shows. They have developed all variety of "monster" shows with various groups chasing creatures that probably don't exist, and now they feel the need to lie about what is going on aboard the crab boats. I guess that the Bering Sea just isn't exciting enough anymore.
Jake Anderson and the Saga
dongriffith-0876528 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
This contains spoiler.
I really enjoy the show,until I have to watch Captain Jake of the Saga.
It seems to me he has no people skills required to be a captain.All the temper tantrums,Screaming,cussing, and simply degrading his crew.
He absolutely ruins the episode.
Is it just me???
I really enjoy the show,until I have to watch Captain Jake of the Saga.
It seems to me he has no people skills required to be a captain.All the temper tantrums,Screaming,cussing, and simply degrading his crew.
He absolutely ruins the episode.
Is it just me???
So THIS is why Alaskan Crab costs so much!
wtbe756021 May 2005
"Deadliest Catch" is the latest offering from the Discovery Channel, and a welcome diversion from their seemingly non-stop "Monster" car or bike building shows. "Catch" follows the crews of several crab boats as they and the rest of the fleet rush to catch as many crab as possible in the ever-shortening Alaskan crab season. The show gives you an in-depth view of the trouble the crew faces doing everyday tasks, like baiting and dropping crab pots, and how these tasks are made harder by the unforgiving Bering Sea. We see everyone from the "greenhorns" (rookies) to the "old salts" and the danger they face every day. As evidence of this, as Discovery was filming one boat sank and another lost a crewman overboard, totaling six deaths in the first episode of the Opilio season. Next time you sit down at Red Lobster and wonder why Alaskan Crab Legs are so much, tune in to Discovery and see why they are worth every penny.
Highly Addictive
H_Spengler25 April 2007
I never really watched this series and paid any attention to it until about a month ago when Discovery debated their "Planet Earth" series, and this was on afterwords.
This is the kind of show that sucks you in so far you don't even realize you've been tensely waiting to see what happens next, and the great part is, you least expect it. A highly addicting show as you see the struggles, hours and long shift these brave men throw forward in order to meet their quota of crab. (They're braver than I am, I hate the cold.)You also get to know the crew and the different personalities. As serious and dangerous as a job as this is it's nice to see the lightened mood, and the subtle pranks played on each other, and the pots of other boats. This beats the heck out of tired reality shows with rich has been celebrities wining about everything and anything (never watched them anyhow). If you want to see real people, and exciting situations, I highly suggest this show! 10/10.
Discovery channel makes more of a fan out of me each year, first "Mythbusters", "Dirty Jobs" and the occasional mini series event (ie: "Planet Earth") The Medical Mystery programs are also fascinating.
This is the kind of show that sucks you in so far you don't even realize you've been tensely waiting to see what happens next, and the great part is, you least expect it. A highly addicting show as you see the struggles, hours and long shift these brave men throw forward in order to meet their quota of crab. (They're braver than I am, I hate the cold.)You also get to know the crew and the different personalities. As serious and dangerous as a job as this is it's nice to see the lightened mood, and the subtle pranks played on each other, and the pots of other boats. This beats the heck out of tired reality shows with rich has been celebrities wining about everything and anything (never watched them anyhow). If you want to see real people, and exciting situations, I highly suggest this show! 10/10.
Discovery channel makes more of a fan out of me each year, first "Mythbusters", "Dirty Jobs" and the occasional mini series event (ie: "Planet Earth") The Medical Mystery programs are also fascinating.
Inspiring even to a farmer in Crete, Greece !!!!!
bruce_files_317 July 2007
This series is an honor to all those hard working men and women everywhere around the world, in or out of the sea, that have to push themselves to the limit to make it every single day.
Crab-fishing works as a fine "wagon" to carry all the agony, effort, mental and physical exhaustion some (the most) of the people around the world face to make their living.
The two-three weeks of fishing period at a time sums in a decent way the farmers' (for example) whole season before and during the harvest. And that is why its an interesting and enjoyable as tragic too, show to watch. Its compact, always about something new (besides the fact that is about crab fishing!), keeping a good pace, and keeps the viewer on the edge since everything changes as the parameters of the fishing do.
