National Geographic's Wicked Tuna has been canceled after its 13th season.
Filmed in Gloucester, Massachusetts and its surrounding waters, the series follows a group of fishermen from the nation’s oldest seaport as they make their living the way it has for centuries—fishing with rod and reel, one catch at a time—all in pursuit of bluefin tuna. The series gives viewers an intimate look at the intense battles, fierce competition, crushing losses and huge paychecks of the nation’s toughest captains. For commercial fishermen, the directive is simple: catch a fish or go home without a paycheck.
The reality series premiered in April 2012 on the National Geographic Channel and has aired over 200 episodes since then, spawning a spinoff series, “Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks,” which aired for eight seasons from 2014 to 2021.
“Wicked Tuna” is executive produced by Mike Nichols, Craig Piligian, Lynn Sadowski, and Michael Cascio. The show is produced by Pilgrim Media Group.
“After thirteen seasons on the high seas and more than 200 incredible episodes, the long-running series ‘Wicked Tuna’ has concluded its run on National Geographic,” the channel said in a statement Friday. “The series has celebrated one of America’s oldest industries since it premiered on National Geographic in 2012 and has made internationally known stars out of the brave commercial fishermen who brave the rough waters of the North Atlantic to catch bluefin tuna. As we reflect on 13 incredible seasons and more than 200 episodes, it’s hard to express our appreciation to our production partners at Pilgrim Media Group, the cast and crew, the Gloucester community and the show’s loyal fans. It’s been an incredible journey together and there are only two words that seem right for this moment: thank you.”
The cancellation of “Wicked Tuna” comes amid a major cost-cutting effort at Disney, the parent company of National Geographic, which is consolidating operations across its linear television networks.
