I first started watching this show a couple of years back, around 2007. Initially I watched it with a sense of amazement about what these people went through weather and working condition wise in order to make a living. As I got sucked in and watched the show develop over the ensuing seasons it has become, in my opinion, one of the most gripping a riveting shows on TV. The personalities of the different boats, the conflict between the crew members on the different boats where they are stuck together for weeks and months in a violently rolling, pitching prison became an even more compelling reason to watch the show. The savage Alaskan weather and stark scenery that I originally watched the show for started to take a back seat to the people involved. Finally with this latest season (written mid 2010) and the death of Captain Phil so poignantly and tastefully documented, along with some other serious problems for other boats and crews, this show has become the most heartfelt, compelling thing I can find to watch. I eagerly await each Tuesday night for the latest instalment. THIS is what reality TV should be, other networks take note.

starting off,i was not impressed with this reality series.the first episode starts off slower than molasses uphill in January.eventually it picks up.the second episode is much better,as we get into the action much quicker.the show is interesting,showing what the crab fishermen go through and how grueling it is.it also shows how dangerous it is.apparently there is an almost 100 percent injury rate and a very strong risk of death or permanent injury.it is obviously very dangerous.however,some of these crab fishermen could make enough money in weeks or less to live for an entire year.in any event the show is amusing, entertaining and sad all at once.i would give "Deadliest Catch:Crab Fishing in Alaska" 3/5

I never really watched this series and paid any attention to it until about a month ago when Discovery debated their "Planet Earth" series, and this was on afterwords. This is the kind of show that sucks you in so far you don't even realize you've been tensely waiting to see what happens next, and the great part is, you least expect it. A highly addicting show as you see the struggles, hours and long shift these brave men throw forward in order to meet their quota of crab. (They're braver than I am, I hate the cold.)You also get to know the crew and the different personalities. As serious and dangerous as a job as this is it's nice to see the lightened mood, and the subtle pranks played on each other, and the pots of other boats. This beats the heck out of tired reality shows with rich has been celebrities wining about everything and anything (never watched them anyhow). If you want to see real people, and exciting situations, I highly suggest this show! 10/10. Discovery channel makes more of a fan out of me each year, first "Mythbusters", "Dirty Jobs" and the occasional mini series event (ie: "Planet Earth") The Medical Mystery programs are also fascinating.

Is this a documentary? Is this reality TV? I don't know, but I do know to call it addictive. What these men go through to put seafood on our plate is amazing. This is especially true during Opie season -- fishing on the Bering Sea, always one of the most dangerous waterways in the world, but doing it in January. Crabbing in 40-50 foot waves, temperatures near or below zero, winds 30 MPH+, ice on the deck, swinging 800 pound pots, to say nothing of the nasty claw-wielding crabs. These guys deserve our gratitude for risking it all to put the seafood we love on our table. Our entire family has Tuesdays as must-see-TV. We couldn't wait to buy the season 1 DVDs and now we are looking forward to season 2 being available soon. This is one of the best shows on one of the best networks on TV. Thank you Discovery Channel.