Image Credit: Blair Bunting/Getty ImagesEW talked with Discovery Channel President and General Manager Clark Bunting about Capt. Phil Harris’ final episodes of Deadliest Catch, and what’s next for the extraordinary reality show about crab fisherman.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Talk about your decision to focus the final six episodes on the passing Capt. Phil Harris.
CLARK BUNTING: We really struggled, there’s no question. I think this is one of the harder stories in our history. We’ve gone through, unfortunately, some tragedy before. We did the Steve Irwin special, but it was a two-hour special after Steve passed. The storyline for Deadliest Catch is about the full arc of Phil’s life. It’s the full arc of going through not just what happened to Phil and the boys, but also the rest of the fleet, the captains sharing their experiences, and them becoming aware of the tragedy that happened. So, we think we’ve covered the full arc without going over the edge.
Did you ever expect this show to get so heavy?
Years ago, I looked at a special that (Deadliest Catch executive producer) Thom Beers had created that was really the forerunner for Deadliest Catch, and I sat there thinking, “Are you kidding me? We’re gonna do a show about crustaceans?” And then he showed me a segment about what happens on those boats, how rough the seas are. He brought us in a bunch of fresh crab and we ate crab while we watched the segment. I think it was, arguably, one of the best pitches I’ve ever seen in my 25 years and it immediately erased in my mind any doubt that this couldn’t be an amazing, heartfelt, exciting story that was, for me at least, the beginning. This is full circle. This is the full story of the captains. This is the full story of the sons. In the end, this is a generational story.
Have you been overwhelmed by the response to Capt. Harris’ death?
Oh my gosh — the number of pages of the posts we had on the blogs. I mean, literally, it was melting the servers. It’s just one of those things that if somebody told me about, I wouldn’t believe. I would go through them night after night to see what these posts were saying, and it was extraordinarily heartfelt. The sheer volume and the sympathy and emotion was unlike anything I’ve ever seen.
Is that reflective of the show’s ratings this season?
No. Honestly, I think the outpouring was disproportionate to the ratings. It’s TV. Some people watch or people sample. People see a show. But the emotion and the number of folks who wrote in are disproportionate to the number of people who watch the show. Obviously, there were a lot of fans, but above and beyond that, it was a sense of loss. I think, unfortunately, that sense of loss was something we all experience. The show has continued to do extremely well for us. It is our highest rated show on the air. They’ve always had a very loyal audience and that audience comes back week after week. Now, as you begin to get into these next episodes, my expectation is that the ratings will go up high.
Will there be a seventh season?
We will continue next year. And what that story looks like…I think we just want to get this one put to bed and give everybody a little bit of a break to decide where to go next year.
Will the show lighten up?
I think we have to. I think with any loss, there’s a process of healing. I think that’s part of what folks will naturally experience. And then, the question is, where does the story lead you from there? It’s like any great docu-soap. Part of the reason I think that people are drawn into this is that it’s genuine, it’s authentic, and the story has yet to play out. We don’t know how the boys are going to respond. We don’t know what the captains will do. We don’t know who will be the owner of the Cornelia Marie. There aren’t a bunch of writers sitting around and saying, “Okay, what are we going to do next year?” This is real. I think that’s what makes it as compelling.
Mr Bunting has it absolutely right. I watch this show because it is as he says “… it’s genuine, it’s authentic, and the story has yet to play out…”
I’ve never paid for cable in my life but I got it this spring to watch this show. Because of its honestly, and the genuine difficulty of the work, not to mention those wild and woolly captains (love you all guys!) it feels real and I always come away more alive after watching it.
Keep it going guys.
I admired Capt Harris so much for many reasons. I worried about his health since we could see as he himself described, smoked like a choo choo train. I can see from the show that most of the crews smoke, and drink tons of coffee. I cannot think this is good for longevity, whether working or living. However, I cannot walk in their shoes. I think the question that lingers in my mind every time I watch an episode of Deadliest Catch is, who will take over the ship? Who will be the Captain? Neither son is experienced enough to man the wheelhouse yet. Who owns the ship now? Did Phil have partners? Was the title of the Cornelia Marie free and clear? It is almost like it is my family I am concerned about. I want to know how the legacy continues, and what happens to Phil’s sons. If those boys need a surrogate Granny, I stand by to assist!
