[7][8] Set in several locations of Newfoundland and Labrador, Cold Water Cowboys shows the life of fishermen after the Collapse of the Atlantic northwest cod fishery in 1992.

"[12] The Cold Water Cowboys concept was developed by a Canadian producer Tyson Hepburn and director John Driftmier who were friends since film school.

[24][25][13][26][better source needed] Returning captains were Andre and Michelle Jesso, Conway Caines, Paul Tiller, Richard Gillett and Morris Antsey.

[27][30] Midnight Shadow Captain Richard Gillet was arrested in October 2015[31] and convicted in September 2016 for the assault of a dock worker while filming season 2 of the show.

As the vice-president of the Federation of Independent Sea Harvesters of Newfoundland and Labrador, he demanded a meeting with the fisheries minister over quota cuts to shrimp and crab.

[38] Another star of the show, Nicole Daniel's captain Toby Young faced charges in August 2015 for failing to comply with the condition of a fishing license.