Wicked 200: Sailing Out of Gloucester Since 2012

April 22, 2024 / Wicked Tuna

After thirteen seasons on the high seas, Wicked Tuna reaches an incredible milestone – 200 episodes – in 2024. The series has celebrated one of America’s oldest industries since first premiering on National Geographic in 2012 and has made internationally recognized stars of the intrepid Gloucester commercial fishermen who brave the unrelenting North Atlantic waters to catch the elusive bluefin tuna.

From the start, Wicked Tuna set out to document the skill and coordination it takes to wrestle a giant bluefin tuna using the centuries-old method of rod-and-reel fishing. The gripping action and human perseverance has drawn millions of loyal viewers around the globe who tune in to watch the high drama and the banter between the captains and crew– sometimes playful, sometimes heated – as the Gloucester fishermen vied to outdo each other every week in the hopes of taking home the most lucrative catch and ending the season as the top-earning boat in the fleet.

Every great series starts with a great story– and Wicked Tuna has always delivered a compelling mix of fast-paced action and human drama that has excited and inspired viewers ever since its first episode. But one of the show’s most compelling characters has always been the town of Gloucester itself. America’s oldest seaport, Gloucester and its rich history set it apart from any other town or city along the entire East Coast. Almost every book about maritime history is based in and around this area.

Back in 2012, Pilgrim Media Group came to scout the location and the show’s producers were instantly hooked on the stories the local fishermen told of reeling in massive bluefin tuna. Many of those fishermen became part of the original cast of Wicked Tuna and a new era of recognition for the city was born. Over the years, Wicked Tuna has contributed to a boost in Gloucester’s tourism industry, with fans searching the docks for their favorite captains and boats much like they searched for local landmarks after the film The Perfect Storm came out.

Gloucester was always the bluefin capital of the world and the fans of Wicked Tuna have been drawn to Gloucester to experience the excitement for themselves. For many of the beloved cast, the biggest surprise has been the opportunities that have come with being on a show that is both a national and international success.

You won’t have to look very far to find Wicked Tuna merchandise in Gloucester and beyond. Many cast members make appearances at regional and national boat shows across the country and some have even traveled to meet groups of fans overseas.

As National Geographic and Pilgrim Media Group reflect on 13 great seasons and 200 episodes, the appreciation for how warmly Gloucester has embraced the series, the cast and crew, and the dedicated fans is hard to put into words. It has been an incredible journey together and there are only two words that seem to fit the moment: Thank You.