Shark Week 2025 is set to make waves once again, returning for its 37th year with a fresh lineup of jaw-dropping programming and thrilling new specials. The iconic summer event kicks off on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET on Discovery, promising a week packed with 20 hours of brand-new, shark-filled content. With a blend of adrenaline-pumping science, celebrity hosts, and never-before-seen shark behaviors, Shark Week 2025 is shaping up to be the most exciting yet.
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Shark Week 2025: What’s New This Year?
Shark Week 2025 is not just a return to form—it’s an evolution. This year’s slate features a dynamic mix of educational documentaries, edge-of-your-seat adventure, and even a touch of showbiz, all designed to captivate both long-time fans and newcomers.
Key Highlights for Shark Week 2025:
- Premiere Date: July 20, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET on Discovery
- Total Programming: 20 hours of all-new shark content
- Celebrity Hosts: Tom Bergeron leads the much-anticipated Dancing with Sharks special
- Fan Favorites Return: Air Jaws, Great White Assassins, and more
- Focus on Science and Survival: New insights into shark behavior, attacks, and conservation
Opening Night: “Dancing with Sharks” and More
The much-hyped premiere event, Dancing with Sharks, will launch Shark Week 2025. Hosted by Tom Bergeron, this unique special pairs five professional divers with hammerheads, tiger sharks, and other species to create mesmerizing underwater dance routines. It’s a bold twist on the traditional Shark Week formula, blending artistry with marine science and offering viewers a new perspective on these misunderstood predators.
Key Point Summary:
- Shark Week 2025 premieres July 20 at 8 p.m. ET
- 20 hours of new programming, including celebrity-hosted specials
- Focus on both entertainment and cutting-edge shark research
The Science Behind the Spectacle
Beyond the spectacle, Shark Week 2025 is doubling down on science. This year’s programming leverages the latest tracking technology, allowing viewers to follow real-time movements of some of the ocean’s most famous sharks. For example, the largest adult male great white ever recorded in the Atlantic—nicknamed “Contender”—was recently tracked off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. At nearly 14 feet long and weighing over 1,650 pounds, Contender’s journey is just one of many stories that will unfold during the week.
Shark Week’s scientific focus doesn’t stop there. Specials like Great White Assassins will explore how orcas hunt great whites, while In the Eye of the Storm: Shark Storm investigates shark attacks along the Gulf Coast in 2024. These programs aim to separate fact from fiction, countering hysteria with hard evidence and expert commentary.
New Shows and Returning Favorites
This year’s Shark Week lineup is packed with both innovative new specials and the return of beloved series. Here’s a snapshot of what’s in store:
| Show Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Dancing with Sharks | Divers and sharks perform underwater routines; hosted by Tom Bergeron |
| Air Jaws: The Hunt for Colossus | Researchers track down Colossus, a legendary great white missing for over a decade |
| Great White Assassins | Explores how orcas hunt and kill great white sharks |
| In the Eye of the Storm: Shark Storm | Examines 2024 shark attacks along the Gulf Coast |
| How to Survive a Shark Attack | Survivor Paul de Gelder tests and shares life-saving tips |
| Battle of Shark Mountain | Follows thousands of sharks feasting off Mozambique’s coast |
Programming Schedule:
- July 20–25: New content airs nightly from 8–11 p.m., with encore presentations starting at 11 p.m.
- July 26: Grand finale with new specials from 8–10 p.m., including the premiere of Battle of Shark Mountain.
Social Buzz and Cultural Impact
Shark Week 2025 is already making waves on social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube, where fans are sharing sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes footage, and their own shark-inspired creations. With last year’s event drawing 25 million viewers, Discovery hopes to break records again by engaging audiences with interactive content and live discussions.
This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the movie Jaws, a milestone that’s fueling renewed interest in shark conservation and education. Experts are using the platform to dispel myths and promote respect for these vital ocean predators.
How to Watch Shark Week 2025
Catching all the action is easier than ever. Shark Week 2025 will air on Discovery and stream on Discovery+. Viewers can also access exclusive interviews, podcasts, and bonus footage on sharkweek.com throughout the event.
Ways to Watch:
- Live on Discovery Channel
- Streaming on Discovery+
- Online extras at sharkweek.com
Conclusion
Shark Week 2025 is set to deliver a thrilling mix of science, adventure, and entertainment, with a renewed focus on the real stories behind the world’s most fascinating predators. Whether you’re a veteran fan or a first-time viewer, this year’s event promises unforgettable moments and fresh insights into the ocean’s most iconic creatures.
Don’t miss a moment—mark your calendar for July 20 and get ready to dive into the wildest Shark Week yet. Share your favorite moments on social media and join the global conversation as Shark Week 2025 takes a bite out of summer.
Dive into Shark Week 2025 starting July 20—experience all-new shows, cutting-edge science, and unforgettable shark encounters. Tune in on Discovery and join the global shark celebration!