Wicked Tuna

Fishing is a hard life, and harder with bluefin stocks depleted. In Gloucester, Massachusetts, there's a special breed of fishermen. For generations they've used rod and reel to catch the elusive bluefin tuna. They depend on these fish for their livelihood, and the competition is brutal. Over the next 10 weeks, the most skilled fishermen will set out in the frigid waters of the North Atlantic in hopes of catching the valuable bluefin tuna. When one bluefin can bring in as much as $20,000—they'll do whatever it takes to hook up.

Wicked Tuna (2012-2024) is an American reality series created for National Geographic, a long-running unscripted fishing competition that followed its cast across thirteen seasons and roughly two hundred episodes. Centered on Gloucester, Massachusetts, the show follows Dave Marciano, Dave Carraro, T.J. Ott and Tyler McLaughlin, Gloucester fishermen who use rod and reel to hunt the elusive bluefin tuna. Their engine is simple and relentless: depleted bluefin stocks, a brutal rivalry between skilled crews, and a single fish that can bring in as much as twenty thousand dollars. Each season unfolds over roughly ten weeks of trips into the frigid waters of the North Atlantic, where weather, long hours at sea and the pressure to land a prize catch shape every episode. Shape and scale come from its format as a recurring competition rather than a scripted story, and the tone is gritty, working-class and tense, with moments of triumph and frustration. Viewers who enjoy Deadliest Catch and Swamp People will find the same blend of blue-collar seafaring, competitive stakes and rugged outdoor life. The series is an unscripted reality show, and its appeal lies in watching people who depend on the sea compete for their livelihood.

• Deadliest Catchcompetitive reality format built on high-stakes outdoor work and rival crews
• Swamp Peopleunscripted reality, rugged working life, competitive fishing and seafaring
• Gold Rushunscripted reality series following a competitive outdoor trade with a seasonal, money-driven pursuit

Release Date

2012-04-01

Episode runtime

45 min

Rating

6.6 / 10 (26)

What is Wicked Tuna about?

Rival rod-and-reel fishermen from Gloucester, Massachusetts compete for valuable bluefin tuna in the cold North Atlantic.

What is Wicked Tuna like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Wicked Tuna as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as simple.

Is Wicked Tuna violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Wicked Tuna.

Which shows are like Wicked Tuna?

Shows with a similar feel include Deadliest Catch, Swamp People, and Gold Rush.

How long is Wicked Tuna?

Wicked Tuna: 13 seasons, 201 episodes.

Is Wicked Tuna still running?

No, Wicked Tuna was canceled.

Where can I watch Wicked Tuna?

In United States, Wicked Tuna streams on Lionsgate+ Amazon Channel.