Prospectors, the reality show that follows rough-hewn miners foraging for gems in the Colorado mountains, returns to the Weather Channel on Dec. 7.
The show, now in its third season, is one of the network’s most popular, says Lauren Frasca, senior director of original programming.
“The audience responds to the authenticity of the program,” Frasca says. “These guys are out there making their living off the land, constantly battling the forces of nature. It’s amazing to see them out there and saying, ‘Look what I’m pulling out of the ground right now.’ ”
Since it airs on the Weather Channel, Mother Nature is something of a costar.
“There are a lot of dramatic weather moments,” Frasca says. “We have seen the miners battle incredible lightning and hailstorms. And this season we had our first-ever tornado.”
The show’s stars regularly dig up glittery examples of aquamarine, topaz, and quartz. In one episode, a family unearthed three specimens of amazonite, potentially worth $320,000. This season, the show will focus more on the gems, as well as the jewelry that is produced from them.
“When we talked to focus groups, they said they want to hear more about the finished product,” she says. “So this year we will do more on the final product.”
The third season of Prospectors will premiere Dec. 7 at 9 p.m. ET on the Weather Channel.
Follow JCK on Instagram: @jckmagazineFollow JCK on Twitter: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine
