Andy Samberg to Host Shark Week for Discovery Channel

SILVER SPRING: Saturday Night Live cast member Andy Samberg has been tapped to host Discovery Channel’s 24th annual Shark Week celebration, serving as "chief shark officer" for the week-long event.

Samberg will film on-air wraps for Shark Week, in addition to hosting a Shark Week special. The event has been a top draw for Discovery Channel; last year the programming stunt was watched by nearly 31 million people.

"Shark Week is a summertime celebration," said Clark Bunting, Discovery Channel’s president and general manager. "It’s about being scared out of your swim trunks but it’s also about being entertained and learning something new. Andy Samberg, an incredibly talented comedian and innovator, is the perfect person to bring those elements together and represent Discovery for our biggest week of the year."

Samberg commented: "I’m overjoyed about being appointed CSO. Everyone loves Shark Week. It’s the Bill Cosby of week-long television blocks dedicated to sea animals."