Shark Week, Discovery’s annual celebration of the ocean’s apex predators, returns for its 37th year in 2025 with a fresh lineup of thrilling programming. This guide provides all the necessary details on air times, viewing options, and standout shows for the week-long event.
This year, Discovery appears to be taking a more focused approach, moving away from the celebrity hosts of recent years. The event, which began in 1988, aims to foster a greater understanding and appreciation for sharks, blending education with high-stakes entertainment.
When and Where to Watch Shark Week 2025
Shark Week 2025 will run from Sunday, July 20, to Saturday, July 26. The official kick-off is scheduled for Sunday, July 20, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on the Discovery Channel.
- Live TV: In the United States, Shark Week airs exclusively on the Discovery Channel, available through most cable providers.
- Live TV Streaming: For those without traditional cable, Discovery is accessible via several live TV streaming services, including SlingTV (on its Blue package), Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream, and YouTube TV.
- On-Demand Streaming: All Shark Week content will be available to stream on demand on HBO Max following its live premiere. Discovery+, the network’s dedicated streaming service, is also expected to feature the full 2025 lineup at a later date, and currently hosts content from previous years.
International Viewing
Shark Week programming airs live only in the U.S. Viewers located abroad can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access their U.S.-based streaming subscriptions. A VPN routes your connection through a server in a country of your choice, allowing you to bypass geo-restrictions and watch content as if you were at home.
Shark Week 2025 Program Highlights
While Discovery will feature shark-related content throughout each day of the event, here are some of the premiere specials to look out for. All times are ET/PT.
“Dancing With Sharks”
Airs: Sunday, July 20, at 8 p.m.
Hosted by Emmy Award-winning television personality Tom Bergeron, this new special features an underwater dance competition between expert divers and their shark partners.
“Air Jaws: The Hunt for Colossus”
Airs: Sunday, July 20, at 9 p.m.
This documentary follows a team of researchers on a mission to find a legendary great white shark named “Colossus,” who has been missing for years.
“Great White Sex Battle”
Airs: Monday, July 21, at 8 p.m.
In a Shark Week first, this program pits male and female great whites against each other in a series of challenges off the coast of New Zealand to determine which sex is the superior predator.
“Jaws vs. Mega Croc”
Airs: Monday, July 21, at 9 p.m.
This special presents a CGI-animated fight between two formidable predators: the great white shark and the Nile crocodile.
The Evolution of Shark Week
Originally conceived to raise awareness for marine conservation and dispel myths popularized by films like Jaws, Shark Week quickly grew into a cultural phenomenon. Over the years, its focus sometimes shifted toward more sensationalized and entertainment-driven programming.
Following criticism in the 2010s from scientists and conservationists regarding pseudo-scientific content, Discovery pledged to remove such programs from its lineup. Today, while show titles remain designed to capture attention, the event strives to strike a balance between scientifically accurate information and engaging entertainment. Beyond television, the Shark Week brand now includes podcasts, online educational resources, and digital extras to further its mission of celebrating these magnificent creatures.
