Factual

Off The Fence has secured a pre-buy and co-production deal with Hearst for Wrecks and Riches, a new 10-part factual series created by Colby Gaines, co-creator of Pawn Stars. The series has completed principal photography for its first two seasons, with post-production underway and delivery of season one expected in the first quarter of 2027. The series follows an expert team exploring shipwrecks in the Bahamas, an area known as the shipwreck graveyard. Operating from the expedition vessel Guardian, the crew investigates the remains of vessels lost beneath one of the world’s most challenging reef systems, combining underwater exploration, maritime archaeology and the search for historical clues.

The first investigation centres on the possible remains of the Maréchal de Mouchy, an 18th-century French ship lost in 1786. Led by Allan Watson, the expedition team includes wreck diver Peter Magowen and archaeologist Kester Keighley, who work to map the scattered remains and establish the history behind the discoveries. The series combines underwater photography, historical research and character-driven storytelling, while also following the challenges of life aboard the expedition vessel.
Wrecks and Riches is produced by Back Roads Entertainment, with Colby Gaines, Allan Watson and James Conant serving as executive producers. Ken Brisbois, Alexis Iraq and Scott Greenberg are co-executive producers.

Hannah Gray, Hearst Acquisitions Manager said: "We are delighted to be bringing this new series to our audiences. Wrecks and Riches combines genuine access, high-stakes adventure and compelling human stories. Each expedition uncovers a new shipwreck and mystery, bringing maritime history, science and the thrill of discovery to life. With expertise and personality at its heart, the series takes audiences beneath the waves and into the untold stories of the past."
Bo Stehmeier, CEO at Off The Fence said: ‘we are completely buzzing about this series in particular as it feels like a natural evolution to an emergent space that is beginning to flourish. The access, expertise, history and science baked into the structure of the show coupled with the emotions, arcs, characters and expeditions means this show competes across factual entertainment and more PSB leaning specialist factual. It’s a natural returner with literally millions of wrecks on the sea bed waiting to be discovered. This new immersive factual genre presents real opportunity for producers, broadcasters, PSBs and streamers alike to build this space back up – plus a whole universe of IP potential.’

The deal follows Hearst’s recent acquisition of Orange County Choppers Original, a six-part observational documentary series revisiting the classic television brand.