Forrest Galante, a renowned wildlife biologist and adventurer, is set to showcase the astonishing diversity of shark species found in U.S. waters during Shark Week 2026 with his special titled “Alien Sharks: Untamed America.” Scheduled to air on July 29 at 10 p.m. ET/PT, the programme promises to captivate audiences with its exploration of the unique marine life surrounding the United States.
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Galante, who has long been a familiar face during Shark Week festivities, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, noting its significance in his life. “Shark Week is the same age I am, having been running for 38 years. It’s a tradition I have grown up with,” he remarked in a recent interview.
The upcoming special aims to challenge the perception that thrilling wildlife experiences are exclusive to remote regions. “Many assume you must travel far and wide to encounter incredible wildlife. However, North America is home to some of the most remarkable elasmobranchs—sharks and rays—right in our own backyards,” Galante shared, as he embarks on a journey to uncover the treasures of America’s aquatic fauna.
In “Alien Sharks: Untamed America,” Galante’s expedition spans various iconic locations, including the U.S. West Coast, the Gulf of Mexico, and the North East waters near Florida. Each region showcases a diverse range of shark species, showcasing the breadth of marine biodiversity found within American waters. Galante proudly declared, “It’s an awesome, awesome show. One of my best.”
One particular shark species that Galante highlights is the basking shark, which is notably the world’s second largest shark. Describing its peculiar features—the bulbous nose and gaping mouth—Galante emphasised the need to witness these fascinating creatures up close. His quest took him to the Atlantic waters near Boston, which is renowned as the only location for basking sharks within the United States.
To capture footage of these often elusive giants, Galante employed a team that utilised a spotter plane to locate the basking sharks before deploying drones for further observation. “The plane would direct us to the sharks, and we would then send out drones to hover above. Once we had visual confirmation, we would manoeuvre our boat and jump into the water for moments of interaction,” he explained.
Reflecting on his encounters with basking sharks, Galante shared his excitement, stating, “Being near these massive creatures was absolutely incredible. Encountering a basking shark has been on my bucket list since I was about ten years old,” indicating that viewers will also find these moments captivating.
Alongside his Shark Week contributions, Galante actively leads Phantasticus Pictures, a major wildlife production company, and manages a popular YouTube channel, both of which keep him busy with year-round projects and adventures. Speaking of his future expeditions, he mentioned, “Tomorrow, I’m heading to a remote part of Baja, California, to search for Humboldt squid, which have resurfaced after almost two decades.”
Galante’s passion for shark research remains unwavering. He has numerous ideas for future Shark Week features over the next decade, as he delights in the endless possibilities the wildlife realm offers. “There are over 500 shark species, yet I’ve only seen about 40. The list of potential encounters is endlessly exciting,” he said.
Moreover, Galante strongly advocates for shark conservation and encourages viewers to share their enthusiasm for these creatures. “Knowledge breeds fascination, which can develop into a deep affection for marine life. Once loved, the desire to protect these animals follows,” he urged, underscoring the importance of exposure to these magnificent beings.
Shark Week 2026 will officially kick off on Discovery on Sunday, July 26 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. To explore more about this year’s lineup and upcoming shows, interested viewers can visit the Shark Week website.