Discovery Sueing Hillstrands

[LOTWSvirgin]

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – Most reality TV producers follow a simple format: Capture what happens, and then have cast-members fill in story gaps with voice-overs and cutaways. But what to do when reality TV stars jump ship before sitting down for the required interviews?

Sue them, of course.

Discovery is seeking $3 million in damages after two stars of "Deadliest Catch," Jonathan and Andy Hillstrand, allegedly failed to live up to an agreement to complete a spin-off project.

According to the breach-of-contract lawsuit, filed last week in Maryland Circuit Court, the Hillstrands were to film a one-time special called "Hillstranded." The duo was coming off five seasons of "Deadliest Catch," one of the most popular programs on any Discovery-affiliated network. The special was to document the team's various adventures in Alaska; work unrelated to their jobs as crab fisherman. Two weeks of principal photography was shot in June, but there was still work to do.

"The Hillstrand Defendants determined that they would reverse course, dishonor their promises, and refuse to render the services necessary to complete 'Hillstranded,'" reads the complaint.

At the end of August, Discovery allegedly called the brothers to confirm a date, time and location for them to sit for interviews. The complaint says the only response was an e-mail from a lawyer for the brothers informing producers that they shouldn't attempt any further contact with them.

Discovery argues that the failure by Hillstrands to complete work has caused production on the show to remain uncompleted. The company says that the show would have earned significant ratings and that it has suffered substantial losses as a result.

The Hillstrands' lawyer likened the lawsuit to extortion, and said it might even force his clients to sell their boats and fire their crews. He also took aim at the network's well-paid top executive.

"The recent actions of Discovery Communications are an astonishing and shameful instance of arrogance and greed run amok," attorney Jeff Cohen said in a statement.

"While CEO David Zaslav reaps a $33.9 million bonanza in a single day in January 2010, his company attempts to bankrupt hardworking fishermen. Three million dollars is exponentially greater than any compensation ever paid to the 'Deadliest Catch' captains, and yet this is the figure Discovery is trying to extort from these men.

"Isn't there enough unemployment in America without forcing hard-working sea captains to declare bankruptcy, sell their boats and fire their crews?," he asked.

He also referenced the death earlier this year of Captain Phil Harris, which was chronicled by the show.

"Discovery is a multi-billion dollar corporation making hundreds of millions of dollars from broadcasting the dangerous exploits of our clients. In light of all the tragedy witnessed by Captain Sig (Hansen), Capt. John and Capt. Andy this year, why can't Discovery let these working men move on with their lives?"

[DTro]

So what are we missing here? Oh yeah, the part about why they didn't want to fulfill their part of the deal.

Wonder why they decided to not to finish it???

[CJH]

I agree. From the story seems like a simple breach of contract. However, there are 3 sides to every story. Something must have torqued them off pretty good to just "jump ship"!!

[mrklean]

yea kinda odd why they didnt want to finish it, those guys seem game for pretty much anything, odd

[jwmiller33]

sounds like we are missing a big piece of the story.... im sure there is wayyyy more to it than what it stated in that article.

the hillstrands were my favorite boat to watch for the past couple seasons. i liked the positive attitude they embraced while fishing. not saying other boats weren't positive, but if i was going to work on one of those crab boats, it would definitely be the time bandit.

[mrklean]

wonder if they will be on the show next year then?

[Ryan_V]

I'm very interested to hear their (Jonathan and Andy's) side of the whole story.... Interesting article, but like was stated above, we're missing part of the whole story here.

[spearchucker]

I hope there is something missing. The Hillstands better not have went Hollywood on us.

[LMITOUT]

They were the best part of the show, IMO. After reading the news clipping it's apparent that feelings are hurt and it's evolved to a point where nothing will fix the bridges that were burned, regardless if either side gives in.

I can't believe that Discovery wouldn't know better than to do this, knowing that win, lose, or draw in the lawsuit the Hillstrands will be leaving the show on the next thing smoking. They sure aren't going to stick around after being sued. They say don't bite the hand that feeds you and the Hillstrands have been feeding Discovery for years, making this a very popular show and most likely making Discovery a lot of cash.

We can now kiss Deadliest Catch goodbye.

[bobbymalone]

We can now kiss Deadliest Catch goodbye.

meh it had a good run, but really how long do you think it can be stretched out.

crabs, storms, infighting, storms, broken equipment, no crabs, infighting, storms, crabs, the end.

[Coach1310]

It is getting close to its end, but what's wrong with going out the right way. Why does everything in America have to end in a lawsuit?? They(the Hillstrands and Discovery) both gained from their relationship, but now its turned into a pi$$*@$ match! No Phil and No Hillstrands.... yeah Deadliest Catch is DEAD!

[JBMasterAngler]

Granted deadliest catch was the most popular (and most watched) show on discovery channel's history, they doing just fine before deadliest catch, and they will be just fine without them. In the long run, the hillstrands' will be the ones losing out.

