“Shark Week,” the Discovery Channel’s annual ode to the ocean’s apex predators, splashes back onto screens July 20 for its 37th season. Long a summertime staple, the week-long programming block has evolved from a scientific curiosity to a pop-culture juggernaut—and this year is no exception.
Originally debuting in 1988, Shark Week was created to raise awareness and dispel myths about sharks. It quickly found an audience hungry for real-life footage, scientific exploration, and yes, a little bit of shark-fueled spectacle. Now a core asset of Warner Bros. Discovery’s summer lineup, it remains one of the longest-running cable TV events in U.S. history.
This year’s lineup features a mix of returning hits and new specials: from Air Jaws: The Hunt for Colossus to Frankenshark, and intense entries like Great White Sex Battle and Bull Shark Showdown. The programming blends research and survival stories with a flair for the dramatic—titles like Alien Sharks: Death Down Under and Florida’s Death Beach practically guarantee viewers won’t be going near the water anytime soon.
Fans can catch Shark Week on Discovery Channel or stream it via Discovery+, HBO Max, Hulu, and YouTube TV.
Despite the parent company’s uncertain future—Warner Bros. Discovery is set to split by mid-2026—Shark Week endures as a ratings winner. With a blend of fact, fear, and entertainment, it continues to capture imaginations and keep viewers hooked.
Source: USA Today