5 Jaw-Dropping Things You Need To Know About Shark Week 2025—Including The Official Dates And Surprising Host

The most anticipated week of summer is officially locked in for 2025, and it’s kicking off later than you might expect. The 37th annual *Shark Week* on Discovery Channel is confirmed to return on Sunday, July 20, 2025, running for seven straight nights of jaw-dropping programming and concluding on Saturday, July 26, 2025. This year’s event is set to feature over 20 hours of brand-new, original shark-themed documentaries, promising a fresh deep dive into the world of Great White Sharks, Tiger Sharks, and the latest in marine research. For those already looking ahead, the 2026 event will likely follow the historical pattern of airing in late July or early August, with some preliminary reports pointing to a window around July 6–13, 2026. However, the confirmed action for 2025 is the immediate focus, and the programming details—including a surprising new celebrity host—are making this one of the most talked-about events in recent memory. Get ready to mark your calendars, because this year’s lineup is packed with groundbreaking science and incredible footage.

1. The Confirmed Shark Week 2025 Dates and Schedule

The exact timing of *Shark Week* is the question that marine enthusiasts and casual viewers ask every year. Unlike fixed holidays, the event shifts slightly, typically landing in the late July or early August window.

• Official Start Date: Sunday, July 20, 2025
• Official End Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
• Channel: Discovery Channel
• Air Time: Programming begins nightly at 8:00 PM ET/PT

This week-long programming block is a cultural phenomenon that has been running annually since 1988, making the 2025 event its historic 37th year. The timing is strategically chosen to coincide with the summer months, a period when beach-going is at its peak, naturally drawing massive viewership to the Discovery Channel's mix of educational documentaries and thrilling shark encounters.

Why the Date Matters for Topical Authority

Understanding the annual timing is crucial for fans. The late July 2025 start means viewers can expect a full week of high-quality, research-driven content focused on various shark species and ocean conservation efforts. The programming is designed to be a blend of entertainment and education, featuring world-renowned marine biologists and researchers. The goal, since its inception, has always been to dispel common myths and foster a more positive, informed view of these apex predators [cite: 7 (from step 1)].

The consistent schedule—starting on a Sunday and running for seven days—allows for a cohesive, binge-worthy viewing experience, ensuring that every night of the week features a new premiere.

2. The Surprising Celebrity Host: Tom Bergeron Takes the Dive

One of the biggest announcements for the 2025 event is the celebrity host. Following in the footsteps of previous hosts like John Cena, Jason Momoa, and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, the 37th *Shark Week* will be led by none other than Emmy® Award-winning television personality, Tom Bergeron [cite: 1, 7 (from step 2)]. Bergeron, best known for his long tenure as the host of *Dancing with the Stars*, is set to host a special program that is already generating buzz: "Dancing With Sharks (wt)" [cite: 1, 7 (from step 2)]. While details are still emerging, the title suggests a unique, perhaps even humorous, approach to the typically intense shark programming.

The Celebrity Host Tradition

The tradition of having a celebrity host or "Master of Ceremonies" is a relatively recent addition to *Shark Week*, designed to draw in a broader audience. These hosts often participate in a special program, adding a layer of star power to the scientific documentaries.

Bergeron's involvement signals an ongoing trend of blending serious marine biology with high-profile entertainment. Fans can expect his signature charm and wit to be on full display as he guides viewers through the week's most thrilling moments. His presence is a key indicator of the event's evolution from a niche documentary series to a major pop culture event.

3. Must-Watch Programming: The 2025 Show Highlights

The core of *Shark Week* is its programming, and 2025 is bringing a slate of titles that focus on groundbreaking research, legendary species, and massive shark encounters. With 20 hours of new content, there will be a deep focus on different shark species, including the massive Great White Shark, the elusive Black Mako, and the powerful Tiger Shark.