I am sure, those captains, are making many hard working men/women proud, since they are letting the rest of the world see what it takes for some people to bring bread (and crab!) on the table.
Very inspiring indeed! Thank you Captains....and in case you are reading this, "Good Luck" !!!!
PS: Don't miss the great documentary "4 Elements". Search it in here for more details.
Crab-fishing works as a fine "wagon" to carry all the agony, effort, mental and physical exhaustion some (the most) of the people around the world face to make their living.
The two-three weeks of fishing period at a time sums in a decent way the farmers' (for example) whole season before and during the harvest. And that is why its an interesting and enjoyable as tragic too, show to watch. Its compact, always about something new (besides the fact that is about crab fishing!), keeping a good pace, and keeps the viewer on the edge since everything changes as the parameters of the fishing do.
I am sure, those captains, are making many hard working men/women proud, since they are letting the rest of the world see what it takes for some people to bring bread (and crab!) on the table.
Very inspiring indeed! Thank you Captains....and in case you are reading this, "Good Luck" !!!!
PS: Don't miss the great documentary "4 Elements". Search it in here for more details.
I don't know what to call this.
floydtaylor7 June 2006
Is this a documentary? Is this reality TV? I don't know, but I do know to call it addictive. What these men go through to put seafood on our plate is amazing. This is especially true during Opie season -- fishing on the Bering Sea, always one of the most dangerous waterways in the world, but doing it in January. Crabbing in 40-50 foot waves, temperatures near or below zero, winds 30 MPH+, ice on the deck, swinging 800 pound pots, to say nothing of the nasty claw-wielding crabs. These guys deserve our gratitude for risking it all to put the seafood we love on our table. Our entire family has Tuesdays as must-see-TV. We couldn't wait to buy the season 1 DVDs and now we are looking forward to season 2 being available soon. This is one of the best shows on one of the best networks on TV. Thank you Discovery Channel.
More and more compelling each season
mikewilson41626 July 2010
Warning: Spoilers
I first started watching this show a couple of years back, around 2007. Initially I watched it with a sense of amazement about what these people went through weather and working condition wise in order to make a living. As I got sucked in and watched the show develop over the ensuing seasons it has become, in my opinion, one of the most gripping a riveting shows on TV. The personalities of the different boats, the conflict between the crew members on the different boats where they are stuck together for weeks and months in a violently rolling, pitching prison became an even more compelling reason to watch the show. The savage Alaskan weather and stark scenery that I originally watched the show for started to take a back seat to the people involved. Finally with this latest season (written mid 2010) and the death of Captain Phil so poignantly and tastefully documented, along with some other serious problems for other boats and crews, this show has become the most heartfelt, compelling thing I can find to watch. I eagerly await each Tuesday night for the latest instalment. THIS is what reality TV should be, other networks take note.
starts off slow,becomes interesting
disdressed1229 May 2007
starting off,i was not impressed with this reality series.the first episode starts off slower than molasses uphill in January.eventually it picks up.the second episode is much better,as we get into the action much quicker.the show is interesting,showing what the crab fishermen go through and how grueling it is.it also shows how dangerous it is.apparently there is an almost 100 percent injury rate and a very strong risk of death or permanent injury.it is obviously very dangerous.however,some of these crab fishermen could make enough money in weeks or less to live for an entire year.in any event the show is amusing, entertaining and sad all at once.i would give "Deadliest Catch:Crab Fishing in Alaska" 3/5
By far my favorite Reality show!
PhillipChafin5 May 2014
Warning: Spoilers
While I love to catch a good reality television show that isn't based solely on greediness or obsessions with getting famous, this show is one of the few I record and watch regularly.
Not only is it "real" reality it is a very dangerous job not only for the crabbers but also for the production crews. While I am sure some things are played up for the benefit of luring people into the show I can say from watching since the series began that I have truly enjoyed this show and hope it stays on the air for many more years.
