Image Credit: DiscoveryIn a shocking development involving Discovery’s popular reality show about crab fisherman, Deadliest Catch stars Sig Hansen and Johnathan and Andy Hillstrand have reportedly left the show. The trio sent this statement to the Hollywood Reporter Tuesday: “We have been through a lot over the past year and unfortunately given the current situation with Discovery we are unable to continue participating in Deadliest Catch. It has been a fantastic ride, and we wish the best to all of the amazing and supportive Catch fans we have met over the years.”
A Discovery spokesman said a statement from the cable network is forthcoming.
Earlier this month, the Hillstrands were sued by Discovery over their involvement in a Catch spinoff. Discovery reportedly claims that the brothers failed to finish work on Hillstranded and is now seeking $3 million in damages. An attorney for the Hillstrands shot back by saying the lawsuit may force the men to sell their boats and fire their crews. Hansen decided to show solidarity for his fellow captains and backed the Hillstrands.
It’s unclear what the departures mean for the seventh season of the show, which is set to resume production next month. The first episode is supposed to include a scene in which the sons of the late Capt. Phil Harris scatter his ashes off of Dutch Harbor near Alaska. Harris’ tragic death helped Catch lure its biggest audience ever during the show’s sixth season.
The Hillstrand brothers co-captain Time Bandit on Deadliest Catch, while Hansen lords over Northwestern. Developing…
Well, looks like I’m not watching.
Same here. I may watch it to see how Jake and Josh do, but I’d get oober bored during the Wizard parts. Keith bugs me.
Agreed, I hate Keith, he has no personality and is completely irrelevant. It is apparent the other Captain dislike him as well. If he is all that is left I will not watch. I am also not a fan of the Grizzly Adams looking dude either.
Agreed. Love the Hillstrands and Sig. Without them, there is no show to me.
Agree. The best two boats on the show. Losing Capt. Phil was bad enough. Now this? Pretty sh*tty move Discovery.
I completely agree. It was bad enough that we lost Capt. Phil but with the Hillstrands and Sig gone, I don’t know if I will watch. I want to know how Jake and Josh are doing but I don’t want to support a channel that would do this to its “stars”. Cudos to Capt. Sid for supporting his “brothers”, the Hillstrands. The previous poster s right, Capt. Keith is just too boring. He can’t carry the show himself. And I haven’t been ineterested in any of the new boats they have tried to introduct lately.
If they are not on the show I’ll never watch it again. I know so many people will feel the same so goodbye Deadliest Catch – it was good while it lasted
The best ones are moving on. There’ll b no show w/o them. It’s been tough on them w/ Captain Phil passing away and all. Your fans will miss you and wish you the best in your future endeavors. Stay safe.
I’m sad to hear this news as The Deadliest Catch was the one show I couldn’t miss, but I support the Hillstrand brothers and Sig in their decision. They were crabfishermen before Discovery came along and will continue to be after. Best wishes to all the men…we’re gonna miss you!
Sounds like they shouldn’t have breached their contract with Discovery.
Of course, we don’t know what caused them to do that either and if you were a fan you’d know they wouldn’t walk away from an obligation without a darn good reason either.
That is the question. What was it that caused the Hillstrands to not complete the contract? Regardless, I support these three captains decision and wish them all the best. They will be sorely missed.
“Breach of contract” is always the first statement flung out. Since none of us aren’t privy to the details of the contract (thankfully)I will side with the Captains as I’m sure another overpaid exec sitting somewhere in a cushy lifestyle thought it was his “right” to further invade the private lives of hard working, fun loving guys like Jonathan and Andy.
I’m done with Discovery. Perhaps the CEOs and owners of Discovery should look the up the meaning of the word. They need to “discover” what true hard work is in the real world. Bet they couldn’t make a trip out on one of the crab boats!
@Tina I’m sure you’re just saying that but will secretly watch their shows and won’t admit it. lol
Wow, this is on the magnatude of Simon leaving AI – the show will be gutted without the Time Bandit or Northwestern.
gotta side with the captains, I know I am in the minority, knowing some of the things these guys go through…
I don’t think you’re the minority at all – it will take more than a vague breach of contract allegation to convince me any of these dudes are trying to do anything but look out for their families and their crews.
You’re not in the minority. I’m proud of all 3 of them for sticking to their guns. As much as these guys have been through in the past year and Discovery wants to pull a bullsh!t move like this, I’m done with the show if they aren’t on there.
why is everyone proud of the solidarity of the three captains? The Hillstrands are the one’s Discovery had the issue with so they left the show. Sig stuck with them HE’S the only one showing solidarity for the brothers.
Never the less I too will no longer watch the show with these three, plus Capt Phil no longer on there.
Sounds like its the end — maybe that’s a good thing.
You may be correct. Go out on top.
Those three are irreplaceable but it wasn’t going to be the same without Phil anyway. If the sixth season was in effect the last I can’t think of another, more poignant end in all of television. Thanks guys.
Well said…I agree.
Amen.
I just wish we could have gotten resolution with Josh & Jake – I hope they find their way
So true. And well said.
Wow. After losing Cap’n Phil, and now The Hillstrands and Cap’n Sig, there really is no show left. These are the reason why I watched. DC is/was one of my favorite shows. Other than seeing the Harris brothers, I have no interest in the show anymore.
Me neither Rosa and I half hope the boys walk too.
I agree. What’s the point in watching it now. No Phil, no Hillstrands no Sig.
I read somewhere that the boys were locked into season 7. This is just disappointing news all around. I want to see the final piece of Phil’s story (the ashes being spread), but it’s going to be tough to get to know 3-4 new crews (depending on whether Wild Bill comes back).
Great job Discovery channel. In trying to make MORE $$$ for your channel, you possibly f-up your best rated tv show. Way to think that one through.
I couldn’t have said it any better myself!
Discovery channel you better kiss ass and make it right with the Hillsrands and Hansfords or your show will be a flop without them.
I know I have never missed an episode in the first 6 seasons, but I will probably never watch another one.
Oh yeah…..Keith is a dumb ass and if he is going to be your focus this season you might as well cancel the season yourself.
I’m sure your sponsors will feel the same way!
Not sure if I’ll watch now. What’s left…Keith?
The Northwestern and The Time Bandit are the best parts of the show.
I’d be interested to see what happens to the Harris Boys though.
I could do without Time Bandit, but no Sig and Edgar? Hell no.
agreed
No Jake Anderson? I couldn’t live without that boy and his father/son like relationship with Sig!
Good job Discovery… you ruined one of your most popular shows…
Seems to me the only honorable one in the whole group is Sig. The Hillstrands had a contract to fulfill on the spinoff show. Discovery Channel is well within their right to recoup the money. Though I think their methods are off base. I lost respect for the Hillstrands two seasons ago. So them leaving is no big deal to me. The Cornenlia Marie and Northwestern were the only reason I watched the show.
I completely agree with you. They are absolutely in their rights and unlike others I’m pretty sure they tried other avenues before suing the brothers; however, without the Northwestern I probably won’t be watching.
Agreed. Not a Hillstrand fan either but sad that Sig and the Northwestern will not be back.
Absolutely agree. Apparently the Hillstrands signed a valid contract to do another show. After their friend died, it’s completely understandable that they didn’t feel up to doing so, but that’s not an excuse for them to just decide to not do it. I’m sure that if Discovery had backed out they would’ve been the ones suing. The brothers chose to breach the contract, knowing full well that there would be repercussions — they are businessmen and know the legalities of a valid contract.
I’m so proud of Sig for standing behind his friends. These guys make the show what it is and Discovery will surely find that out soon enough. Big mistake Discovery, hope you learn from this.
I am also proud of Sig! My family watches every episode and we have always said that they are a very close, tight bunch. I am happy that these guys decided to stick together and not lose themselves in the money.
Way to go guys!! we will miss you, but are VERY VERY proud of you.
Im with you Jonathan, Andy and Sig. There is a fat ass Discovery ceo out there looking to pad his pocket. Yeah we all know about ceo’s these days don’t we. These fishermen are hard woking, honorable individuals and surly would not jepordize their livelyhoods or families without a good reason. Yes and I fully agree as far as Keith Colburn is concerned. Not much of a show anymore. We even like it when Mike from dirty jobs does the narating and the Ford commercial. This was our favorite show and would’nt have missed it for anything. And as far a Edgar is concerned, I do understand your reason for possibly getting off the water as I to am a commercial fisherman and know when the time to make a change is eminent. Sig, you’re the best, wish I had friends like you.
Terry R, NC