‘Deadliest Catch’ Season 23: What Next After Season 22’s Heartbreaking Finale?

Scott Fishman September 29, 2026, 8:47 am

Johnathan Hillstrand (Discovery Channel)

What To Know

The Season 22 finale of Deadliest Catch was marked by the tragic death of deckhand Todd Meadows.
Discovery Channel has not yet officially renewed Deadliest Catch for Season 23.
If Season 23 happens, it is expected to continue following the high-stakes journeys of veteran captains like Sig Hansen, Jake Anderson, Keith Colburn, Johnathan Hillstrand, and Rick Shelford.

Deadliest Catch recently wrapped Season 22 on a tragic note centering on the loss of deckhand Todd Meadows. The 25-yer-old fell overboard while working on the Aleutian Lady and died due to drowning with probable hypothermia. It was a devastating accident that Captain Rick Shelford came to grips with in real-time as cameras chronicled the aftermath.

The September 25 finale will certainly go down as one of the most emotional hours since the Discovery Channel series began now more than two decades ago. This begs the question of how not only does Shelford move forward, but the popular longstanding show as well? Here is everything we know so far.

Has Deadliest Catch been renewed for Season 23?

Deadliest Catch Season 23 has not yet been officially announced or renewed by the Discovery Channel. The network typically doesn’t typically announce news regarding the future of its shows until closer to potential premieres, which wouldn’t be until 2027. Although filming would typically start filming when the Bering Sea crab fishing opens. That’s usually in mid-October.

When would Deadliest Catch Season 23 premiere?

Since Discovery Channel hasn’t announced it had formally ordered Season 23, there is currently no premiere date. Though if the next potential installment followed this year’s schedule, then fans could expect new episodes starting in May 2027.

'Deadliest Catch' Season 22 Finale Centers on Todd Meadows' Tragic Death & Aftermath

What would Season 23 be about?

The winning formula of Deadliest Catch has been following the often harrowing journeys of the longtime captains. Cameras capture all the challenges they face including dangerous weather conditions and equipment and boat breakdowns while also managing crew dynamics. It’s a tough job, but these fearless leaders are always game considering the big money on the line based on the quotas they fil.

Who would likely appear in Deadliest Catch Season 23?

The cast of characters have been pretty reliable with Sig Hansen from the Northwestern among the most prominent names. Sophia “Bob” Nielsen impressed Hansen as she sat under his learning tree in the captain wheelhouse. Jake Anderson has found himself jumping vessels over the years from the Titan Explorer to Saga to most recently helming the Cornelia Marie. Keith Colburn often shares captain duties with his brother Monte “Mouse” Colburn. Johnathan Hillstrand of the Time Bandit has also been a favorite. Rick Shelford of the Aleutian Lady joined the show during Season 19 in 2023.

Would you be excited to see more Deadliest Catch? Let us know in the comments below.