Steven Spielberg Reveals His Love for Deadliest Catch

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Steven Spielberg is widely considered one of the most talented filmmakers of all time. His iconic thriller, Jaws (1975), essentially launched the idea of the summer blockbuster, but it’s just one example of his many outstanding films. Because of his impressive career, people value Spielberg’s opinions on movies and TV shows.

Steven Spielberg began his career in television, which explains his continued interest in current shows. It’s no surprise he watches a lot of TV, given his extensive work in the industry. However, many of his fans might be surprised to learn he’s a big fan of reality television, and even enjoys watching one of the most physically demanding and risky reality shows ever created.

Steven Spielberg Admits that He Loves Deadliest Catch

It’s common for film directors to begin their careers in television, and Steven Spielberg was no exception. He started as an unpaid intern at Universal Studios. His first directing job was a short film called The Last Gun (1959), and he gradually gained experience through more short films and his talent for editing. In 1970, he directed an episode of Marcus Welby, M.D., and then went on to direct two episodes of Night Gallery between 1969 and 1971.

In a recent interview discussing the impact of television and his personal favorites, Spielberg highlighted its significant influence. He stated, “Television is excellent practice for storytellers,” and believes the strongest writing currently happens for TV, though he acknowledged some exceptional work in film.

It’s not surprising that Steven Spielberg pays attention to current TV shows. Top filmmakers and storytellers need to understand what makes a compelling story and what audiences enjoy today to stay successful. In a recent interview, Spielberg shared some of the shows he likes, explaining how they and other industry figures have influenced his work. He specifically mentioned Breaking Bad (2008-2013) and Southland (2009-2013), as well as writers Aaron Sorkin and David Kelley.

You won’t believe this, but one of the coolest things I learned in the interview was that Steven Spielberg is a total reality TV fan! He actually confessed it’s a ‘guilty pleasure’ of his. He said his current favorite show is Deadliest Catch, and honestly, it’s relatable – he watches it and just hopes he never gets stuck on a boat in a storm! It’s amazing to think about someone who creates cinematic masterpieces also getting hooked on crab fishing drama.

Given his success with thrilling films like Jaws and others of that genre, it’s easy to see why Spielberg is drawn to the high-stakes world of Deadliest Catch (2005-Present). The show recently finished its 21st season in October 2025, suggesting many people share his interest in the series.

Deadliest Catch Follows Crab Fishermen into the Bering Sea

Deadliest Catch first aired on April 12, 2005, over 20 years ago, and has become a long-running series. It currently has 21 seasons with over 365 episodes. While the 22nd season hasn’t been officially announced, it’s anticipated to return in 2026.

As the name suggests, Deadliest Catch is an exceptionally dangerous reality show. It follows the lives of crab fishermen who brave the harsh conditions of the Bering Sea during the king and snow crab seasons, which occur in October and January.

The show’s title reflects just how dangerous crab fishing truly is. It’s a notoriously risky job with a real potential for serious injury or even death. Hazards include heavy equipment swinging around, working dangerously close to the water while handling crab pots, managing incredibly heavy loads, and battling often severe weather conditions.

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Fishing vessels are incredibly dangerous places to work. Fishermen frequently encounter strong, gale-force winds – sometimes exceeding 54 mph – and enormous, icy waves that can break over the deck. These conditions make it one of the most hazardous occupations.

Filming Deadliest Catch is incredibly challenging because the camera crew works right alongside the crab fishermen, experiencing the same dangers. The show aims to realistically capture the fishermen’s everyday lives without a narrator or host. This means the crew is often in the thick of things, and footage frequently shows them narrowly avoiding accidents, like a large crab pot swinging dangerously close. It’s clear from the visuals just how risky their job is.

Watching even a few episodes of Deadliest Catch really hits home when the captains talk about being caught in a storm at sea. It’s terrifying to realize how little chance they have when a violent storm rolls in – one small error can be the difference between life and death. While it’s a scary show to watch, Deadliest Catch also gives viewers a deep respect for the incredibly difficult and dangerous job these crab fishermen do every season.

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2025-12-25 05:08