Discovery’s “Gold Rush” returns with a special episode for its fifteenth season. Tony Beets, the flamboyant miner known for his booming voice and even bigger ambitions, is riding high, but his winning streak faces a serious test. “It’s Good to be King” will follow Tony as he tackles a series of setbacks, including a flipped rock truck and a downed bridge. These are the sorts of challenges that separate the gold-digging kings from the pretenders, so it will be interesting to see how Tony responds. The special will also feature the always-dramatic gold weigh-in, where Tony will find out if his efforts have paid off or if he’s struck fool’s gold.
“Gold Rush” has always been a show about more than just finding shiny rocks. It’s about the grueling work, the constant mechanical failures, and the unpredictable nature of mining in the Alaskan wilderness. The show’s appeal lies in the vicarious thrill of watching these modern-day prospectors risk everything for a chance to strike it rich. Will Tony’s luck hold out? Will he find enough gold to offset the costs of his latest mishaps? “It’s Good to be King” should provide some answers, along with the usual dose of “Gold Rush” grit and determination.
“Gold Rush” airs Fridays at 9:08 PM on Discovery.