National Geographic is making a splash this July with the ninth annualSharkfest! The must-sea summer event swims onto screens Monday, July 5, with the premiere of the marqueeSharkfestspecialShark Beach with Chris Hemsworthat 9/8c, preceded by the first episode of WHEN SHARKS ATTACK at 8/7c.Shark Beach with Chris Hemsworthfollows the global movie star as he embarks on a personal mission to investigate how we can live more harmoniously with sharks. The one-hour documentary special from Nutopia (“One Strange Rock”) features shark icon and conservationist Valerie Taylor, who takes Hemsworth for a shark dive to experience firsthand the awe and beauty of nurse sharks, and other preeminent shark experts who are exploring new preventative measures and the latest technology to help stave off shark-human encounters.
With a super-sized six weeks of fin-tastic programming, featuring over 21 hours of new premieres, 60 hours of enhanced content and a treasure trove of archival footage,Sharkfestcontinues to highlight the captivating science and stunning cinematic visuals of the apex predators. For the first time ever as itsbiggest shark celebration, not only will the premium content continue to be available on National Geographic, Nat Geo WILD and Nat Geo Mundo, but National Geographic will also make select series and specials available post-premiere on Disney XD and Disney+ the following Fridays after linear premiere beginning July 9.
National Geographic’s jaw-dropping originals take viewers up close and personal with one of nature’s most feared and often misunderstood creatures. Other marquee special events includeSHARK ATTACK INVESTIGATION: THE PAIGE WINTER STORY, where experts unpack the details of Winter’s attack and the inspirational story of how the teen remains an advocate for sharks, and the action-packed six-part seriesSHARK ATTACK FILES, which investigates bizarre and fascinating shark behavior. Featuring footage from actual attacks, interactions and behavior captured by both professionals and observant bystanders, every twist and turn leaves viewers sitting on the edge of their seats.
Additional highlights on National Geographic include six new episodes of fin-favoriteWHEN SHARKS ATTACK, which takes a look at why there are spikes in shark attacks; find out what happens when two of the deadliest predators face off in CROC THAT ATE JAWS; SHARK GANGS reveals what is behind the shark behavior of hanging out in groups; and ROGUE SHARK? explores a series of shark attacks in Australia.
Disney+ will stream the shark-tastic content for fans to enjoy the programming all over again beginning Friday, July 9. Joining the exciting lineup ofSharkfestoriginals heading to the streaming giant is the exclusive premiere of the critically acclaimed underwater exploration feature documentary PLAYING WITH SHARKS from National Geographic Documentary Films. Premiering July 23, the Disney+ Original features renowned shark advocate Valerie Taylor, whose life’s work has become the basis for much of what we know about sharks today. Through remarkable underwater archival footage, along with interviews, the 90-minute film, from twice Emmy-nominated director Sally Aitken, follows this daring ocean explorer’s trajectory from champion spearfisher to passionate shark protector. Disney+ will also debut the bestSharkfestprogramming from the previous eight seasons beginning June 25.
Disney XD gets in on the heart-pounding action for the first time beginning July 10. Across the network, 12 hours of shark-filled programming will premiere every Saturday and Sunday at 6/5c through July 25. The Disney XD originalEYEWITNESS SHARK: FIN FRENZY, where experts break down amazing shark viral videos and reveal clues to help us understand sharks like never before, debuts July 11 at 7/6c.
Hulu will also stream the extreme shark action by featuring all six previous seasons of the hit showWHEN SHARKS ATTACK, available now throughout all ofSharkfest. The deep-sea saga employs underwater photography, news archives and testimonials to deep dive into mysterious and deadly shark attacks.
For the past eight years,Sharkfesthas continued to shine a light on the science of sharks, giving audiences a better understanding of the ocean’s top predator while also featuring their true beauty, power and mystery. Putting science first, the annual summer event gives the real facts behind the fascinating predators and works with top scientists and advocates to inform and enlighten viewers. This year’s great-white sized roster sharing their expertise and experiences include.
“The mysteries of the ocean’s most iconic predators are so vast, even with eight years of shark-focused content under our belt, there still remains more to be discovered,” says Janet Vissering, senior vice president of Development and Production, National Geographic Partners. “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. It’s going to be jaw-some!”