It is truly amazing how much money the boats, captains and crews take home after such a short time. If I didn't have a family and job I would be up there trying to get onto one of those boats to see if I have what it takes to be an Alaskan Crabber. RIP Captain Phil!
Not only is it "real" reality it is a very dangerous job not only for the crabbers but also for the production crews. While I am sure some things are played up for the benefit of luring people into the show I can say from watching since the series began that I have truly enjoyed this show and hope it stays on the air for many more years.
It is truly amazing how much money the boats, captains and crews take home after such a short time. If I didn't have a family and job I would be up there trying to get onto one of those boats to see if I have what it takes to be an Alaskan Crabber. RIP Captain Phil!
Great show while it lasted but it's time to pull the plug
ericsmartens26 March 2017
Warning: Spoilers
This was and still is my favorite show on television but I may stop watching with the Cornelia Marie not being shown on this upcoming season and the Time Bandit not being shown after this season. In my opinion season 12 should have been the last season. The producers managed to keep it interesting through the first 10 or 11 seasons but season 12 was boooooring. You can only do so much with guys catching crab before it becomes the same recycled story lines over and over again.
With that being said I probably would continue watching if the Cornelia Marie was being shown on this upcoming season because I wanted to see Josh Harris continue to grow and become the sole captain of the CM. That would have been the ultimate revenge to Derrick Ray who said that he would never be a captain on the Bering Sea. I also wanted to see if Jake Harris and Elliott Neese would return but from what I hear that's not in the cards.
With that being said I probably would continue watching if the Cornelia Marie was being shown on this upcoming season because I wanted to see Josh Harris continue to grow and become the sole captain of the CM. That would have been the ultimate revenge to Derrick Ray who said that he would never be a captain on the Bering Sea. I also wanted to see if Jake Harris and Elliott Neese would return but from what I hear that's not in the cards.
A good show is ruined
oluckyme15 May 2019
We used to really like this show and have watched it for many years. But season 15 sucks. They've ruined it. Crappy music playing in spots over the action. And those awful "Oprah for Fisherman" sections where all they do is sit around and blah, blah, blah.
The show has gone from one of our favorites to one that we may just stop recording. We have not made it through the end of the last few episodes and don't even really look forward to it anymore the way we used to.
I don't know if it's a new director or producer. But once we delete the recording, which will be very soon, there will be no going back.
The show has gone from one of our favorites to one that we may just stop recording. We have not made it through the end of the last few episodes and don't even really look forward to it anymore the way we used to.
I don't know if it's a new director or producer. But once we delete the recording, which will be very soon, there will be no going back.
Highly addictive.
diroffers28 November 2005
This 10-part series came out about a year after "America's Deadliest Season." It is interesting how the profession is presented in so many different perspectives - from the captains, the crews, and the greenhorns (rookies). Of particular interest are the traditions and superstitions of the various crews. You will be drawn in and will find yourself so concerned about a ship that has gone down or about an injured deckhand, that you almost have to keep watching just to find out how things turn out. You will find yourself rooting for your favorite boat as the crab counts come in.
Once again, we get to follow the dangerous lives of fishermen hunting for Alaskan Crab. You get to see a first-hand account of several boats journeying hundreds of miles from the beautiful Aleutian Islands into the unpredictably treacherous waters of the Bering Sea. These brave men demonstrate unbelievable endurance as they fish non-stop (day and night). They fish "derby style," which means every boat is competing to catch as much as possible in a fixed amount of time. They hope to earn up to a year's worth of salary in one week in what some call America's last great Gold Rush.
This series has the potential to appeal to a broad audience - whether the taste is for action, adventure, sport, drama, documentary, or reality. My friends and family (or even myself) could not understand why a series about crab fishing would be so intriguing, yet anyone who has ever been around while an episode was on always ended up planted on the couch until it ended.
