National Geographic’s Sharkfest Returns

Kicking off July 2, Sharkfest returns with 72 hours of programming across National Geographic, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo Mundo, Disney+, Hulu and ESPN2. The event promises science-first shark content that features cutting-edge technology and industry-leading experts.

“For more than a decade, National Geographic’s Sharkfest has provided a robust slate of programming that is both science-first and entertaining,” said Janet Han Vissering, senior VP of program development and production at Nat Geo WILD. “The sharks and scientists are our stars, and this year is no different. We’re excited to give viewers 72 hours of new programming across multiple networks and platforms. This year’s programming really takes a look at the incredible, cutting-edge technology used by our shark experts to uncover never-before-seen shark behavior. We’re also excited to welcome back many of our MISS (Minorities in Shark Sciences) experts, including Candace Fields, and introduce new faces to the screen, such as Davon Strickland, the captain of the FIU football team and also part of the next generation of marine biologists joining Dr. Mike Heithaus’ lab as a Ph.D. candidate; and A-bel Gong, a behavioral ecologist studying sharks and co-host of the podcast LGBTQ+ STEM, which highlights LGBTQ+ voices in the sciences. At National Geographic, we are committed to bringing in new and diverse talent and giving them a platform to share their experiences and work.”

The lineup includes over 22 hours of original programming and more than 50 hours of enhanced content. Disney+ and Hulu will stream every Sharkfest premiere as they roll out over the course of the month-long programming event. ABC Owned Television Stations will feature content across key linear and streaming platforms throughout July. The Nat Geo TV App and ABC App will celebrate the summer event with a Sharkfest collection page, along with a FAST pop-up channel that features episodes from previous years of Sharkfest. Disney Channel will have kid-centric shark content from July 8 to 9. Disney XD will feature ten hours of shark-themed content from July 3 to 7. Disney Junior will air shark-themed programming with preschool-friendly messaging from July 3 to 9. DisneyNOW will have shark-themed content on its homepage all month long through August. Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior and Nat Geo Kids’ YouTube channels will all have new shark-themed shorts beginning July 3.

National Geographic’s Sharkfest hub, natgeo.com/sharkfest, will be updated throughout the summer to include enhanced content about sharks, including facts, photos and videos, quizzes and more, providing audiences with a better understanding of the ocean’s most misunderstood predator. The National Geographic Kids YouTube channel will feature a Sharkfest playlist, in addition to shark-related content featured on the Kids website throughout the month of July.

“Sharks have had a challenging reputation in the past, in large part because of how they have been portrayed in pop culture,” says Han Vissering. “They are key to the balance and health of our oceans. Sharkfest gets down to the facts and gives viewers a full understanding of sharks—what makes them tick, how they strive to survive and cohabitate among their oceanic peers and the beauty of them. And our diverse group of experts uncovers fascinating research that truly highlights the jaw-dropping science behind these incredibly misunderstood creatures. For the past 11 years, the latest discoveries about sharks have fascinated and surprised our viewers, and this year’s Sharkfest will be no different.”

Highlights include Bull Shark Bandits, in which shark biologists Dr. Johan Gustafson and Dr. Mariel Familiar López investigate rising reports of bull sharks stealing from fishermen in Weipa, northern Australia; Shark Eat Shark, which sees Enrico Gennari and Lacey Williams lead a team of experts into the deep to capture conclusive evidence of sharks eating sharks; Saved from a Shark, about encounters where dolphins or whales have deliberately saved a person from a shark attack; and the six-episode series When Sharks Attack 360, following as an international team of experts hunts for clues as they investigate why sharks bite humans.

Further highlights include Return of the White Shark, Bull Shark Vs. Hammerhead, Shark Below Zero, Sharkano: Hawaii, Sharks Vs. Dolphins: Bahamas Battleground and the eight-episode series When Sharks Attack… And Why.

“I hope viewers gain a better understanding of sharks and feel inspired to protect our oceans and all that make it their home,” says Han Vissering. “We also hope to encourage a new generation of shark enthusiasts and future scientists.”