Parents' Guide to

Deadliest Catch

TV Discovery Channel Reality TV 2005
Deadliest Catch Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

By Lucy Maher , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 11+

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

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 11+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 9+

Based on 6 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.
See all 6 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 (6 ):
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

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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.

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