One of the biggest hits for the Discovery Channel, and a big hit for cable TV in general, is the Deadliest Catch. The show is presented in a documentary reality format and follows the daily lives and careers of crab fishermen in the bering sea.

Several captains and boats are shown, as well as their crewmen and day-to-day operations during the fishing season. Injuries, arguments, and disaster on board are pretty commonplace. The Deadliest Catch remains one of the most popular programs ever since airing first in 2005, and is now shown in over 150 countries worldwide.

Some of the popular captains and their boats are Keith and Monte Colburn (The Wizard), Sig Hansen (Northwestern), Cornelia Marie (Phil Harris), and the Kodiak (Bill "Wild Bill" Wichrowski) among others. Deadliest Catch was nominated for four Primetime Emmy Awards for its 2007 season, and has also been nominated for Outstanding Nonfiction Series.