Deadliest Catch’s Jack ‘playing a role’ say critics who blast ‘nonsense’ storylines

For the past two Deadliest Catch seasons, Jack Bunnell has appeared as a fishing boat captain, but critics of the show aren’t convinced his role is genuine. Prior to being co-captain of the Barbara J and later partnering up with Steve “Harley” Davidson on the F/V Pacific Mariner, Jack worked alongside Jake Anderson on the Saga.

These days, the F/V Saga is old news. Captain Jake Anderson had his ship ripped away from him. But, now, the Discovery Channel star is taking the helm of the F/V Titan Explorer. Jack and Jake aren’t working on the same boat in season 20. But, fans are weighing in on the cast members in equal measure.

Deadliest Catch critics slam Jack

Deadliest Catch rakes in many loyal fans from all around the world. All eyes are on the Bering Sea once again this year as the Discovery Channel show returns for season 20.

Many returning cast members including Sig Hansen, and Wild Bill Wichrowski are taking to their fishing vessels once again in a bid to catch as much crab as possible.

Jake Anderson is also back for season 20, along with Jack Bunnell and Steve ‘Harley’ Davidson.

Despite many of the Deadliest Catch members being much-loved, some critics are weighing in on Jack on a Reddit thread this August.

Some take to the thread to say they think Jack is “playing a role” on the show, but they also added how they think Sig is also “playing a role.”

Scenes from season 20 have some viewers arguing on the thread. Speaking of Jack “stealing” crab pots on the show, one fan commented: “The whole thing was scripted. Sig would never leave his boat at the dock so no one else could tie up while he went to town either.”

Another replied: “I don’t think Sig thought Jack would stoop that low. Also, I think you mean staged.”

Fans love Deadliest Catch but think it’s ‘fake’

As Jack, Sig, and Harley’s roles are dissected on Deadliest Catch, some fans are labeling their storylines “nonsense.”

More think the show is totally “scripted.” One viewer shares a whole theory on the Wizard’s fire episode, stating how they don’t believe it was a true turn of events.

They write: “…Pretty sure even the fire on the Wizard was either scripted or re-created. Flames kept flaring up out of the door perfectly like a movie, and Roger fighting to shut the door to fight the flames 4 or 5 times… and then OMG TRAVIS JUST HAPPENS TO BE IN THERE WE GOTTA GET HIM OUT. Followed by poor acting/coughing and the team putting an oxygen mask on him. The only thing that looked real was Keith crying, but that guy crys at the drop of a hat anyways so who knows.”

However, another person clapped back:

“Ah, that is how fires behave when you close the door on them, then open it, give them oxygen, and allow them to burst into flame again.”

More jump to the show’s defense, commenting: “Wow the cynicism is real” and “Your cynical attitude is worse than the show. It doesn’t make you cool to be the loudest person who riffs on a beloved show.”

But another longtime fan responds giving reasons why their opinions on the Discovery Channel show are warranted.

“The show IS beloved. I’ve been watching for 20 years. Which entitles me to have an opinion on how it’s changed over the years.”