I'll be the statistical anomaly here and say I actually rather enjoy Deadliest Catch. I haven't seen the last two seasons. The last season I saw was the one where Phil died. We haven't watched it because the language and "anger level" is a bit too high to view around our 2 year old..
I've always had a fascination with the sea..so that is part of it. I am always in awe of Ma' Nature's fury. Over the years I've enjoyed watching the personal stories of the crew members (Sig and his brother are my favorites of course). It is also an interesting study in fatigue, errors of consequence, and just brutally difficult work. Just like Ice Pilots NWT - it is a job I know I'd never be able to do. It takes a special breed.
Is it mindless and repetitive programing? Yeah.. I mean..boat, sea, cursing, crabs. That is pretty much it. But I do enjoy me some Deadliest Catch. Not a fan of the follow on stuff (Alligators, Swamps, Truckers, etc...) The only other reality show I really enjoy is Top Shot..and even though it is over dramatized the show on Era Alaska is entertaining..

The show I miss the most (which may still be on) is that Extreme Engineering show where they nerd Danny went around to all those massive construction projects and described how they are assembled. I love big engineering shows.. The logistics baffle me.
BeachAV8R