'Deadliest Catch' puts real in reality

"Reality show" is a much-abused term on television.

Everything from social experiments like Big Brother to talent shows like Idols fall under this umbrella: as long as it is unscripted and doesn't involve professional actors, it's a reality show.

Unfortunately, many of these programmes are pretty lightweight, meaning that some excellent shows don't get the credit they deserve.

One of the best is Deadliest Catch, which tracks the lives of crab fishermen on the Bering Sea.

Life on the edge of the Arctic Circle is harsh and dangerous, and it takes brave and tough men to make their living from these treacherous waters.

Ice and fierce seas are part of the package, with the film crews having to endure these hellish conditions along with the fishermen.

The final few episodes of series six of Deadliest Catch produced some of the most outstanding television seen last year.

The fishermen and TV crews have built up trust, allowing viewers access to some very personal realms. The camaraderie, clashes and tragedy are shown in all their brutal glory.

Last season, one captain, Phil Harris, had a stroke while on his boat. His hospitalisation and death were dealt with truthfully and poignantly.

Season seven, "Life after Phil", sees two new boats joining the fleet. The rustbucket Ramblin' Rose and powerful Seabrooke, both with young skippers, will provide some fresh rivalries over methods and crab grounds into the veteran fleet.

• Watch 'Deadliest Catch' on Discovery Channel on Mondays at 9.25pm