Deadliest Catch
Deadliest Catch Season 22 in Jeopardy as Sig Hansen’s Crisis Rocks the Show — Will the Series Continue Without Its Legendary Captain?
Deadliest Catch Season 22 is expected to continue, as captain Sig Hansen has indicated he is not retiring yet, despite a recent on-boat medical emergency in the Season 21 finale. While Discovery Channel has not yet officially confirmed the show’s renewal, the crisis is a plot point and not a production-halting event.
Sig Hansen’s Crisis and Future
- Medical Emergency: During the Deadliest Catch Season 21 finale (aired October 31, 2025), Hansen experienced a medical emergency, collapsing on the F/V Northwestern from exhaustion, stress, and a pre-existing heart condition. Medical professionals advised him to retire and make significant lifestyle changes (like quitting smoking and reducing caffeine), but he initially stated he had no plans to do so, saying, “I don’t see that happening… I don’t want to”.
- Retirement Consideration: More recent reports indicate Hansen is now more seriously considering retirement due to changing priorities, such as spending more time with his wife and grandchildren, and the increasing fear associated with the job after losing many colleagues. He has acknowledged that retirement is “going to happen” eventually.
- Succession Planning: Hansen’s daughter, Mandy Hansen, and son-in-law, Clark Pederson, are well-prepared to take over the Northwestern, and Hansen has been training them to potentially assume his role.
Status of Season 22
- Not in Jeopardy: The show is expected to continue with or without Hansen as a full-time captain, due to its continued popularity and the involvement of other captains like Jake Anderson, Keith Colburn, and Rick Shelford.
- Renewal Status: Discovery has not yet officially announced Season 22, but given the show’s long history and large fanbase, a renewal is highly anticipated.
- Filming Underway: Reports from the filming location indicate that crews were present in October 2025, suggesting that production for a potential Season 22 is already in progress.
- Anticipated Premiere: If renewed, Season 22 is expected to premiere at some point in 2026.
In summary, while Hansen’s health issues are a significant storyline and do raise questions about his long-term future on the show, they are not expected to jeopardize the series as a whole.
