Mike Rowe Sues Discovery, Claims Millions in Unpaid Voiceover Royalties

Mike Rowe, best known for hosting Discovery's "Dirty Jobs," has filed a lawsuit against Discovery Talent Services (DTS), alleging the network owes him millions for alleged unpaid voiceover work on "Deadliest Catch" and its related series. The suit, filed Tuesday, claims a 2020 agreement for Rowe to be paid $40,000 per episode on a "pay-or-play" basis has been violated.

Rowe and his production company, Lab Rat, contend that under the "pay-or-play" agreement, DTS was obligated to either use Rowe's narration or pay him for episodes where another narrator was used. The lawsuit states this agreement was intended to cover all originally produced episodes of "Deadliest Catch" and "Bering Sea Gold," as well as any future spinoffs.

According to the lawsuit, the agreement was honored for spinoffs such as "Deadliest Catch: The Bait" and "Deadliest Catch: Dungeon Cove." However, Rowe claims he was not hired as the narrator and was not compensated for "Deadliest Catch: Bloodline" (33 episodes), "Deadliest Catch: The Viking Returns" (10 episodes), and "Deadliest Catch: Northern Edge" (8 episodes).

Rowe asserts that his legal team had discussions with Discovery prior to filing the suit. In those discussions, the network reportedly stated its interpretation of the "pay-or-play" provision was that it only applied when DTS chose to have a narrator involved. Rowe's lawyers argue that because DTS opted not to use him as the narrator in at least 51 episodes of "Deadliest Catch" spinoffs, Lab Rat is entitled to at least $2.04 million in payments.

Rowe began narrating "Deadliest Catch" episodes in 2005. The lawsuit also suggests that international versions of "Deadliest Catch" episodes may differ from their U.S. counterparts, and if these international episodes are considered "originally produced," the "pay-or-play" agreement should apply to them as well.

The lawsuit states that the 2020 agreement aimed to "lock in" Rowe to the deal for life. Rowe is reportedly seeking over $2 million in damages. Representatives for Discovery have been contacted for comment.