by Guise

Created on: December 29, 2008   Last Updated: January 08, 2009

Discovery channel is famous for producing educational and thought provoking programming. Focused to reach audiences of every age, opening minds from coast to coast. Producers of the hit show " The Deadliest Catch", have succeeded in building a large following, even during a time when good television is a rare commodity. It shows us a side of the fishing industry that, as consumers we never actually see first hand. This is extremely important during these sort of disparaged economic eras, when considerable appreciation for labor is lacking in several industries. It's amazing how these men put their lives on the line for a delicacy such as Alaskan King Crab and other species.

As an avid viewer, I can tell you that the show is very well put together, with the use of clever commentary and evolutionary camera-work. The excitement keeps you on the edge of your seat because of It's suspense appeal. The whole time, audiences are aware of the tremendous danger involved, and that keeps them watching; but, while grinding their teeth in excitement, they empathize heavily with the ship and it's crew-members. These crab-fishermen have become famous in their own grassroots sort of way...reminding the general public how exactly it gets it's luxurious delicacies. According to Nielsen Media, "The Deadliest Catch" is the most engaging show on television, because of how much information it's viewers extract from it. This study took place recently in October 2008, and the show has been running for over 3 years!

Today it's better than ever, with more wave pounding action and close calls than ever before. It's this sort of action that quenches the audience's thirst for both tantalizing and educational entertainment. The show is centered around the crew and their work but, it wouldn't be half as good without the facetious commentary of Mike Rowe. The man is an absolute genius with comedic narrative, and uses his boisterous tone to enchant audiences further. Interaction between the shipmates, captain and "greenhorns, also provides for an interesting perspective into the lives of crab-fishermen. Rowe facilitates our understanding of what occurs on these voyages, but live action and dialogue adds a sense of intimacy to the program.

However, we are constantly reminded of how brutal mother nature can be, as there have been several deaths on the high seas during past seasons. So to speak, "The Deadliest Catch" is an unabridged version of a respectable slice of the american dream in US society, revealing the battlefront between man's consumption and nature. It's about time the media conglomerates provide some informational programming that is exiting to watch as well. I was getting tired of mundane sitcoms and fully scripted "reality" TV shows.

Learn more about this author, Guise.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.