Off The Fence has secured a pre-buy and co-production deal with Hearst Networks UK for Wrecks & Riches, a new immersive factual series created by Pawn Stars co-creator Colby Gaines. The 10-part production follows an expert team investigating historic shipwrecks in the Bahamas, with its first season expected to be delivered in Q1 2027.
What Is Wrecks & Riches About?
Produced by Austin-based Back Roads Entertainment, Wrecks & Riches takes viewers beneath the waters of the Bahamas, where an area known as the “shipwreck graveyard” is the setting for a series of high-risk underwater expeditions. The production combines maritime archaeology, historical research and adventure as the team searches for the remains of long-lost vessels.
The first investigation focuses on a wreck believed to belong to the Maréchal de Mouchy, an 18th-century French ship that sank in 1786. Working from the expedition vessel Guardian, the crew examines cannons, anchors and French silver coins to establish the ship’s identity and piece together its history.
The expedition is led by Allan Watson, alongside wreck diver Peter Magowen and archaeologist Kester Keighley. Together with their young American dive team, they map the scattered remains and investigate clues that could reveal more about the vessels lost in the reef.
Beyond the underwater discoveries, the series also follows the crew’s life aboard the Guardian. Difficult diving conditions, conflicting personalities and the pressures of the expedition test the team as its search unfolds.
Who Created Wrecks & Riches?
The series is an original concept from Emmy-nominated producer and writer Colby Gaines, founder of Back Roads Entertainment and co-creator of the long-running US reality series Pawn Stars.
Gaines serves as executive producer alongside expedition leader Allan Watson and showrunner James Conant. Ken Brisbois, Alexis Iraq and Scott Greenberg are co-executive producers.
Hearst Acquisitions Manager Hannah Gray 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.”
When Will Wrecks & Riches Be Released?
Principal photography for the first two seasons has been completed, while post-production is underway. The first season is expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2027. The announcement does not yet specify a premiere date or a broadcast platform.
Off The Fence CEO Bo Stehmeier described the project as an opportunity to develop the emerging immersive factual genre, highlighting its combination of access, expertise, history, science and character-driven storytelling.
The deal follows Hearst’s recent acquisition of Orange County Choppers Original, a six-part observational documentary series revisiting the classic television brand.
