This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
When Reality TV Gets A Little Too Real: Edgy Fare Can Be Deadly For The Crew
An Amazon tree boa (Photo by Pedro Bernarndo via Shutterstock)
Reality TV can be deadly—and not just for some of the adventurous souls in shows like "Deadliest Catch" or "Outback Hunters." Working on these shows can be perilous for the crew members, too.
Danger garners ratings—the peril of a show's premise is often used in advertisements. But producers, safety experts and labor advocates say that many of these shows cut corners in protecting their cast and crew, according to the Los Angeles Times. The Times spoke with crew members—or their survivors—who were injured or killed while working in the line of duty for reality TV. Here are some of the horror stories:
Some of the premises being batted around are apparently so dangerous that insurers won't even consider them. The Fireman's Fund passed on 50 reality TV shows this year because they were too risky. One show wanted to blow up a mine. Another wanted to go to Mexico to follow drug cartels around.Some labor advocates argue that the shows should be unionized to push back against manic production schedules and increase safety protections. However, Thom Beers, who produced hit shows "Deadliest Catch," "Ice Road Truckers" and "Monster Garage," argues that crew members that take on dangerous jobs are compensated: "We realize the fact that they are putting their lives in danger, which is why we take care of them. We pay them very, very well, way beyond scale, for what they do."
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
