Da dum. Da dum. There’s something in the water this week—or, more accurately, on your television screen.
Discovery’s Shark Week 2025 began yesterday (Sunday, July 20) and runs though Saturday, July 26. Let’s take a look at the history of this scale-filled event, its enduring legacy, and what’s new this year. Then we will do a deep dive on how to tune in.
A brief history of Shark Week
The Discovery Channel’s “fin-tastic” fanchise first commenced on July 17, 1988, when the program Caged in Fear tested new motorized cages designed to resist shark attacks.
The goal of this program, and the nine others that premiered that week, was to educate the public about these misunderstood sea creatures. The event was so successful that it almost doubled the network’s prime-time average, and so a tradition was born. This year marks 37 years of Shark Week.
How does Shark Week maintain the hype?
In a world of endless streaming options, it is impressive that a traditional cable network’s event can endure and still attract fans. Part of the allure is the subject matter itself. People are fascinated and frankly terrified of the mysterious shark. This primal awe will always remain a satisfying itch to scratch.
The lack of appointment viewing television creates a void that Shark Week gladly fills. The fins and sea water create anticipation, a sense of urgency, and satisfaction that is hard to get anywhere else. It also creates community as those you watch it with undergo a shared experience. Plus its long history is nostalgic for many.
Shark Week has evolved over the years by embracing streaming, social media, and celebrity culture.
Beyond cable, you can catch in on HBO Max and Discovery+. Big moments are shared on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram and quickly go viral. Celebs such as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Jason Momoa, and Shaquille O’Neal have hosted the event. An ability to adapt has cemented this week’s legacy.
What’s new with Shark Week this year?
This year there was much hype around Dancing with the Sharks, hosted by former Dancing with the Stars MC Tom Bergeron. This kicked the week off, airing yesterday at 8 p.m. local time.
If you missed the scuba diving handlers using bait to dance with their finned friends, don’t worry: You can watch catch it on HBO Max.
Another program to look forward to this year is How to Survive a Shark Attack, which is hosted by real-life shark attack survivor Paul de Gelder. In 2009, he was attacked by a bull shark in Sydney Harbor, and as a result lost his right arm and leg, but still managed to survive. His tips and tricks just might help save a life or two. This program airs on Tuesday, July 22, at 9 p.m.
For a full look at the programming schedule, click here.
How can I stream or watch Shark Week live?
Traditional cable subscribers can catch all the splashes on the Discovery Channel.
Cord-cutters can use a live-TV streaming service that carries Discovery content. Those include:
- Hulu + Live TV
- YouTube TV
- Sling TV’s Blue or Orange + Blue streaming services
If you prefer to stream the action on your own schedule, check out Discovery+ and HBO Max. The former is offering free trials for new subscribers.
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