Fans have been watching the crusty veterans of the crabbing world on Discovery Channel for the last 11 years. Some faces have come and gone, as these crews have risked everything, including their lives, to make a living on the Bering Sea. This season, a new generation of fresh faces is stepping up to the wheelhouse for Season 12 of Emmy Award-winning DEADLIEST CATCH.
New blood is essential to keep the crab fleet strong. But, do these newcomers have what it takes to make it in this hard-core fishing world? Do they have the drive and guts that it takes to become a legend?
Veteran captains of the Bering Sea have carved their livings in one of the world’s most dangerous professions, risking it all–including their lives. But this year, a new generation is stepping up and claiming their seat at the table. But, do they have what it takes? One of those Bering Sea legends, Captain Sig Hansen of the F/V Northwestern, commented on the up-and-comers:
When I look around at the new guys, there is a lot of opportunity but not a lot of promise. I don’t see as much fear as I would have hoped to see. They don’t seem fearful because in their mind, there is nothing to fear. At sea, you find out what a guy is made out of. Not everyone makes the cut.
One thing DEADLIEST CATCH fans know: Captain Sig is nothing if not brutally honest.
So, who is up-and-coming this season? Well, not all of the faces are “new,” but they are definitely all in the same boat: They have something to prove.
SEAN DWYER: Just 23-years-old, Sean Dwyer of the Brenna A is the youngest captain ever in the history of DEADLIEST CATCH. Following in the footsteps of his recently-departed father, the young rookie has fished all his life but never as a captain on the Bering Sea. Now he embarks upon the Holy Grail of commercial fishing in a vessel that hasn’t fished crab in eight years and is manned by an all-rookie crew. Added pressure comes from the fact that his 290,000 lb. quota comes from Sig.
JAKE ANDERSON: Breaking free of Sig’s mentoring grip, Jake Anderson takes his first full season at the helm of the Saga. Last season, Jake fought to prove his worth as a fisherman, father and captain. Now that he’s been given a shot, he needs to prove his worth as a leader. But can he command a crew he also sees as his friends?
JOSH HARRIS: On the Cornelia Marie, young skipper Josh Harris steps out of the shadows to claim his birthright on the legendary vessel once commanded by his father, the late Captain Phil Harris. The boat has finally gotten an overhaul, complete with new electronics and engine room. But making the boat like new comes with a steep price. To pay for the overhaul, Josh had to sell a majority of the boat to investors meaning if they can’t find crab, the investors will find someone else who can.
The old guard returns, of course. Over on the Cape Caution, a new year brings a new crew for long-time Captain Wild Bill Wichrowski, and a chance for his son Zach Larson to step up. Captain Keith Colburn of The Wizard is struggling with life both on and off the deck, and is looking for a fresh start this season after recently breaking up with his wife of 25 years and accepting that his kids are all grown up. On the Time Bandit, Johnathan Hillstrand and his brother, Andy, find themselves in a dicey situation that could not only cost them a quarter million dollars but that could potentially cost them their fishing license.
DEADLIEST CATCH is produced for Discovery Channel by Original Productions, a FremantleMedia company. For Original Productions, Executive Producers are Thom Beers, Jeff Conroy and John Gray. Co-Executive Producer is R. Decker Watson, Jr. For Discovery Channel, Executive Producer is Joseph Boyle with Associate Producer Brian Peterson.
The 2-hour Season Premiere of DEADLIEST CATCH airs on the Discovery Channel on Tuesday, March 29 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Also returning this season is “The Bait,” a series of one-hour pre-shows, beginning at 8 p.m.
Image: Courtesy of Discovery Channel, Used with Permission