Garry Ripka, FV Redeemer.jpg

A new "Deadliest Catch" spinoff series will be set in and around Newport, Oregon, following the adventures of Dungeness crab fishermen. Pictured: Garry Ripka, and the FV Redeemer.

(Discovery)

Discovery Channel has announced that Newport, Oregon is getting the "Deadliest Catch" treatment. In a press release, Discovery says that a new spinoff, with the working title, "Deadliest Catch: Dungeon Cove," will take place in and around Newport, and follow Dungeness crab fishermen and their families.

From the press release:

"Newport, Oregon is one of the last remaining fishing towns along the edge of the notoriously violent 'Graveyard of the Pacific' that stretches from Oregon to British Columbia. Here, generations of Dungeness crab fishermen and their families sacrifice everything that they have, including life itself, to carve an existence from the sea. From Original Productions, creators of the multiple Emmy Award-winning series DEADLIEST CATCH, comes DEADLIEST CATCH: DUNGEON COVE (w/t) premiering in the fall of 2016 on the Discovery Channel.



Thousands of vessels and lives have been lost while battling the seas in what's considered the deadliest commercial fishery in the world. The Oregon coast bursts with sea life, but also a labyrinth of sandbars and currents. DEADLIEST CATCH: DUNGEON COVE goes on board the vessels that navigate this stretch of sea that churns up massive waves and unpredictable conditions. But what is it like for those left behind? DEADLIEST CATCH: DUNGEON COVE will also explore the lives of the families themselves - many of whom have called the village home for generations. Every year fishermen are lost to the turbulent waters, but the families of Newport knowingly bear that burden as they fight to keep the legacy of their town alive."

Rich Ross, group president of Discovery Channel, says in the release that "Deadliest Catch" is "one of the most iconic and highly-regarded series on television...This is an opportunity to extend the franchise with new storylines and characters."

What can we expect in terms of tone? Here's what the press release says about the new show:



"Every year, the boats line up and take off - signaling the start of Dungeness crab season. Millions of dollars are up for grab in one of the last derby-style fisheries in the world, where it pays to be the fastest boat on the crab, and the first boat back to the dock to sell. But this Wild West fishing style comes at a steep price. The sea here gives life, and takes it, in equal measure."



As Deadline reports, "Deadliest Catch" has been a longtime hit for Discovery. The reality show premiered in 2005, and explores the risks and rewards faced by captains and crews on ships fishing for crab in Alaska.

Deadline reports that "Deadliest Catch" has been a longtime hit for Discovery: "In 2015, Deadliest Catch dominated the basic cable landscape on Tuesday nights in the 18-49 and 25-54 demos and with men in both demos. It averaged 3.6 million viewers this season, with 2.2 million of them in the 25-54 demo the basic cable network targets."

The Discovery show "Gold Rush" also features Oregon's Todd Hoffman, and members of his crew, though the show has filmed in Alaska and Canada.

-- Kristi Turnquist

kturnquist@oregonian.com

503-221-8227

@Kristiturnquist