P.S. The hillstrands already went hollywood on us...the geico commercials for example. Which is fine with me, earn an honest dollar any way you can

[spearchucker]

I think this show was good and had the staying power because they kept it true reality instead of scripted stuff that most of these shows turn into. We will have to hear both sides of this. Biting the hand that feeds you goes both ways here. Nobody would have know the Hillstrands's if not for the show. If they signed a contract to do a show they should follow through with it whether their buddy died or not. They aren't the first people to lose a friend.

[Daze Off]

I think their egos got the better of them...still sounds like a pretty simple deal - they signed a contract to do something and did not do it...if the contract was not fair they should not have signed it....either way, do what you agreed to do and let it go!

Show is starting to turn into a bit of a soap opera anyway...

[hoppe56307]

I also seen that Sig and his crew will also not be part of the up comming season for deadliest catch.

[Ryan_V]

I also seen that Sig and his crew will also not be part of the up comming season for deadliest catch.

Sounds like the show will be on the downhill slide now anyway if these boats aren't coming back on. I suppose they could get different boats for a fresh perspective, but I think most viewers are associating with the current boats, and if they don't return, the show will be done. I for one like seeing the same boats, and can't wait to see how the cornelia marie does after loosing Phil.

[LOTWSvirgin]

By Matthew Belloni Matthew Belloni – Wed Sep 29, 5:11 am ET

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – A trio of stars of Discovery's hit reality series "Deadliest Catch" have left the show.

Capts. Johnathan and Andy Hillstrand -- who were sued earlier this month by Discovery for allegedly not performing work on a planned spinoff special -- as well as Capt. Sig Hansen, said in a statement Tuesday that they were "unable" to continue on the series due to the litigation.

"We have been through a lot over the past year and unfortunately given the current situation with Discovery we are unable to continue participating in 'Deadliest Catch,'" the three crab fishermen said in a joint written statement. "It has been a fantastic ride, and we wish the best to all of the amazing and supportive 'Catch' fans we have met over the years."

A statement from Discovery was not forthcoming.

The network sued the Hillstrands for $3 million claiming they failed to show up to finish work on "Hillstranded," a planned "Catch" spinoff. The Hillstrands' lawyer Jeff Cohen then called the suit an attempt to "extort" his clients and said the lawsuit could force them to sell their boats and fire their crews. Hansen, also repped by Cohen, later weighed in, backing the Hillstrands, slamming Discovery and saying, "I want people to know the captains stand together, and me and my brothers support them 100 percent."

Hansen, captain of the Northwestern, has been a fixture on "Catch" since its first season premiered in 2005. The Hillstrands, captains of the Time Bandit, joined in Season 2. Filming on the seventh season of the Emmy-nominated series is scheduled to begin as crab season starts in October. But barring any reconciliation, it now appears the show will be down three captains (in addition to Capt. Phil Harris, who died earlier this year).

[mrklean]

that stinks my fav boats are gone now say goodbye to deadliest catch

[Double D]

So this leaves Keith of the Wizard as the main "old" boat captain on the show?

Yikes.

DD

[MuleShack]

I thought the Hillstrands were going to retire anyway, giving the boat to the one deckhand.

[LOTWSvirgin]

SEATTLE -- Avid fans of the show "Deadliest Catch" can sleep a little easier tonight knowing a Northwest favorite is now back on the show.

Capt. Sig Hansen of the F/V Northwestern, as well as Johnathan and Andy Hillstrand have reached an agreement with the popular cable show's creators.

"We're happy we worked everything out with Discovery. A deal's a deal. We're heading up to Dutch Harbor to start filming the new season of

'Deadliest Catch,' and hopefully it will be the best one yet," said the captains in a joint statement released on Friday.

The deal came just in the brink of time as the Seattle-based Hansen and his crew are scheduled to sail for Alaska early Saturday morning.

Hansen and the Hillstrands had banded together in action after failing to reach an agreement with the Discovery Channel last month. The trio did not elaborate on the point of contention.

The Ballard-born Hansen and his family members have been braving the dangerous Bering Sea and crab fishing for decades.

Thanks to the hit show, Hansen has been riding a growing wave of popularity for the past six years, during which he marketed a variety of merchandise and penned a memoir titled "North by Northwestern: A Seafaring Family on Deadly Alaskan Waters."

[jwhjr]

The Hillstrands are back as well.

[DTro]

"agreement" = more money

[Ryan_V]

glad they're back. I'll be interested to see if Edgar made it back, or if he took a season off to think things over. I'm sure he has enough other stuff he can do after the show's popularity. When does the new season start?? I think it's in the spring if I'm not mistaken.

[Double D]

Starts again in spring, but the fishing starts real soon.

By the way, I checked the Cornelia Marie HSOforum and they are starting this season with the same crew as they finished last season with.

DD