Once again, we get to follow the dangerous lives of fishermen hunting for Alaskan Crab. You get to see a first-hand account of several boats journeying hundreds of miles from the beautiful Aleutian Islands into the unpredictably treacherous waters of the Bering Sea. These brave men demonstrate unbelievable endurance as they fish non-stop (day and night). They fish "derby style," which means every boat is competing to catch as much as possible in a fixed amount of time. They hope to earn up to a year's worth of salary in one week in what some call America's last great Gold Rush.
This series has the potential to appeal to a broad audience - whether the taste is for action, adventure, sport, drama, documentary, or reality. My friends and family (or even myself) could not understand why a series about crab fishing would be so intriguing, yet anyone who has ever been around while an episode was on always ended up planted on the couch until it ended.
Great Show !!!
donbeirut18 August 2020
Jack seriously needs to get off show
Pistol21920 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Jack is literally the worst captain or wannabee captain on the show. He has zero respect for everyone. And again, he acts like the Boat is his and all the gear. All he brought was daddys quota.
The way Harley is a but more calm with Sig, granted it was bad form sig taking his pots but the way jack came on radio. He's a Radio Warrior tough guy, thats all.
Dude will never be able to captain a boat successfully.
He just has the worst attitude.
The show is getting more and more scripted its getting to just become annoying.
Hopefully they will get back Cornelia Marie and just keep the OG captains. Get rid if the Alaskan or Alusian Lady whatever its called and get ride of Jack and Harley boat. Harley doesn't seem too bad but still. Show is getting stail.
The way Harley is a but more calm with Sig, granted it was bad form sig taking his pots but the way jack came on radio. He's a Radio Warrior tough guy, thats all.
Dude will never be able to captain a boat successfully.
He just has the worst attitude.
The show is getting more and more scripted its getting to just become annoying.
Hopefully they will get back Cornelia Marie and just keep the OG captains. Get rid if the Alaskan or Alusian Lady whatever its called and get ride of Jack and Harley boat. Harley doesn't seem too bad but still. Show is getting stail.
Superb. Brilliant. Fantastic.
joel-h-524066 July 2016
A truly awe inspiring glimpse into the lives of the brave fisherpeople who risk their lives so that we may eat their bounty. When I first heard about this show, I remember saying "no way. Why on earth would I want to watch a show about crab fishing." It sounded dreadful. Utterly utterly horrible. A complete waste of time. But then I gave it a try. "Why not? YOLO" I remember saying. I've never looked back! I can confidently say that that decision was my GREATEST decisions in my entire T.V watching life. Even more than my decision to watch breaking bad! The danger of the Bering sea coupled with the sheer camaraderie between the brave crabbers on the boat really draws you in. The grit and determination the people have on the show have inspired me in my own life. Last year after watching every episode back to back I finally got the courage to leave my house. I had been living in fear of the outside world for much of my life until the heroes on this show gave me the kick up the behind that I needed. Their courage gave me courage. Thank you brave men of the Bering sea. Thank you for my life.
Now this is a reality show
hcasale-6830322 September 2021
The one and only actual reality show. It's real life for these guys. If the boats go down the crew and camera guys go down with it. Some is scripted obviously, but there's no getting around the fact that they're on the Bering Sea in the winter. Not for the faint of heart. Great show.
Advice for Sig
brianjosephmarr8 August 2014
Sig, I'm sick you dissing on your little brother Edgar. Seriously, who do you think you are judging him so harshly. I hope Edgar has no regrets for himself, and no guilt from all the smack you give him. You only walk this planet once with your brothers, so treat them with the love they deserve from a brother. At any rate I seriously wanted to puke when you started giving Edgar BS in the wheel room when he told you had to leave to have a hernia repair. Sig you are a genuine *rick and I mean that with hyphenated length. I think Sig is jealous because Edgar is way better looking than he is. The only play Sig could get is Rosie Palmer, otherwise he may have missed the boat on occasion too.
