Summer television often turns its gaze toward sharks.
For years, shark-themed shows from Discovery’s Shark Week to National Geographic’s Sharkfest have highlighted these predators during the warm months.
Joseph Schneier, who oversees production at Discovery, referred to it as “our Super Bowl.” He mentioned that it consistently draws significant ratings. “Honestly, it’s probably the most watched cable week. A lot of that, I think, can be traced back to ‘Jaws,'” he noted.
Last year, Shark Week captivated 25 million viewers.
Schneier remarked that the 1975 film shaped public perception, sparking a fascination with sharks.
He pointed out that shark shows are a great way to kick off summer, as people often connect the season with beaches, oceans, and shark tales.
Discovery’s Shark Week will kick off on Sunday, July 20th, featuring “Dancing With Sharks,” hosted by Tom Bergeron.
The tradition began back in July 1988.
“We’ve been at this for so long that the latest generation of scientists grew up watching Shark Week,” Schneier explained.
Meanwhile, National Geographic’s Sharkfest, which started in 2012, is airing now on Nat Geo, Disney+, and Hulu, featuring 25 hours of content.
Last year’s Sharkfest garnered over 69 million viewing hours, including streaming on Hulu and Disney+.
Shark Week’s lineup includes a mix of scientific insights and playful shows like “Dancing with Sharks” and “Great White Sex Battle,” while Sharkfest leans more towards educational content.
This year’s Sharkfest promises over 25 hours of programming, including documentary specials and a deep dive into “Jaws.”
Janet Hunvising, SVP at National Geographic Partners, credited “Jaws” for sparking ongoing public intrigue about sharks.
“I think the film really brought this fascinating creature into the spotlight,” she stated, adding that it has become a cultural phenomenon in the last 50 years.
She mentioned two contrasting perspectives on sharks: one rooted in biological fascination and another shaped by fear.
As summer vacationers flock to the beach, the concept of sharks often becomes intertwined with the season.
Is there competition between Shark Week and Sharkfest?
Han Vissering shared that both sides focus on their unique paths, aiming to lead rather than follow.
“We believe there’s an audience for different approaches to shark programming,” she said, emphasizing the different angles taken by both franchises.
Schneier viewed the industry as friendly, highlighting the small community behind shark documentaries.
“I think viewers remember who was first… Shark programming has practically become synonymous with Shark Week,” he stated.
However, he noted that both platforms contribute to the larger goal of telling compelling stories about sharks and promoting marine conservation.
