Shark Week, a highly popular annual TV event on Discovery Channel, airs for a week in July or August. Launched on July 17, 1988, it originally aimed to promote shark conservation and debunk myths about them. Its popularity soared, making it a cornerstone of Discovery's programming and the longest-running cable TV event since 2010. Reaching over 72 countries, Shark Week is heavily promoted on social media. Episodes are available for purchase on various platforms like Google Play, Amazon Video, and iTunes, with some accessible on Hulu and Discovery+.
July 1988: First Shark Week
The inaugural Shark Week aired in July 1988, featuring the debut episode "Caged in Fear" among a total of 10 episodes, sparking Discovery's decision for its continuation.
July 17, 1988: Shark Week Premieres
On July 17, 1988, Shark Week premiered on the Discovery Channel, originally focused on shark conservation and dispelling myths about them.
2005: MythBusters Hosts Shark Week
Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman of "MythBusters" hosted Shark Week in 2005, which premiered with a special two-hour "Jaws" episode of their show.
2006: Mike Rowe Hosts and Chompie the Shark
Mike Rowe of "Dirty Jobs" took over as Shark Week host in 2006, accompanied by two special "Dirty Jobs" episodes tied into the theme. Additionally, a massive 446-foot inflatable great white shark named Chompie was displayed at Discovery Channel's headquarters in Maryland.
2007: Shark Week's 20th Anniversary
The 20th Anniversary of Shark Week in 2007 was hosted by "Survivorman" host Les Stroud. The celebration included the launch of "Sharkrunners," an innovative video game using real-time GPS data from tagged sharks in the Pacific Ocean, and the airing of the program "Ocean of Fear" on July 29th.
2009: Research Focus and Expertise Criticism
Research-oriented content in Shark Week decreased between 2009 and 2012, as well as in 2020, with less emphasis on scientific methodology and conservation efforts. The program faced criticism for prioritizing sensationalism and questionable expertise over rigorous scientific research.
2010: Longest-Running Cable Television Programming Event
By 2010, Shark Week had become the longest-running cable television programming event in history.
2012: Research Focus and Expertise Criticism
Research-oriented content in Shark Week decreased between 2009 and 2012, as well as in 2020, with less emphasis on scientific methodology and conservation efforts. The program faced criticism for prioritizing sensationalism and questionable expertise over rigorous scientific research.
2014: Deep Blue Featured
In 2014, Shark Week featured Deep Blue, a massive great white shark estimated to be about 20 feet long, in an episode where she was documented navigating the waters off Guadalupe Island.
August 2015: Shweekend
Discovery launched "Shweekend" in August 2015, a weekend-long event dedicated to shark-themed programming. This included "MythBusters vs. Jaws," "Shark Alley: Legend of Dynamite," and "Air Jaws: Walking with Great Whites," aiming to extend summer shark content.
2015: Backlash Against Docufiction
By 2015, criticism grew towards Shark Week's shift towards entertainment-focused and often fictional content, known as docufiction, to boost viewership. Shows like "Megalodon: The Monster Shark Lives" sparked controversy and backlash for their questionable scientific accuracy, leading to criticism from scientists and a boycott by some viewers. Discovery President Rich Ross pledged to move away from this programming style in future Shark Weeks.
2017: Michael Phelps Race Controversy
In 2017, Discovery faced further criticism for promoting a race between Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps and a computer-generated great white shark. The event, while based on actual shark speeds, was misleadingly presented and drew criticism for Phelps's use of unapproved swim gear.
2020: Research Focus and Expertise Criticism
Research-oriented content in Shark Week decreased between 2009 and 2012, as well as in 2020, with less emphasis on scientific methodology and conservation efforts. The program faced criticism for prioritizing sensationalism and questionable expertise over rigorous scientific research.
2021: Shark Week on Discovery+
In 2021, Shark Week expanded its reach by becoming available for streaming on Discovery+, coinciding with its traditional broadcasts on the Discovery Channel.
2022: Study Reveals Negative Portrayal Trends
A 2022 study highlighted concerning trends in Shark Week's content. It revealed that 43% of the 272 programs analyzed used negative language in their titles, perpetuating fear and misconceptions about sharks. Moreover, approximately 74% of viewable shows featured negative portrayals like shark bites, while positive representations were often limited.