Wicked Tuna is a reality TV show that follows a group of fishermen from Gloucester, Massachusetts, as they compete to catch the most valuable bluefin tuna in the North Atlantic. The show has been airing on National Geographic since 2012 and has spawned a spin-off series, Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks, which features fishermen from North Carolina.
But is Wicked Tuna cancelled? Fans of the show may be wondering about its future, especially after the tragic death of one of the cast members in 2019 and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. In this article, we will answer this question and provide you with some updates and facts about the show.
Is Wicked Tuna Cancelled?
The short answer is no, Wicked Tuna is not cancelled. In fact, the show has been renewed for a 13th season, which is currently in production and expected to air in 2023. The official Twitter account of the show confirmed this news on August 24, 2023, with a tweet that said: “We’re back on the water! Season 13 of #WickedTuna is underway!”
The tweet also included a photo of some of the captains and crew members posing on their boats, such as Dave Carraro of FV-Tuna.com, TJ Ott of Hot Tuna, Tyler McLaughlin of Pinwheel, and Michelle Bancewicz of No Limits. Bancewicz is a newcomer to the show and the first female captain to join the fleet. She made headlines in 2020 after a video of her catching a 600-pound bluefin tuna by herself went viral on social media.
What Happened to Paul from Wicked Tuna?
One of the saddest moments in the history of Wicked Tuna was the death of Paul J.iello, a crew member of the FV-Tuna.com boat, in 2019. J.iello was killed in an explosion on board the boat, along with another fisherman named Michael Roberts, while they were filming an episode of the show. The cause of the explosion was never determined, but it was speculated that it was related to a malfunctioning generator or a gas leak.
J.iello was 60 years old and had been fishing for over 40 years. He was a friend and mentor to many of the other fishermen on the show, and was known for his humor and kindness. He was also a devoted father and grandfather, and a passionate advocate for the conservation of bluefin tuna. His death was mourned by his family, friends, and fans, and he was honored with a memorial service and a tribute episode on the show.
How Does Wicked Tuna Work?
Wicked Tuna follows the lives and challenges of nine fishing boats that compete to catch the most and the biggest bluefin tuna in the North Atlantic. The show documents the highs and lows of the fishing season, which typically runs from June to December, and showcases the skills, strategies, and personalities of the fishermen.
The show also educates the viewers about the biology, ecology, and history of bluefin tuna, which are among the largest and fastest fish in the ocean. Bluefin tuna can grow up to 10 feet long and weigh over 1,000 pounds, and can swim up to 40 miles per hour. They are also highly migratory and can travel across the Atlantic Ocean in a matter of weeks. However, bluefin tuna are also endangered due to overfishing, pollution, and climate change, and are subject to strict regulations and quotas to protect their population.
The fishermen on Wicked Tuna have to abide by these regulations, which limit the number of tuna they can catch per trip and per season, and the size and weight of the tuna they can keep. They also have to deal with the unpredictable weather, the fierce competition, and the fluctuating market prices of tuna, which can range from a few dollars to thousands of dollars per pound. The show reveals the risks and rewards of the fishing industry, and the passion and dedication of the fishermen who pursue their dreams.
Conclusion
Wicked Tuna is a popular reality TV show that follows a group of fishermen from Gloucester, Massachusetts, as they compete to catch the most valuable bluefin tuna in the North Atlantic. The show is not cancelled and has been renewed for a 13th season, which is currently in production and expected to air in 2023. The show features nine boats, including a newcomer, Michelle Bancewicz, who is the first female captain to join the fleet. The show also pays tribute to Paul J.iello, a crew member who died in an explosion on board the FV-Tuna.com boat in 2019. The show educates the viewers about the biology, ecology, and history of bluefin tuna, and the risks and rewards of the fishing industry. The show airs on National Geographic and can be watched online or on streaming platforms.
FAQ
How much do the Wicked Tuna fishermen make?
The Wicked Tuna fishermen make money from two sources: the sale of their tuna and the salary from the show. The sale of their tuna depends on the market price, which varies depending on the supply and demand, the quality and size of the tuna, and the preferences of the buyers. The show does not disclose the exact amount of money the fishermen make from their tuna, but it does show the estimated value of each fish they catch and the total earnings of each boat at the end of the season.
The salary from the show is also not publicly known, but some sources have estimated that the captains make around $100,000 per season, while the crew members make around $10,000 per season. However, these figures are not confirmed by the show or the fishermen, and may not reflect the actual income they receive.
How can I watch Wicked Tuna?
Wicked Tuna airs on National Geographic, which is available on cable, satellite, and streaming platforms. You can also watch the show online on the National Geographic website or app, or on other streaming services that carry the channel, such as Hulu, YouTube TV, or Sling TV. You can also buy or rent individual episodes or seasons of the show on Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play, or Vudu.
When will Wicked Tuna season 13 premiere?
Wicked Tuna season 13 is expected to premiere in 2023, but the exact date has not been announced yet. The show usually airs in the first quarter of the year, so it is likely that season 13 will debut in January, February, or March of 2023. However, this may change depending on the production schedule and the network’s programming decisions. The best way to stay updated on the show’s premiere date is to follow the official social media accounts of the show or the fishermen, or to check the National Geographic website or app.