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).



Looks like the show is over.   Or Over as we know it. I'm sure discovery will try to keep it going but with out  these 4 guys on the show, Its just not worth watching IMO.

That is too bad.  I'd be surprised to see the show continue on.  If it does, it just won't be the same.  Who's left?  Kieth on the Wizard?  Of the core group, he was probably the least liked anyway.   If they can't find a way to repair their relationship with these captains, the show is over.  

    I don't see them finding anyone worth watching for this season. The other thing is, The way that Discovery has handled these issues in the past year or so.. Nothing they put on is worth watching as far as I'm concerned.

I really don't see Phil's boat on the show... The time bandit and the northwestern have been there for Phil and his kids 110% in seasons past. If they were to give in to Discovery, imo I could see the other captains leaving them in the wind

Might as well end it now. Really can't top last season as far as Drama. I will miss seeing the boats in action and a few of the people but for the most part I'm not really sure were else they could go with the show.

They're baaaaacccck!  Suddenly, everyone is happy again,   the Hillstrands are going to honor their contractual obligations & the lawsuit has been dropped.  Awwwwwww.

Now ya'll can get back to your Deadliest Catch countdown.   

Sweet I love it can't wait

Where did you reasd this??

Great show but I am not so sure it has not ran it's course.  Good to see those two boats on it if they are going to air it.