Swords: Life on the Line

Watch Swords: Life on the Line

  • TV-14
  • 2009
  • 3 Seasons
  • 7.6  (89)

Swords: Life on the Line was a reality television show that aired on the Discovery Channel in 2009. The show followed the lives of commercial fishermen in Gloucester, Massachusetts, as they worked to catch swordfish in the Atlantic Ocean. It showcased the physical and mental challenges that come with pursuing one of the world's most dangerous jobs, as well as the relationships and camaraderie that are formed among the crew members.

The show focused on the following boats: The Nightline, The Frances Anne, and The Lily. Each boat had its unique crew members and personalities, but they all shared a passion for fishing and a desire to make a living doing what they loved. The Nightline had a seasoned captain named Dave Marciano, who had been fishing for over 30 years and was determined to keep his crew safe while still catching fish. The Frances Anne was captained by Ralph Wilkins, who had a reputation for being aggressive and taking risks. Finally, The Lily was captained by Brad Krasowski, who was serious about his work but also had a good sense of humor and often joked around with his crew.

Throughout the series, viewers were given an inside look at what it takes to fish for swordfish. The crews would set out on their boats for days or even weeks at a time, navigating treacherous waters and battling harsh weather conditions. The show also highlighted the dangers of the job, such as the risk of being hit by a swinging harpoon or getting tangled in the fishing lines. Despite the risks, these fishermen were willing to risk it all for a successful catch.

The show also explored the personal lives of the crew members, including their relationships with each other and their families back home. Viewers got to know the unique personalities of each crew member and how they interacted with each other on the boat. Some crew members were boisterous and outgoing, while others were more reserved and focused solely on their work. Regardless of their personalities, they all had a shared goal in mind: to successfully catch enough swordfish to provide for themselves and their families.

In addition to the fishing itself, the show also featured several subplots and storylines. One such storyline involved Ralph Wilkins and his girlfriend, who had a tumultuous relationship and often fought while he was away on the boat. Another storyline involved Brad Krasowski and his crew member, who had a falling out and struggled to work together effectively. These subplots helped to break up the monotony of the fishing scenes and added a personal element to the show.

Overall, Swords: Life on the Line was an engaging and thrilling reality show that gave viewers an inside look into the dangerous and challenging world of commercial fishing. Through its depiction of the crews' struggles and triumphs, viewers were able to gain a newfound appreciation for the hard work and risks that come with pursuing this career. The show was well-received by fans and critics alike, and its legacy has endured to this day.

Swords: Life on the Line is a series that ran for 3 seasons (28 episodes) between August 11, 2009 and on Discovery Channel

Swords: Life on the Line
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Seasons
The Final Gamble
10. The Final Gamble
July 7, 2011
It's the homestretch of the 2010 swordfishing season and all four boats and their crews have been victims to Mother Nature. Everyone anticipates the results of the last offload and hopes for a paycheck.
Lost Hopes and Last Chances
9. Lost Hopes and Last Chances
June 30, 2011
Near the end of the season, the Hannah Boden finally reaches George's Bank where Linda seeks help from Scotty in finding the fish. The Frances Anne lays low while Chompers has his worst season ever.
Dead in the Water
8. Dead in the Water
June 23, 2011
Linda's crew is hesitant to trust her following their bad luck on the Grand Banks. Scotty's decision to head for George's Bank is starting to be lucrative. Captain Slick is on the fish but a greenhorn makes a mistake that costs them time and fish.
Bested, Battered & Broke
7. Bested, Battered & Broke
June 16, 2011
The Eagle Eye 2 offloads enough to pay the bills before it heads south to George's Bank, while Linda's decision to stay on the Grand Banks comes back to haunt her. And, plagued with auto pilot issues, the Frances Anne is forced to return to port.
Foreign Relations
6. Foreign Relations
June 9, 2011
A Japanese boat enters the Grand Banks and steals the top fishing spot from the fleet. Captain Greenlaw assists Scotty and the Eagle Eye 2 says farewell to the Grand Banks and heads south. Then Slick's autopilot breaks and Butters takes command.
Charlie Foxtrot
5. Charlie Foxtrot
June 2, 2011
The crews face one of the worst fishing seasons to date. The Frances Anne offloads a decent trip but deck boss Lemmy gets injured and tempers flare on the Hannah Boden between slacking crew members.
With Friends Like These
4. With Friends Like These
May 26, 2011
Linda's decision to endure Hurricane Igor on the fishing grounds has left her all alone on the Grand Banks. Now, Captains Scotty and Chompers must make up for lost time while they braved the storm inland.
The Storm of the Century
3. The Storm of the Century
May 19, 2011
A massive hurricane is releasing it's power across the North Atlantic and the four captains struggle with staying on the water or going back to shore. Chompers and Scotty head into dock but find the storm has followed them.
Long Lines and Short Tempers
2. Long Lines and Short Tempers
May 19, 2011
With a massive storm heading toward the fishing grounds, every captain is rushing to put fish on the boat before they're forced to shore. On the Frances Anne, deck boss Lemmy makes a huge mistake that sets Captain Slick off.
Gamblers and Legends
1. Gamblers and Legends
May 12, 2011
Linda Greenlaw and Captain Scotty renew their friendly rivalry and Captain Slick suffers with a clumsy greenhorn crew while Chomps is desperate for any crew he can round up. All four captains and ships set out for the Grand Banks to catch swords.
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Where to Watch Swords: Life on the Line
Swords: Life on the Line is available for streaming on the Discovery Channel website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Swords: Life on the Line on demand at Vudu and Pluto TV.
  • Premiere Date
    August 11, 2009
  • IMDB Rating
    7.6  (89)
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