Taking a bite out of summer: Sharkfest runs for six weeks
As summer kicks into high gear and millions flock to beaches, what better time to learn about the ocean’s most fascinating creatures? Celebrities, scientists and shark attack survivors take a look at the captivating world of sharks in a programming event that will last most of the summer.
Sharks swim across screens in more than 100 hours of programming during the highly anticipated ninth annual Sharkfest from National Geographic, beginning Monday, July 5, and spanning National Geographic, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo Mundo, Disney+ and Disney XD.
Many programs will premiere on National Geographic, to be followed by encore airings on other platforms (and Disney+ later still). With at least 21 hours of premiere content and another 60 hours of enhanced archive footage to please shark aficionados from coast to coast, it will all unfold over the course of six weeks — the longest Sharkfest ever.
Although many scientists and conservationists have dedicated their lives to raising awareness about sharks, there is so much to learn about the ocean’s most often misunderstood creatures. Luckily, Sharkfest (not to be confused with Discovery Channel’s annual Shark Week) provides a venue for those ready to dive in and learn more.
“Like every year, shark scientists and oceanic experts have pulled out all the stops for this year’s Sharkfest, revealing new discoveries, shocking revelations and bizarre shark behavior never seen before,” National Geographic Partners executive Janet Vissering said in a statement. “It’s going to be jaw-some!”
National Geographic and its partners are bringing a variety of documentaries and docuseries to the small screen this summer, beginning with the season premiere of fan-favorite series “When
Sharks Attack,” airing Monday, July 5.
The series, which has been around since 2013, features underwater photography, news stories and testimonials from witnesses and survivors who share stories of real-life shark attacks. It also explores what may have caused such events and how they may be prevented in the future.