Right on Tex. I’m going to miss Phil. I felt bad when his son told him about his drug problem. I watched the show every week and couldn’t wait for the next weeks run. It’s one of the most honest shows I have ever seen. I spent 20 years in the army jumping out of airplanes but don’t know if I could work on a crab boat.
You will always be remembered Phil. Hope there’s a crab boat in heaven.
actually you fool drinking lots of coffee has been proven to be good for you. you health nazis make me sick, no one knows more than smokers how cigarettes are bad for you.
I am a fan of the “Deadliest Catch” and have been watching for the past 2 years. I tuned in on Tuesday evening as usual because the show is so riveting. I believe crab fishing is the most difficult job in the world, filled with interpersonal relationships between the captains of the other ships as well as the relationship each captain has with his crew. I was so deeply touched when Captain Phil confronted Jake about taking his pain pills. After Jake was reprimanded, he told his father “I am an addict”. The emotional hugging was most touching and the Cornilia Marie headed to off-load early because he wanted to get his son to “rehab” as soon as possible. We all know at this point that Captain Phil sustained a stroke and when I checked the Web early the next morning to get a progress report on the Captain’s condition, I learned he died in February. I understand the filming takes place months in advance but nonetheless, I was shocked and disappointed at the Captain’s death. I have been following your story since.
Phil’s partner was Cornelia Marie Devlin. I think she owns half of the boat and Phil owned the other half. Josh said that they got Phil’s portion. A radio interview Josh did said that he is trying to raise a couple million dollars so he can buy Cornelia’s part. Cornelia loved Phil alot and said that Cornelia heart’s can’t take it anymore. Josh mentioned that both he and Jake want to keep Cornelia Marie because it meant so much to his dad.
Does anyone know if the boys will taking the cm out as captains?
I would be great if Josh did….eventually. I don’t think either of them are ready yet. IMHO, even though Wild Bill is having a bad season, I think he’d be a great substitute, very patient as well.
I think the boys should start a campaign on the FV Conrnelia Marie website to let the fans send them money to help them purchase the ship outright. I’d love to be a “part” owner. $1, $5, $10? A lot of fans, wouldn’t take long. As Captain I think Captain Johnathan Hillstrand, he lost his dad and misses him terribly as the Hariss’ boys due. Great fisherman, great since of humor, he’d be a great influence on the “boys”‘
Will, that is an EXCELLENT idea. So many of us fans loved Phil and are wondering if there’s anything we can do to help Josh and Jake out. I’d donate money for them to buy the Cornelia Marie in a heartbeat.
I believe this previous episode when Phil had his stroke, Josh was going to call Cornelia, who I assume was a co-owner of the FV, so maybe they will decide? R.I.P. Phil
I know that Josh has said they have some investors. I also know that Jonathon from the Time Bandit told Phil he’d watch after the boys.
I don’t know if those 2 things add up or not, but I’d be willing to be there’s a good chance.
I’d also begin to speculate one of the Hillstrands will take on a more active role with the CM, if asked.
Neither son is nearly ready for captain. Josh is closest since he studied the stuff the most, but he’s not there yet.
Here’s hoping!
According to the CM website, the current captain is Derrick Ray, who skippered the Siberian Sea for a long time. It’ll be interesting to sea if he hands the reigns over to the boys or stays on as Capt.
I just read on people.com that Josh is “trying to buy the boat outright” and take over the rest of Capt. Phil’s endorsements. My heart breaks for their family. I met Capt. Phil last June in Arizona. RIP Phil.
