If 20 seasons is any indication, Deadliest Catch fans simply cannot get enough of their favorite show. Capturing the high-stakes world of fishermen in the Bering Sea, Deadliest Catch has showcased the adrenaline-filled world that the men and women put themselves through to catch the prized Alaskan king crab. So, when do the fans get more?

Well, if one fan-favorite fisherman has a pulse on the premiere date, Deadliest Catch Season 21 is coming in July! Posted on his Instagram page, Captain Jake Anderson said, “…..waiting. ………waiting …….waiting / DEALIES CATCH STARTS MID JULY.” Accompanied by a photo of himself on the Fishing Vessel Titan Explorer, the unofficial reveal date marks another major change for the franchise: the latest start in series history.

What a Late Start Date Means for ‘Deadliest Catch

Though there has yet to be an official announcement from Discovery Channel about the Season 21 premiere, Deadliest Catch fans are eager to learn if Captain Jake’s statement is factual. While it’s common for networks to shift their schedule from time to time, there has been a long-standing precedent of when Deadliest Catch would air each year. Typically, the beloved series would begin the season in late March or April and run until July or August. By Season 15, the longer season order lasted until September. It wasn’t until Season 20 that Discovery Channel waited until June to launch the new season.

The reality show’s filming schedule is dictated by the actual crabbing season in Alaska. Typically, fishing vessels head out on their missions between October and January. With weather and other conditions a factor, the actual dates may shift. This is significant as the network needs ample time to edit the season before releasing it for public consumption. A later start date allows for a longer episode order as well as documenting the crabbing season to the bitter end. But until the Discovery Channel announces a premiere date, we’re all left speculating about what the beloved captain has shared.

What’s Happened Since ‘Deadliest Catch’ Season 20

Season 20 held the record for the latest premiere date, but it was a monumental one. The milestone 20th season was a celebration of the show that began in 2005. With medical emergencies, weather challenges, a derby race, and career-changing moments, fans simply couldn’t get enough. For Captain Jake himself, he saw himself in a season’s worth of trouble and turmoil. He began the season losing possession of F/V Saga, which forced him to work temporarily under Captain Sig Hansen on F/V Northwestern, the boat on which he started his career. From there, he moved over to a new boat with new bosses on F/V Titan Explorer. He was able to find his footing but experienced some technical difficulties as Titan Explorer lost its autopilot and endured a leak.

Since Season 20, Captain Jake has balanced work with family time, which he documents proudly on his social media. In their offseason, a few of the captains of Deadliest Catch appeared on Celebrity Family Feud. Unfortunately, Captain Sig Hansen, Captain Keith Colburn, Captain Jake Anderson, Captain “Wild” Bill Wichrowski, and Captain Johnathan Hillstrand floundered a bit as they took on the stars of Star Trek. Speaking of “Wild” Bill, since the season, he has opened up about his cancer battle, which had been documented on the show. Fans are eager and hopeful to see him return when the new season begins.