1. Shark Week Starts July 20, 2025
Each year, Shark Week begins with plenty of fanfare, and this summer it starts on Sunday, July 20 on Discovery Channel. New shows air every night at 8 PM ET/PT, and you can also stream them on Max. You don’t have to catch episodes live, but setting a DVR or reminder helps you keep up. The event runs for seven days and mixes educational content with thrilling moments. According to Discovery, “Shark Week is for everyone” and aims to entertain while teaching. If you’re new to the tradition, start with the first night and see what grabs you. There’s no pressure to go all in, just take a bite and enjoy where it leads you.
2. There Are Over 20 Hours of New Programming
If you like variety, you’re in luck. Each Shark Week brings over 20 hours of brand-new shows that range from shark science to jaw-dropping adventures. Some specials are led by scientists tracking elusive species, while others feature celebrities diving into wild shark encounters. You might catch serious research one night and wild theories the next. A Discovery producer told Variety, “We want viewers to learn, but also to have fun.” It’s that balance of fact and flair that makes the week so watchable. You’ll always find something unexpected, whether it’s real-time footage or a host reacting to a surprise shark breach. The mix keeps things exciting and gives you options to fit your mood.
3. Check the Full Schedule Early
Planning ahead makes Shark Week even better. Discovery usually posts the full lineup by late June or early July. You can find it on their website or follow @SharkWeek on Instagram or X for updates. This gives you a chance to skim the titles, read descriptions, and highlight the ones that match your interests. Some episodes lean more into science; others go for entertainment. By checking early, you’ll avoid missing the gems and avoid wasting time on anything that doesn’t appeal to you. You don’t need to watch it all. Just pick your favorites and go from there. It’s your week to explore sharks the way you want to.
4. Host a Shark-Themed Viewing Party
Adding a little theme to your Shark Weeknights can make the experience even more fun. It doesn’t have to be fancy. You can decorate with shark fins made of paper, serve ocean-colored punch, or pass around gummy sharks in blue Jell-O. Some people go all out with themed trivia or Shark Week bingo cards. Others keep it low-key with snacks and friends on the couch. Either way, watching together adds a new layer of enjoyment. Even if it’s just you and one other person, having a little fun with the theme creates lasting memories. The more creative you are, the more Shark Week turns into something you’ll look forward to year after year.
5. Get the Kids Involved with Shark Activities
Shark Week is full of opportunities to sneak in some fun learning for kids. There are tons of free printables online, including Shark Week journals, activity sheets, and coloring pages. This is a great time to introduce kids to real-life sharks, conservation topics, and how TV sometimes exaggerates for effect. National Geographic Kids has said that sharks are “an awesome way to spark curiosity about science and nature.” You can pair age-appropriate episodes with little projects or discussions to keep them engaged. It’s also a reminder that learning doesn’t have to feel like school. When you add crafts or trivia games to the mix, Shark Week becomes an experience the whole family can enjoy together.
6. End the Week with a Shark Movie Night
After a full week of exploring real shark stories, wrapping up with a movie makes the perfect finale. You can keep it classic with Jaws, go over-the-top with Sharknado, or opt for a modern thrill like The Meg. Some families even take it to the pool for a floating movie night. It’s a fun way to blend the serious with the silly and just relax after an exciting week. Shark Week leaves you a little more informed and maybe even a little more curious. Watching a movie lets you celebrate that new knowledge with a bit of fiction and flair. Once you try it, you might find yourself counting down the days to next year’s edition.
This story New to Shark Week? Here’s How to Dive in Without Feeling Lost was first published on Daily FETCH
