If you’re missing the thrill of Deadliest Catch’s 20th season, you’re in for a treat with Discovery’s new show, Harpoon Hunters. Set in Cape Cod, Mass., this reality series follows a group of daring fishermen as they hunt the elusive Atlantic bluefin tuna using electrified spears. Get ready for some intense and dramatic fishing action!
Harpoon Hunters, similar to Deadliest Catch, showcases the challenges faced by fishermen who have limited time to catch a valuable prey. With each bluefin tuna fetching $10,000, the pressure is on to reel in as many as possible.
“Armed with only a spear and sheer determination, these elite harpooners put everything on the line, creating an exhilarating viewing experience,” says Howard Lee, president of Discovery Networks. “Harpoon Hunters takes viewers into a high-octane world that few have the chance to experience in real life.”
Captains Dylan Caldwell, Joe Dion, Tyler Macallister, and Niko Chaprales give viewers a glimpse of what to expect in Entertainment Weekly’s exclusive preview of the series and cast.
Get ready to embark on this thrilling adventure as Harpoon Hunters premieres on the Discovery Channel on Jan. 24 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Capt. Dylan Caldwell, 56
Discovery
Boat: Pine Box
With 20 years of experience, Dylan is one of the most respected harpooners in New England. Pulling in an astounding 50 Bluefin per season, it’s no wonder he once landed a monster tuna worth over $9,800. His boat is such a tuna-killing machine, he even named it “Pine Box” (because it’s a tuna’s final resting place). Whether it’s Bluefin, lobster, or sea bass, Dylan makes his living on the water year-round. And he must make every season count to support his wife and kids. Luckily, one of those kids, Emmett, will be harpooning alongside his old man this season.
Capt. Joe Dion, 38
Discovery
Boat: Redrum
Growing up a “dock rat” in Green Harbor, Joe Dion was obsessed with fishing. As soon as he was old enough, he took any job he could find: cutting rope off of propellers, painting boat booms, helping fish buyers. At 13, he started fishing on charter boats. By 25, he captained his own harpoon boat. With Mike Miller (a.k.a. “The Hacker”) as his driver, Joe became one of the most successful harpooners in the fishery. Sadly, in 2022, his 11-year-old son and 7-year-old daughter were diagnosed with a rare form of muscular dystrophy. Joe sold his boat and took two seasons off to raise awareness for the disease. Now, with his family in a better place, he’s itching to get back on the water. With his old friend Mike by his side, Joe is ready to prove that lightning can strike twice.
Capt. Tyler Macallister, 56
Discovery
Boat: Cynthia C2
One of the sharpest fishermen in the harpoon community, Tyler knows the fishery better than most captains. He harpooned his first tuna 40 years ago, boasts college degrees in both marine and general biology, and promotes the fishery every chance he gets. His boat, the Cynthia C2, features a 505HP Caterpillar engine, making it the quietest, stealthiest boat on the water. Married for 23 years, Tyler is currently putting his daughter through college. Luckily, he’s got a charter business to supplement his commercial fishing. But one bad harpoon season means he’s got to double down on those charters.
Capt. Nicholas “Niko” Chaprales, 37
Discovery
Boat: Ezyduzit
Niko spent his childhood fishing with his dad, Bill, a legendary harpooner and advocate for harpooners’ rights. It’s no surprise that he ended up harpooning by his dad’s side as an adult. Sadly, Bill passed away in 2022. Now Niko is determined to carry on his father’s legacy, but with the Ezyduzit’s track record of landing 50 Bluefin per season, he has a lot to live up to. Luckily, Niko is a fearsome competitor. Since age 14, he has taken part in Strong Man competitions. At 29, he won the IPL World Powerlifting Championship. This will be his first year captaining the Ezyduzit, and Niko is driven to score big for his dad.
Discovery
Discovery
Discovery
Discovery
Discovery
Discovery
Discovery
Sign up for Entertainment Weekly’s free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.
FAQs:
Q: When does Harpoon Hunters premiere?
A: Harpoon Hunters will premiere on the Discovery Channel on Jan.
Credit: ew.com