Parents' Guide to

Deadliest Catch

By Lucy Maher, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 11+

Action-packed reality show OK for older tweens and up.

TV Discovery Channel Reality TV 2005
Deadliest Catch Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

See all
age 9+

Based on 7 parent reviews

Mom-of-Two
Mom-of-Two Parent of 5 and 10-year-old
January 29, 2014
age 10+

A few words do slip by

I was led to believe by all the other reviews that all the language was beeped out, but a few words make it through. Such as pi** and d*mn. My sons do not normally hear these words, so I wish I would have known ahead of time. I'm mentioning this so that parents will have full information and can make decision for themselves.
gerbowski
gerbowski Parent of 2-year-old
January 19, 2013
age 10+

Fishing documentary has become a great drama

I love this show from the discovery channel, it's one of my all-time favorites. Other than some bleeped language and constant smoking on some of the boats there really isn't anything bad about this documentary. Some scenes may be a little intense, and from time to time a little blood can be seen from accidents on deck, but nothing most older kids can't handle.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much swearing
Too much consumerism
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 7 parent reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say (7):
Kids say (7):

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

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.

See all recommended tv lists

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