Trio of stars of Discovery’s hit reality series “Deadliest Catch” quit

Andy Hillstrand and Jonathan Hillstrand

(HMG) – Capts. Jonathan and Andy Hillstrand, who were sued earlier this month by Discovery for allegedly not performing work on a planned spinoff special, have left “Deadliest Catch” along with Capt. Sig Hansen. Discovery sued the Hillstrands for $3 million claiming they failed to show up to finish work on “Hillstranded,” a planned “Catch” spinoff. Hansen, who has been on “Catch” since its first season premiered in 2005, jumped in to support the Hillstrands, slamming Discovery and saying, “I want people to know the captains stand together, and me and my brothers support them 100 percent.”  Apparently he meant it!

The three captains issued a statement to the Hollywood Reporter saying they are “unable” to continue on the hit adventure 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.”

The Emmy-nominated series is scheduled to begin filming it’s seventh season as crab season starts in October.