The absence of the Cornelia Marie, a prominent fishing vessel featured on the Discovery Channel series “Deadliest Catch,” has raised questions about its future on the show. The vessel was a staple on the program since its debut in 2005, but its disappearance can be attributed to the producers’ decision to sever ties with Josh Harris, its owner, due to his past legal troubles. Harris had previously pleaded guilty to a 1998 sexual assault case involving a minor, and the network opted not to feature him in future episodes of the show.
The Cornelia Marie was helmed by Captain Phil Harris, a beloved figure in the fishing community, until his passing in 2010. His sons, Jake and Josh Harris, took over the boat, but Josh’s legal issues eventually led to the vessel’s absence from the program. The show’s producers replaced Josh Harris with Captain Casey McManus, who took sole charge of the Cornelia Marie in Season 17. However, the vessel has not been featured on the show since then.
Fans of the show have been eagerly awaiting the Cornelia Marie’s return, and former cast member Taylor Jensen’s recent Instagram post hinting at a possible revival has sparked excitement. Jensen, who served as a deckhand, greenhorn, and engineer on the Cornelia Marie during his stint on the show from 2018 to 2022, posted a photo of himself with the vessel, stating he was “Bristolbaybound” and is now a partner. This has led some fans to speculate about a potential comeback for the Cornelia Marie.
A Still From Deadliest Catch (Photo: Deadliest Catch)
Regardless of the vessel’s future on the show, “Deadliest Catch” remains a popular and beloved program, with its latest season seeing a derby kicking off the season and a race against time as the crabbing ships face terrifying conditions and extreme competition. Producers have hinted at a potential resurgence of the Cornelia Marie, and fans are waiting with bated breath to see if the vessel will make a comeback. For now, the show continues to charm audiences with its heart-pumping action, drama, and high-stakes fishing.
The “Deadliest Catch” franchise has been plagued by controversy over the years, with issues ranging from lawsuits against production to manipulation of action on the Bering Sea. Despite these challenges, the show remains a staple of the reality TV genre, offering a unique look into the lives of commercial fishermen battling the harsh conditions of the Bering Sea. As fans continue to eagerly await the Cornelia Marie’s possible return, the show’s popularity endures, a testament to its ability to charm audiences with its exciting and unpredictable world of fishing. New episodes of the show air Tuesdays on Discovery Channel, and all episodes are available to stream on Discovery+.
