Deadliest Catch: Josh Harris and Casey McManus has a confusing history

Josh Harris and Casey McManus: From Deadliest Catch Fan Favorites to Public Controversy

Josh Harris and Casey McManus are best known to television audiences as the co-captains of the F/V Cornelia Marie on Discovery Channel’s long-running documentary series Deadliest Catch and its spin-off, Deadliest Catch: Bloodline. As an inseparable on-screen duo, the two quickly became standout figures within the franchise, eventually leading Bloodline as its central stars.

However, like many reality-based television productions, both Deadliest Catch and its spin-offs have long existed alongside controversy, gossip, and public scrutiny. While there has been no major public conflict between Josh Harris and Casey McManus themselves, past events and recent revelations have significantly complicated their public image and left many viewers questioning the future of their partnership.

The Harris Legacy on Deadliest Catch

The Harris name has been deeply tied to Deadliest Catch since its early seasons, largely due to the legacy of Phil Harris, Josh’s father. Phil Harris appeared prominently from seasons two through six, becoming one of the show’s most iconic figures. A fisherman from a young age, Phil rose through the ranks to become captain of multiple vessels, most famously the Cornelia Marie, named after his wife.

Known for his relentless work ethic and risk-taking approach, Phil Harris embodied the high-stakes lifestyle that defined the show. However, this lifestyle ultimately took a toll on his health. During filming of the sixth season in 2010, Phil suffered a massive stroke while aboard the vessel. Despite emergency medical intervention and surgery, his condition worsened, and he passed away on February 9, 2010, after 11 days in intensive care.

Josh Harris Takes the Helm

Following his father’s death, Josh Harris inherited the Cornelia Marie and later joined Deadliest Catch in season 10, positioning himself as the continuation of his father’s legacy. Viewers quickly embraced him, and his growing popularity eventually led Discovery Channel to greenlight Deadliest Catch: Bloodline, a spin-off centered on Josh’s journey beyond crab fishing.

According to Josh, the idea for Bloodline emerged after discovering old fishing charts his father had created decades earlier, hidden aboard the vessel. Many of these charts pointed to locations around the Hawaiian Islands. With no prior experience fishing outside of crab fisheries, Josh partnered with longtime friend Casey McManus to explore these waters and learn new techniques.

The series follows their efforts to interpret Phil Harris’s charts, adapt to unfamiliar fisheries, and build a new livelihood in Hawaii. With the help of local commercial fishermen, the duo found success targeting species such as yellowfin tuna, swordfish, and barracuda, turning the show into both a tribute to Phil Harris and a new chapter for Josh and Casey.

A Friendship Forged at Sea

Although Josh Harris and Casey McManus had known each other since childhood through their parents’ fishing careers, they did not become close until years later. Their professional partnership began around 2010, when Casey agreed to co-captain the Cornelia Marie. Since then, their careers have become closely intertwined, making recent developments particularly impactful.

Legal Revelations and Fallout

In September 2022, public records resurfaced revealing that Josh Harris had been convicted of a serious crime committed as a minor in the late 1990s. The case, which involved a young child, resulted in a plea deal and a reduced sentence due to Harris’s age at the time. Although the incident occurred more than two decades ago, the renewed public attention has led to widespread backlash.

As a result, Josh Harris was removed from Deadliest Catch following season 18, and Casey McManus no longer appears on the main series due to their shared role aboard the Cornelia Marie. As of now, Discovery Channel has not confirmed whether Deadliest Catch: Bloodline will be affected, though the show is expected to return for a fourth season.

Additional Family Struggles

Josh’s younger brother, Jake Harris, has also faced ongoing legal issues over the years, including multiple arrests related to driving offenses. These challenges have further strained the Harris family’s public image and added complexity to the legacy once celebrated by fans of the show.

An Uncertain Future

With Josh Harris no longer part of the main Deadliest Catch series and public response continuing to evolve, the future of his professional relationship with Casey McManus remains uncertain. Their shared history and deeply connected careers now stand at a crossroads, as audiences and networks alike reassess what comes next.

Whether the duo will continue working together — or whether Bloodline itself will endure — remains to be seen.