AceShowbiz - The acclaimed Discovery Channel series Deadliest Catch is expanding its reach with an official international adaptation set in Canadian waters. As the original show prepares to debut its 22nd season on May 8, Canadian broadcaster Rogers Sports & Media has announced the production of Deadliest Catch: Northern Edge, marking the first global extension of this popular fishing reality franchise.

Produced in partnership with Fremantle Canada, the new eight-episode series will follow a group of captains operating in the challenging and icy North Atlantic waters off Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. Unlike the original’s focus on Red King Crab harvesting in Alaska’s Bering Sea, Deadliest Catch: Northern Edge will spotlight crews pursuing Snow Crab amidst harsh maritime conditions.

Michela DiMondo, executive vice president of distribution Canada and international at Fremantle, expressed enthusiasm about the project: “We’re excited to expand one of our most successful brands with a version tailored to put Canadian fishermen on the world stage. The series will explore the real and nuanced challenges uniquely faced by Canada’s fishing communities.” The show is being developed by indie producers Attraction and Fremantle’s Original Productions for Discovery Canada, and will be produced in association with both Discovery U.S. and Discovery Canada.

Rogers Sports & Media, which has already seen strong ratings with localized versions of franchise hits such as Canada’s Got Talent and The Price is Right (hosted by Howie Mandel), is optimistic about bringing this iconic factual format to Canadian audiences. Kale Stockwell, head of original programming at Rogers, emphasized the significance of this adaptation: “Deadliest Catch has defined best-in-class factual television for more than 20 years. With Deadliest Catch: Northern Edge, we’re proud to bring this iconic format to Canada as the first international adaptation, telling a distinctly Canadian story of grit, heritage, and survival in one of the world’s most unforgiving oceans.”

The original Deadliest Catch series, produced by Original Productions, returns to Discovery Channel in the U.S. with its 22nd season starting May 8. This season will feature the intense pursuit of Red King Crab and includes a poignant tribute to Todd Meadows, a 25-year-old deckhand on the Aleutian Lady who tragically passed away due to an accident during filming.

With Deadliest Catch: Northern Edge set to highlight the distinct challenges and stories of Canadian fishermen, the franchise continues to build on its legacy of showcasing the perilous and demanding nature of commercial crab fishing. This expansion marks a new chapter for the brand, as it embraces a fresh geographic and cultural perspective while maintaining the high-stakes, real-life drama that fans have come to expect.