It’s not hard to see whyDeadliest Catchis one of the most popular reality shows out there. The quest to haul in loads of crabs during the Alaskan king crab and snow crab fishing seasons has led to battles with the elements —especially the raging seas— not to mention the fact that it never sugarcoats how dangerous this work is for the fishing crews. Those crews have also grown into beloved fixtures on the show, especially CaptainKeith Colburn,and the crew of the F/V Wizard. It’s genuinely hard to imagine anything topping the thrills ofDeadliest Catch, butthere’s a short-lived Discovery Channel series that manages to do just that:Catching Monsters.
Catching Monstersmade its debut in 2015, a mere decade afterDeadliest Catch. It more than lived up to its title, asa group of fishermen hunts down Bluefin tuna. The “monsters” part comes from the fact that different species of bluefin tuna vary in size, especially the Atlantic bluefin, which can weigh up to a staggering 2,000 pounds. Add in the fact that bluefins canfetch a whopping price on the fish market, andCatching Monstershas enough intrigue to rival shows likeDeadliest CatchandWicked Tuna. But what exactly makes it the best fishing show on the Discovery Channel?
Key Differences Separate ‘Catching Monsters’ and ‘Deadliest Catch’
Catching Monsters' biggest draw — and whatsets it apart fromDeadliest Catch— is the struggle that fishermen undergo while attempting to catch bluefin tuna. It’s an undertaking that doesn’t just require skill, but also support from a fishing crew. Catching and reeling in the Atlantic Bluefin is not an easy job, which makes oneCatching Monstersepisode, “Tug of War,” all the more interesting. In “Tug of War,” CaptainTrevor Maloneresolves to catch a bluefinusing nothing more than a single hand-line fishing reel. Any other fisherman would balk at this type of challenge, but Malone approaches it with gusto, leading to an intense scene when he finally stumbles upon a bluefin. Another standout moment has CaptainJeff MacNeillattempting to prove his worth bychasing down a bluefininto waters that are occupied by fishers looking for herring; even though he doesn’t succeed, the intensity will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.
This Discovery Series Is ‘Deadliest Catch’ Meets ‘Gold Rush’
‘Bering Sea Gold’ follows boats braving the elements to mine gold in the sea.
Another major difference betweenCatching MonstersandDeadliest Catchis the weather conditions that both series take place in. InDeadliest Catch, there are massive waves, rain,and other forces of naturethat impede fishermen’s hauls. By contrast,Catching Monsterstakes place in relatively calm waters, where the sun seems to be always shining. “If anyone’s seenWicked Tuna, this show is a little more artistic and a little more cinematic,” CaptainMatt Panuskasaid in an interviewprior toCatching Monsters' premiere. If it weren’t for the title of the show, and the size of the fish the fishermen were hunting, you’d almost thinkCatching Monsterswas about guys taking time off work to fish. But the fact that they have to struggle in such pristine conditions is a major draw for the show.
Why Does ‘Catching Monsters’ Only Have One Season?
Catching Monstersis unique in the Discovery Channel catalog becauseit’s only had a single season.Considering howother Discovery shows have spawned a fleet of spin-offs, this is a surprise, which begs the question: why was the show never renewed? Part of it could be the timing, asCatching Monsterspremiered alongsideDeadliest Catch.The latter show probably drew more viewers due to its intense depiction of crab fishing, and the mix of personalities. The narration for both shows is wildly different, as well; whileDeadliest Catch’sThom Beersknows how to hook viewers with his voiceovers,Catching Monsters’John Beachtends to repeat himself more often than not. It’s one thing to describe what’s happening on the screen, and another to do it in a way that hooks the viewers' interest.Catching Monsterswas a show that had a great hook, a unique approach to each episode, and could have run for a very long time. If it was continuing today, it’s hard not to imagine a world where it gaveDeadliest Catcha run for its money.
Catching Monstersis available to stream on Prime Video in the U.S.
