What Jake Harris From Deadliest Catch Is Doing Now
The popular Discovery Channel reality series "Deadliest Catch" provides a glimpse into the lives of commercial fishermen. Set in the icy waters off the coast of Alaska, the show follows fishing teams as they work on their boat, as well as their life on dry land. One such team was helmed by Phil Harris, who debuted in the show's second season in 2010, according to Outsider. Harris died soon after suffering a stroke sustained while he brought in his catch. The experience profoundly affected his sons, Josh and Jake Harris.
Referring to his father's death, Jake Harris told People that he never expected his father would die so soon. While growing up, the younger Harris had many deep conversations with his father about the business of finishing. Now that Phil Harris was gone, it was time for his sons to take over the family business. From that point forward, Jake and Josh Harris played a prominent part in the series. But then after just a few seasons, and despite his popularity among fans, Jake Harris disappeared. That left "Deadliest Catch" followers wondering.
Jake Harris' struggles were a part of the show
Producers of Deadliest Catch did not try to hide the fact Jake Harris struggled with substance use issues. Once in charge of his dad's crab fishing boat, and in the midst of grieving his father, those challenges worsened for Harris. In an earlier season, before he became a main character, Harris opened up about his opiate use to his dad. He had injured himself as a boy while skateboarding, and to manage the pain he became dependent on opiates. In the show, Harris said to his father (via Republic World), "It's hard to admit to one of your heroes in life you need help." By the end of Season 6, Jake Harris checked into rehab.
In season 8, both Josh and Jake (above) returned to the series, but this time, manning different boats. By the end of that season, Jake Harris appeared to be once more in the throes of addiction. He was arrested for DUI in 2010 (via TMZ). He'd also been robbed and beaten. When the series returned in 2012, and without much explanation, Jake Harris was abruptly gone. In 2013, Josh Harris updated HuffPost on his brother. "He's lost in drugs still. Jake's gotta take care of his own stuff right now. Deal with his demons," Josh Harris said at the time.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Jake Harris was arrested in 2017
A few years later, Jake Harris showed up once more in the headlines — this time with a mugshot. In 2017, the former reality TV star was arrested in Arizona for stealing a car from a female companion and in possession of illegal substances. Jake Harris was charged with one count of felony theft and two counts of felony drug possession (per TMZ). This was just the first high-profile post-TV career run-in with the law for Jake Harris. The second had much more serious consequences.
In 2019, Jake Harris was sentenced to prison in Washington State for once more driving under the influence and for intent to manufacture and distribute heroin, according to Oxygen. His arrest came after a police chase. Once apprehended, Jake Harris did not cooperate with the officers. Also found in the motorhome where Harris was living was a shotgun linked with several burglaries that Harris was not involved in. It was later found the motor home itself was stolen before it was purchased by Harris. After serving time for those charges, Harris was once more arrested in 2021 for DUI and for driving with a suspended or revoked license, among other infractions, as Fox News explains.
Jake Harris briefly returned for season 16 and is now in a spin-off
Following his 2021 setbacks, there are now signs Jake Harris is turning his life around. After briefly appearing on Season 16 of "Deadliest Catch," prior to his 2019 arrest and subsequent jail sentence, Jake is once more working on boats with his brother Josh, the focus of a Harris-family-themed spin off of "Deadliest Catch" called "Deadliest Catch: Bloodline," which premiered in 2020 on the Discovery Channel (via IMDb). Jake Harris himself will marking his return to TV in season three, as TV Shows Ace explains.
Otherwise, Josh Harris told TV Shows Ace his brother's outlook on life is improving. He's in a new relationship, and enjoying time spent in the life of his new partner's two young sons. Via TV Shows Ace, Josh Harris also said, "[Jake's] been doing really well and just taking baby steps with him, and he's still working through this stuff. If he's comfortable and feels good enough and strong enough to come back to work, then we're here with open arms for him." Otherwise, Josh said his brother "loves being a dad, and he's really good at it."