The Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch” is one of the most honored reality shows at the Emmys. The series, which follows the lives of Alaskan crab fishermen, debuted in 2005 and has won 13 awards. Among these was a 2011 win for Best Reality Program. In 2014 that category was split into separate awards honoring structured reality programs like “MythBusters” and unstructured shows, such as the verite-style “Deadliest Catch.” It won that race as well as is back to defend its title.
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“Deadliest” had lost several previous bids for Best Nonfiction Series before it switched over to the reality categories. It has three other nominations this year: Best Reality Cinematography (which it has won the last four years in a row), Best Reality Editing (which it has also won for the last four years) and Best Nonfiction Sound Mixing (which it won in 2010 and 2011).
It faces another Alaska-set Discovery Channel series, “Alaska: The Last Frontier,” which follows a homesteading family – the Kilchers, related to pop singer Jewel – as they brave the elements and live off the land. This is the show’s second straight nomination in this category.
A third Discovery series is nominated: “Naked and Afraid,” which brings together a different pair of survivalists each week and challenges them to live without clothes or resources for 21 days in the wilderness. This is the program’s first nomination in this category, though it was up for Best Reality Editing last year.
A&E’s “Intervention” was previously nominated in the combined Reality Program category in 2008 and won in 2009, but this is actually the show’s first nomination since then. The series focuses on the lives of addicts as well as the families and friends who encourage them to seek help.
Also representing A&E is “Wahlburgers,” nominated for the second year in a row. Like “Alaska: The Last Frontier,” it follows the family of a well-known celeb: in this case, actor Mark Wahlberg, whose brother Paul runs the titular restaurant. Mark is an executive producer, along with his brother and fellow actor Donnie Wahlberg. Both would be first-time Emmy-winners if the show prevails.
Bravo’s “Million Dollar Listing New York” is also nominated for the second consecutive year. It debuted in 2012 and follows the experiences of three Big Apple real estate agents: Fredrik Eklund, Ryan Serhant and Luis D. Ortiz.
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Photo: “Deadliest Catch.” Credit: DCI
