Fans of “Deadliest Catch” have been grappling with significant changes to the show, particularly the unexpected absence of cast member Josh Harris. The series, which chronicles the perilous lives of crab fishermen on the Bering Sea, has captivated audiences for 19 seasons. However, Harris’ departure has sparked curiosity and concern among the show’s dedicated fanbase.
Josh Harris is no stranger to the world of fishing. He began his career as a deckhand in Alaska in the early 2000s, working aboard the Time Bandit. His journey on “Deadliest Catch” began in Season three in 2007 when he appeared as a greenhorn on his father’s boat, the Cornelia Marie. Alongside his younger stepbrother, Jake Harris, Josh quickly became a familiar face on the show. Following the passing of their father, Phil Harris, in 2010, Josh took on the role of captain of the Cornelia Marie, with Jake by his side. The Harris brothers quickly won the hearts of viewers, becoming fan favorites as they navigated the treacherous waters of the Bering Sea.
Over the years, Josh Harris expanded his presence beyond the main series, featuring in various spinoffs such as “Deadliest Catch: Bloodline,” “Deadliest Catch: The Bait,” and “After the Catch.” His journey was marked by both triumphs and challenges, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the fishing industry. In 2020, he starred in “Deadliest Catch: Bloodline,” a series that followed his emotional exploration of the Hawaiian islands using maps left by his late father. However, after appearing in over 200 episodes, Harris suddenly vanished from the show, prompting questions about his absence.
The reason for Josh Harris’ departure from “Deadliest Catch” became clear in 2022 when it was announced that he and the Cornelia Marie would not be part of future seasons. This decision stemmed from a troubling incident from Harris’ past that resurfaced, shocking fans and the Discovery Channel alike. In 1998, when he was just 16 years old, Harris was accused of sexually assaulting a four-year-old girl, the daughter of a fellow deckhand. He pled guilty to reduced charges of Fourth Degree Assault and Communicating with a Minor for Immoral Purposes, resulting in a 30-day confinement for each count, along with 24 months of supervision and a psychosexual evaluation.
Following the revelation of his conviction, the Discovery Channel announced that Harris would not be featured in any upcoming episodes or spinoffs of “Deadliest Catch.” Since then, he has maintained a low public profile, deleting his Instagram account, which had amassed over 130,000 followers. Harris, who is married and has a daughter, has not made any public appearances since his dismissal from the show.
The fallout from Harris’ case extended beyond him, affecting other cast members as well. Captain Casey McManus, who joined “Deadliest Catch” as co-captain of the Cornelia Marie in 2014, expressed his disappointment over the situation. McManus had supported Josh in carrying on their late father’s legacy, but the decision not to renew contracts for Harris and the Cornelia Marie left him without a job in the television realm. In a tweet, McManus lamented the unfortunate turn of events, mentioning the broader challenges faced by the crab fishing industry during the pandemic.
As the dust settles on this controversy, the future of Josh Harris remains uncertain. With two seasons aired since his departure, the likelihood of a return for the once-beloved fisherman seems slim. The repercussions of his past actions have cast a long shadow over his career, leaving fans to wonder where he is today and what the future holds for him.
Source: We Got This Covered
