Deadliest Catch
Parents say
Based on 12 reviews
Kids say
Based on 9 reviews
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that while this reality series about fishermen on the Bering Sea is educational, there are suspenseful and somewhat scary moments that might frighten younger viewers. The salty seamen are a good-natured, hardworking bunch.
Community Reviews
A few words do slip by
Report this review
Fishing documentary has become a great drama
Report this review
What's the Story?
In the Discovery Channel's reality show/documentary DEADLIEST CATCH, viewers hop aboard several fishing boats as seasoned seamen struggle to make a living hauling fish during King crab season off the coast of Alaska. The captains and crew of five fishing boats are the series' stars. Viewers see -- in excruciating detail -- the risks and rewards involved in crab fishing. For just a few months' work, a successful fisherman can earn enough to support his family all year. But that means braving freezing waters, enormous waves, and bone-chilling temperatures while battling Mother Nature -- and other boats -- to haul the best catch in the least amount of time.
Is It Any Good?
Viewers will get a kick out of watching the fishermen -- many are father/son teams -- navigate the rough seas in search of the crabs. The majority of the men have an intense work ethic and are very dedicated to their craft, a lesson kids can learn from. In their downtime, they horse around on deck, which is sure to draw laughs. Yet there are dramatic moments as well. In one episode, a seaman, fed up with the difficult days spent aboard ship, threatened to jump overboard; meanwhile, one of his colleagues, in an attempt to relieve his stress, flew through the air on a rope and injured himself as he crashed against the side of the boat.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it would be like to be part of the show's crew. Does any part of the fishermen's job/life appeal to you? Why or why not? Are the risks worth it?
How do you develop a good work ethic? Why is it important to finish a job you've committed to?
TV Details
- Premiere date: March 15, 2005
- Cast: Edgar Hansen, Mike Rowe, Phil Harris
- Network: Discovery Channel
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: July 1, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Lobster Wars
Deep-sea rivalry plays out in rough reality show.
-
The Perfect Storm
Scary and sad are the main concerns here.
-
Whale Wars
The intense reality of extreme conservation work.
For kids who love reality TV
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate