Parents' Guide to

Lobster Wars

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 11+

Deep-sea rivalry plays out in rough reality show.

TV Discovery Channel Reality TV 2007
Lobster Wars Poster Image

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What's the Story?

LOBSTER WARS documents the journeys of five lobster boats as they compete for the biggest haul in the ice-cold waters of the North Atlantic. The reality series follows the crews of the Dragon Lady, the Timothy Michael, the Direction, the Rachel Leah, and the William Bowe as they set out on a fishing trip to Georges Bank, the winter's most profitable lobster grounds. Crew members battle bad weather and rough seas in order to fight for the best spots to lay their traps. The rivalry grows fierce as the number of lobster boats increases ... while the crustacean supply ebbs.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

While the competition between the boats for a profitable haul is the show's main theme, it also offers an honest portrayal of how difficult it really is to earn a living at sea. Rotting fish, grueling hours of work in freezing temperatures, and disappointingly small catches are all part of the job. Captains must work to keep a hired crew together while simultaneously working to keep their boats -- and their businesses -- afloat.

The crewmen (and one crew woman) swear like -- go figure -- sailors, but they're hard workers who have a healthy appreciation for the traditions and superstitions that are a rich part of life on the high seas. Rookie fishermen are expected to learn from the more experienced ones. Small rituals are conducted to bring luck. And, above all, the power of the ocean is always respected.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the appeal of shows like this, Ice Road Truckers, and Deadliest Catch. What's so fascinating about getting a glimpse of these dangerous jobs? Do you think these shows are more or less realistic than other reality series? What do you think compels people to work in these professions? Families can also discuss how traditions and superstitions influence the fishing culture. Where did these traditions come from? Despite the influx of science and technology in the fishing industry, why do fisherman still honor old-time fishing lore?

TV Details

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