The Ultimate Guide To Shark Week 2025: Dates, New Shows, And The Shocking Science You Can't Miss

The ocean’s most anticipated annual event is officially locked in. Shark Week 2025, the historic 37th season of Discovery Channel’s week-long programming block, is scheduled to kick off on Sunday, July 20, 2025, and will run through Saturday, July 26, 2025. This year promises over 20 hours of brand-new, jaw-dropping programming, blending thrilling deep-sea expeditions with crucial, up-to-the-minute conservation science. The event will air nightly starting at 8 PM ET/PT on the Discovery Channel, with streaming available on Max and Discovery+ for fans who want to binge every terrifying moment.

For decades, Shark Week has captivated millions by showcasing the raw power and mystery of the world's most formidable apex predators. This year, the focus is on breaking new ground with never-before-seen footage and celebrity-driven specials designed to bring the deep ocean right into your living room. From the legendary Great White Shark to the elusive Black Mako, prepare to dive into the most comprehensive and exciting lineup to date, ensuring this year’s event is a must-watch for marine biology enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.

Shark Week 2025: Confirmed Dates, Times, and How to Watch

Mark your calendars for the 37th installment of the longest-running cable television programming event in history. Shark Week has been a summer staple since its debut in 1988, and the 2025 dates fall right in the heart of summer, making it the perfect time for a deep-sea dive from the comfort of your couch.

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The Official 2025 Schedule Overview

• Start Date: Sunday, July 20, 2025
• End Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
• Air Time: Nightly at 8 PM ET/PT
• Primary Channel: Discovery Channel
• Streaming Platforms: Max and Discovery+

The week is structured to provide a nightly dose of adrenaline, starting with the biggest premiere on Sunday and delivering new specials every night. Viewers will get an unprecedented look at various shark species, including the massive Basking Shark, the lightning-fast Mako Shark, the territorial Tiger Shark, and the deep-dwelling Greeneye Spurdog, which is often mistakenly caught in fisheries. The commitment to 20 hours of fresh programming ensures a high-quality, fact-based exploration of the ocean’s ecosystem.

The Must-See Premiere: "Dancing With Sharks"

One of the most talked-about specials for the 2025 lineup is the premiere event, "Dancing With Sharks" (working title). This unique special will be hosted by Emmy® Award-winning television personality Tom Bergeron, known for his work on Dancing with the Stars.

The show features an unprecedented, and somewhat quirky, concept: divers engaging in a series of controlled encounters with sharks. While the title suggests a lighthearted approach, the special is expected to deliver high-stakes, close-up footage while exploring the nuanced behaviors of these predators. This celebrity-fronted program is a clear sign that Discovery is aiming for broad appeal while still maintaining its core focus on marine science and the thrill of the chase. This special is scheduled to air on the opening night, Sunday, July 20, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT.

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Potential Shark Week 2025 Programming Highlights

While the full, day-by-day schedule is often released closer to the event, early announcements and leaks have hinted at several other compelling programs that will anchor the week. These titles suggest a strong focus on large, aggressive species and the mysteries of the deep, a formula that has kept Shark Week a cultural phenomenon for over three decades.

• JAWS vs Mega Croc: This program likely explores the historical or theoretical interactions between massive sharks and large crocodiles, possibly focusing on regions where both apex predators, such as the Bull Shark and saltwater crocodiles, coexist.
• Black Mako of the Abyss: The Black Mako, or Longfin Mako Shark, is a highly elusive species. This special will likely use cutting-edge submersible and camera technology to track and study this fast, deep-diving predator in its natural, mysterious habitat.
• Frankenshark: A title like "Frankenshark" suggests a program focused on the bizarre, hybrid, or unusually large specimens that defy typical classifications, perhaps exploring genetic anomalies or the impact of environmental changes on shark morphology.

Beyond the celebrity specials, Shark Week remains dedicated to the scientific community, featuring leading marine biologists, researchers, and conservationists. Viewers can expect to see segments on tagging efforts, migration patterns of species like the Whale Shark and Hammerhead Shark, and the latest discoveries about the sensory organs and intelligence of sharks.

Why Shark Week Matters: Conservation and Topical Authority

While the sensationalism of the Great White Shark and celebrity hosts draws in the crowds, the true heart of Shark Week lies in its mission to educate and promote conservation. The programming often highlights the critical role sharks play in maintaining the health of the ocean ecosystem. Unfortunately, the facts about their survival are dire, making the educational component of Shark Week more important than ever.

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The Shocking Reality of Shark Survival

The numbers paint a grim picture of the challenges facing these ancient creatures:

• Massive Decline: An estimated 100 million sharks are killed by humans each year. At least half of this number is due to targeted fishing, while the remainder perishes as bycatch in other fisheries.
• Extinction Threat: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimated in 2021 that over one-third of all shark species are threatened with extinction. This includes commercially valuable species like the School Shark and the critically endangered Oceanic Whitetip Shark.
• New Species, New Concerns: Despite the threats, researchers are still discovering new shark or ray species at a rate of about one per month, underscoring how much of the marine world remains a mystery.

Shark Week provides a vital platform to discuss these issues, shifting the narrative from sharks as mere monsters to essential, threatened components of the global environment. Programs often feature researchers like those from the Australian Marine Conservation Society, who are working to combat illegal fishing and the sale of endangered shark meat.

Key Shark Entities to Look Out For

To deepen your understanding of the week’s programming, familiarize yourself with these key shark species and related entities that are frequently featured:

Shark Week 2025 is shaping up to be a spectacular blend of entertainment and education. Whether you’re tuning in for the celebrity stunts, the high-stakes science, or the breathtaking footage of the ocean’s biggest stars, prepare for a week that will change the way you view the deep blue sea and its most magnificent inhabitants.