While a noble thought, I doubt this would happen for a few reasons: (i) neither Jake nor Josh have any substantial experience as a captain. Neither knows the engineering of the boat, they have both been deckhands almost exclusively, (ii) Either would have an enormous credibility gap trying to hire an experienced crew. Imagine being a 20-year veteran of the fishery and being ordered around by a 20-something who only started fishing 3 seasons ago, (iii) If you recall, Blake, a 15-year veteran on the Maverick tried a season as skipper, and failed pretty miserably.
And as to donating to buy the vessel, again, a noble idea, but do you know how difficult it would be to have thousands of business partners? What if they decided to lease their quota out? I’m sure than boats owned in a single family make better decisions, but the CM is a money-maker, and it wil take millions to buy the ownership rights outright. They should be talking to banks in Seattle about a marine mortgage.
WOW, great information Jessica. How about taking part ownership of it for some of the cargo when it is ported? I love King and Snow Crab. All those men fish so I can love it. The show is great, and I’ve been hooked since the first one.
I can’t believe I am a 37 yo female and I LOVE this show,these guys work really hard and for sure it take a certain person to do that job!WOW!I am a firefighter and thought my job was a challenge,dangerous,and exciting,shoot these guys bow me out of the water ten times over!I seriously cried over Capt. Harris funny how we start to think we know these guys!I guess I just wanted to say I love the show and know so many others that do ,I hope it stays on the air for a very longtime!Who would think a girl would get into a show like this,,,crazy really but I know lots of people that watch!Even at a family gathering we were all talking about Phil and hopin his boyscan get through this with out going down the wrong path ,,we hope they will make Phil proud!
Nice gesture sunny but cmon ur a firefighter? Get out of the fire n get back in the kitchen…and the laundry nds a washin too babe…have a good one all and god bless the harris boys and all other fishermen who let my fat ass enjoy crab.thanks.
The show is the best show on tv I have not miss a single show in the six year history I thought my job was hard it is nothing compared to what these guys do
If you are going to watch any “reality” show then this is the one to watch. Something that is “real”, the story is not pre-written or practice as it unfolds as the men go to the boats, casting to the Bering Sea to do a job most men could not even do for 1/2 hours time. All the men on the show are awesome and I have followed the show since the start. I a new found respect for crab eating, sword fish too. These men put their lives on the line every time the got out to sea casting pods, etc. The show is great and even re-watching segments I have already seen, so much depth to each boat, the captains and their crews.
Phil he will be and is already missed, his sons have a lot on their plate as they decide their fate from here on. Phil is there among them all in spirit.
The Deadliest Catch is the only reality show I watch. I have watched for around 3 years now. Of course I already knew that Capatain Phil had died, but watching the show really made it real. I cried off and on for 3 days afterward. He was such a good father to the boys is one reason that made him so loveable. I hope especially, that Jake can move on and make life better for himself.
So Long Captain Phil May the Gods of the Sea And the Catch Shine on you and be there for your Sons
DC has been an amazing ride for our family. Never missed an episode, and was saddened beyond comprehension when I learned of Capt. Phil’s death. It felt like a family member passed… cried like a baby and still get weepy watching these last few episodes. OMG, Jake & Josh may God bless and keep you both safe without dad there to guide you. My heart aches for you both. I remain a loyal fan no matter who owns/runs the Cornelia Marie… is there a fund established for ownership yet?
Yes, I would like to second “Maxine”‘s response, and it took the breath out of me to learn of the addiction within the family while knowing what was going to happen to Captain Phil. All I could keep saying during the last episode was that this was horrifying to watch and truly unique.
I will miss him terribly, He passed away at providence hospital in Anchorage AK A very good hospital, I worked there in 1968 So he had the very best of care.
The Providence hospital in Anchorage is the best hospital I had a stroke at 50 and with their help I have recovered RIP Phil
If that Bunting guy sounded just a *little* less like he’s gleefully rubbing his hands together and drooling over ratings, I can’t say it would bother me.
I don’t think he sounds gleeful in the least. He was asked about the ratings. Would you have believed him if he’d said that he expected them to go down in the final episodes of this season? He was being realistic, but he also seems to very thoughtful and genuine.