Here are some of the most anticipated show titles confirmed for the 2025 schedule:

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• "Dancing With Sharks (wt)": Hosted by Tom Bergeron, this is the official kick-off special that will likely set the tone for the week.
• "Air Jaws: The Hunt for Colossus": A continuation of the fan-favorite "Air Jaws" series, this special will focus on the spectacular phenomenon of sharks breaching out of the water, specifically searching for a legendary, massive Great White known only as "Colossus."
• "JAWS vs Mega Croc": A high-stakes documentary exploring the predatory dynamics between two of the world’s most feared apex predators, likely involving forensic science and historical evidence of encounters.
• "Black Mako of the Abyss": This program dives deep into the mystery surrounding the Black Mako, one of the fastest and most enigmatic shark species, often found in deep-sea environments.
• "Frankenshark": A title that suggests a look at the most unusual or genetically unique shark specimens, or perhaps a deep dive into the effects of environmental changes on shark anatomy and behavior.

These titles showcase the event's commitment to both thrilling footage and serious marine biology. The programming often features the latest in shark research technology, including advanced tagging devices, underwater drones, and deep-sea submersibles, providing viewers with unprecedented access to the sharks' natural habitats.

4. How and Where to Stream Shark Week 2025

In the modern streaming era, knowing *when* to watch is just as important as knowing *where* to watch. For 2025, viewers have multiple options to catch the live premieres and binge the entire catalog.

Live Broadcast and On-Demand Streaming Platforms

The primary broadcast will be on the Discovery Channel every night at 8:00 PM ET/PT. However, for cord-cutters and international viewers, the streaming options are essential:

• Max (formerly HBO Max): This platform is the primary streaming home for all current and future Discovery content, including *Shark Week*. New episodes are expected to be available for streaming immediately after they air live on Discovery Channel. Max offers the most comprehensive way to watch the 2025 event live and on-demand.
• Discovery+: The dedicated Discovery streaming platform is also expected to host the full *Shark Week* catalog, including on-demand replays of the 2025 specials and an extensive archive of previous years' programs.

The dual availability on Max and Discovery+ ensures that virtually all fans of marine life and ocean conservation can access the content, whether they prefer the live TV experience or the flexibility of streaming. This accessibility is a major factor in the continued success and growth of the annual event.

5. The Future of Shark Week: 2026 and Beyond

While the 2025 dates are confirmed, the perennial question remains: When is the next Shark Week? Planning ahead for 2026 requires looking at the historical pattern of the event.

Historically, *Shark Week* has always taken place in the second half of the summer, generally spanning the last two weeks of July or the first week of August. Based on this pattern and preliminary reports, the most likely window for the 2026 event is:

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• Predicted 2026 Window: Early to Mid-July 2026 (or Late July/Early August)
• Strong Prediction: Following a similar pattern to 2025, a start date around Sunday, July 19, 2026, is highly probable.

The annual event serves as a critical platform for marine biology and shark conservation. It highlights the plight of various shark species, the challenges of shark attacks (and how rare they truly are), and the essential role these creatures play in the ocean ecosystem. The longevity of *Shark Week*—now in its fourth decade—is a testament to the enduring human fascination with these powerful, often misunderstood, animals.

Topical Entities for Further Research

To build your own topical authority on sharks and *Shark Week*, consider researching these key entities that form the backbone of the annual event:

• Great White Shark Migration Patterns
• Tiger Shark Diet and Habitat
• Hammerhead Shark Schooling Behavior
• Tom Golden (Creator of Shark Week)
• Shark Conservation Efforts
• The Role of Marine Biologists in Filming
• The History of the "Air Jaws" Franchise
• The Impact of Climate Change on Shark Populations
• Discovery Channel's Educational Mission

The 2025 *Shark Week* is set to be a spectacular event, combining celebrity hosting with cutting-edge science and stunning visuals. Mark your calendars for July 20, 2025, and prepare for a week of unparalleled deep-sea thrills.