Short Ride,
Enjoy
Short Ride,
Enjoy
Great documentary
abogasieru21 September 2016
I start watching to this reality show last year, from time to time and I was amazed about the danger, hard work and dedication put from all these fisherman.. but this year I started to watch it again season by season and episode by episode and still I consider it extremely dangerous, captivating and addictive. You need to have stomach, be strong mentally, to work like a dog, so every time you eat some crab you appreciate all the effort so you can just eat it, because you know the route of the catching. Adrenalin, tragedy, drama, dead people, or in danger, this reality has it all. I am sorry for captain Phil Harris, he was very involved and good captain.
What happened to this show?
quockquock12 April 2023
I have watched this show for almost two decades, but the last few seasons are highly lacking in quality. The show seems very scripted and just fake these days. Six cameras/angles catching one "random" event. Fake arguments, fake tears etc. Are we to believe a 40 year veteran of the sea is going to be crying on the set during an interview? Almost every episode has a tense crisis about engine failure, injury, no product to be found, and yet by the end of each episode there is cheery music, smiles, laughing, high fives and all the drama magically just disappears. Can't we just see the real thing and not this poorly acted out, scripted drivel?
I swear to god !!
sagacruises7 June 2018
If josh Harris pulls another, this is for my dad or im the only harris, this is what my dad wanted again, im done .. its getting old as hell.
I love the series and have followed it from the start, but he is more annoying then a mother in law on steroids, no joke.
keep up the good work, just dont give him camera time, please !!
be safe !
keep up the good work, just dont give him camera time, please !!
be safe !
It kept my interest for a few seasons. Great show
penguinmartim15 August 2023
I would watch this show every week when I was 13 until I graduated HS. Sometimes it got stupid with drama. Like cmon, you people are twice, maybe 3 times my age. I loved the Time Bandit, and wanted to throw hands the younger son on the CM. Sig was tolerable. Keith was funny. I can't remember what was happening on the show when I first tuned in. I think it was during or after the original Cornelia Marie skipper, Phil Harris, passed away. I couldn't imagine losing a parent like that. I also loved the Wizard v Time Bandit friendly rivalry, and the family connections on the Wizard, the Time Bandit, and the NW.
Immersing and addictive
ejimie14 January 2020
One of my favorite shows all time. I just starting watching the show a couple of months ago and have been binge watching in amazement. The cameramen do a great job, the scenery is beautiful, the characters are interesting and lovable and the narration is great. I'm surprised there are only 24 reviews in the 15 yrs the show has been around, Imdb is one of favorite websites as well. I discovered the show on Hulu, seasons 9-13 and bought most of the other seasons on Amazon Prime. Would highly recommend Deadliest Catch.
Deadliest catch: Americas greatest documentary (10 years ago)
tedsmithellis21 July 2023
Deadliest catch is by far and away one of my favorite TV shows ever. The gritty realism of the show mixed with the danger and excitement of the fishing industry create and extremely exciting and interesting. That was until the show hit around season 9. Deadliest catch began as a documentary, it gained major popularity as a documentary, yet for some reason after season 9 the show began to change, it changed into what it is today which is a soulless scripted reality tv show. I adore this show, i love the northwestern and sig, i love john and the time bandit but what I don't love is the scripting, What made me fall in love with deadliest catch was the fact that it was all real, these were real people doing real jobs with some cameras dotted around the place, unfortunately as you go further into the show it becomes less and less like a documentary, the actual fishing is diminished to a side role as drama between captains and scripted breakdowns take the main stage, if the show wishes to regain its former glory it needs to cut the scripting and return to its documentary genesis. Do i recommend deadliest catch? Yes most definitely i do, but only the first 10 seasons.
This is the best show ever
rcsmith-325118 April 2022
April 7th 2022..
I just watched an episode with Johnathon helping Josh....and I know this is pre recorded but at this moment I needed to know that there is humanity in people. I lost faith in them...it's been 5 yrs since I seen this show. I pray that we have those olds souls in the future..because I'm scared at the future I see in front of me. May I add I'm an old soul. It isn't because we are old we were just taught the old ways. God bless you guys...
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