I have watched this show since the 1st season…I absolutely admire these guys for the courage going into the Bearing Sea! I hope that Jake and Josh can keep their dads dream alive. I also admire Josh for quitting smoking and educating people for that. I also admire Jake for going to re-hab and straightening out his life. God Bless his Dad!! Kudo’s to the boys!!
I have watched this show since it started and love it more and more, Capt. Phil is one of my most favorite Capts and I was very saddened by his passing. It just makes it more real to see these episodes and that is why I love this show, it is not scripted, it is real life. I will continue to watch it as long as it is on the air!
Phil will be missed I think knowing his kid was an addic Just broke his heart sadly I hope Jake and Josh get the vessel
From CT Capt Phill will be miss so RIP, Phill
What? That makes no sense at all. Seriously people. Minimal grammar and spelling levels, if you’re going to post on here. Good Lord, that’s just jibberish. I’m baffled that someone who can, possibly, read and comprehend what they are reading would then in turn write such an insanely nonsensical jumble of letters and words. You can’t even decifer the thought you’re trying to convey. I’m sorry. This one was just too ridiculous. I make mistakes too but this is just dumb.
And neither can you, decifer? You did mean decipher didn’t you? Let up on your criticism, this is not a classroom but a medium for people to voice their opinions on the subjuct at hand.
Confuse Us–You remind me of what someone said on a podcast recently: the Internet is full of small, mean-spirited people who’d see a small child with his adopted Mom, hear that child lovingly say, ‘I love you Mommy’, and then laugh at the kid and say to his face, ‘Well you know that’s NOT your REAL Mommy! Your real Mommy didn’t want you!’
Continue to be the Grammar/Spelling police and show us how tiny you really are, okay?
@ Confuse Us
Ralely not taht dfifcilut…
Milton R. Smith Fri 06/25/10 3:23 AM
From CT Capt Phill will be miss so RIP, Phill
From CT (Connecticut) Capt Phill will be miss(ed) so RIP (Rest In Peace), Phill
Confuse Us, do you really have nothing better to do than insult the poor grammar of someone who is expressing his condolences for a dead man? Perhaps I missed the bit in the Terms of Service for this board that requires perfect grammar, but I though this topic was about remembering a man that entertained us all by sharing his every day life, troubles included? I hope berating a faceless, faraway person, who has done nothing wrong to you, makes you fell better about your own life, somehow.
By the way Confuse US, your post contains errors, as well. “Seriously people.” is not a proper, complete sentence. Then you say, “You can’t decifer…”, where “You” should be “I” (since the other poster and the rest of us can certainly get the jest of the fragment), and the word is spelled “decipher.” Such poor spelling and grammar from someone attacking another’s English is abhorrent, if not comical.
Oops, I meant to say gist, not jest. Haha. Better move on before some jerk attacks me. Not bad for a non-native English speaker, I think. That’s another clue to Confuse Us: not everyone you meet online is a native English speaker, nor do we claim to be. I suppose that if the other person were to post in, say Spanish, or I in Finnish, you would attack us for that, as well.
I agree that some of the hastily posted comments are quite the “mess”, but when you are criticizing others, it’s best to check yourself as well. Last time I looked, the word was subject, not subjuct!
frank, you are a moron. go play with yourself elswhere.
Dude I cant stand anal people like you.Get lost
I understood Milton’s post just fine. He’s from Connecticut, is of the opinion that Captain Phil will be miss(ed), and wants him to rest in peace. Oh, and you spell “jibberish” with a “G,” Confuse Us. Since you’re obviously having some spelling issues of your own, not to mention your grammatical slip-up with that “nonsensical” sentence fragment, perhaps you should lighten up and keep your nasty condescension to yourself. And after you do that, maybe you should investigate what it is about your life that makes you need to call a total stranger on a message boards – who never did a thing to harm you – “dumb.” Good luck with that.
Couldn’t have said it better myself Darien.
Confuse us: Maybe you should have picked a better call sign. I think “Confused Me” would have been more appropriate since you’re the only one who apparently is confused.