Nat Geo Preps Biggest-Ever SharkFest

National Geographic is set to launch its ninth annual SharkFest, which will take place across four networks and Disney+.

This year’s SharkFest will kick off on July 5 with the premiere of Shark Beach with Chris Hemsworth, which follows the actor as he embarks on a personal mission to investigate how we can live more harmoniously with sharks. The one-hour documentary special from Nutopia features shark icon and conservationist Valerie Taylor, who takes Hemsworth for a shark dive to experience the awe and beauty of nurse sharks.

The first episode of When Sharks Attack, which takes a look at why there are spikes in shark attacks, will also air on July 5.

The six weeks of SharkFest will feature over 21 hours of new premieres, 60 hours of enhanced content and archival footage. The content will continue to be available on National Geographic, Nat Geo WILD and Nat Geo Mundo. 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.

Other marquee special events for SharkFest include Shark Attack Investigation: The Paige Winter Story, in which experts unpack the details of Winter’s attack and the inspirational story of how the teen remains an advocate for sharks. The six-part series Shark Attack Films investigates bizarre and fascinating shark behavior.

Additional highlights on National Geographic include Croc That Ate Jaws, Shark Gangs and Rogue Shark?

Disney+ will stream shark content for fans to enjoy beginning July 9. Joining the lineup of SharkFest originals heading to the streamer is the exclusive premiere of Playing with Sharks from National Geographic Documentary Films. Disney+ will also debut the best SharkFest programming from the previous eight seasons beginning June 25.

Disney XD will launch SharkFest content beginning July 10. Across the network, 12 hours of programming will premiere every Saturday and Sunday through July 25. The Disney XD original Eyewitness Shark: Fin Frenzy debuts on July 11.

Hulu will feature all six previous seasons of When Sharks Attack, available now throughout all of SharkFest.

Janet Vissering, senior VP of development and production at National Geographic Partners, said: “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. 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!”