Discovery’s celebrated Shark Week is returning for its 38th year, bringing an exciting array of content for fans of marine life. Set to begin on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET/PT, this year’s edition will feature a remarkable lineup with 20 new specials dedicated to the world of sharks.
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Shark Week 2026 promises to deliver exhilarating stunts and innovative technology, while also providing a unique perspective on the ocean’s most impressive apex predators. This annual event is designed not only to entertain but also to educate audiences about the diverse species that inhabit our oceans.
The festivities kick off with “K-Pop Shark Heroes,” airing on July 26 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Hosted by celebrity figures Ken Jeong and Rei Ami, this special focuses on reshaping public perceptions of sharks while leveraging the influence of K-Pop culture. The programme aims to challenge misconceptions and raise awareness about the importance of these creatures within the marine ecosystem.
Following this premiere, viewers can enjoy “Air Jaws: Red, White and Breach” at 9 p.m. ET/PT. This new addition to the Air Jaws series investigates a rising phenomenon in California, where great white sharks are breaching with unprecedented frequency. The evening concludes with “Invasion of the Mega Sharks” at 10 p.m. ET/PT, featuring shark researcher Dr. Neil Hammerschlag and renowned expert Paul de Gelder as they embark on a mission to track down “Big Rose,” a record-breaking great white shark.
The excitement continues on Monday, July 27, with “Bull Shark Dinner Bell” at 8 p.m. ET/PT. This intriguing programme follows shark attack survivor Paul de Gelder and specialist Rosie Moore as they delve into the triggers behind bull shark confrontations with humans. The night also features “House of Sharks” at 9 p.m. ET/PT, exploring the intense battles for dominance among great whites in New Zealand waters, and “Biggest Mako on Earth” at 10 p.m. ET/PT, where marine biologists seek out information surrounding rumours of massive mako sharks lurking off Southern California.
Tuesday, July 28, shifts the focus to prehistoric times with “Jurassic Sharks” at 8 p.m. ET/PT, showcasing CGI technology to bring ancient shark species back to life. The evening’s highlight continues with “Jaws vs Orca” at 9 p.m. ET/PT, which examines the threat that orcas pose to great white sharks and their status as top predators. “Chum Island: Catching a Killer” wraps up the night at 10 p.m. ET/PT, featuring marine biologist Dr. Riley Elliott investigating a worrying surge of aggressive shark attacks along Australia’s southern coast.
The midweek special line-up on Wednesday, July 29, starts with “Expedition X: Atomic Sharks” at 8 p.m. ET/PT, where researchers explore the remote Marshall Islands, an area known for its shark sanctuary and historical nuclear testing. Following this, “Expedition Unknown: Shark Secrets” at 9 p.m. ET/PT sees explorer Josh Gates uncovering infamous shark encounters throughout history. The evening ends with “Alien Sharks: Untamed America” at 10 p.m. ET/PT as wildlife biologist Forrest Galante searches for unusual shark species across the United States.
Thursday, July 30, begins with “What Shark Attacked?” at 8 p.m. ET/PT, presenting scientists and conservationists who investigate the rarity of shark attacks and understanding their causes. This is followed by “How to Train a Great White” at 9 p.m. ET/PT, where Dr. Tristan Guttridge attempts to apply U.S. Navy training techniques on great whites. The night concludes with “Ultimate Shark Dive” at 10 p.m. ET/PT, featuring high diver Molly Carlson in a daring attempt to achieve the highest freefall dive during Shark Week.
On Friday, July 31, viewers can tune in for “Secrets of the Great White Kill” at 8 p.m. ET/PT, which explores the intelligence of great whites during hunting. “Sharkzilla Takes New York” at 9 p.m. ET/PT follows conservation biologist Dr. Craig O’Connell as he investigates a potentially radioactive dumping ground teeming with sharks. “My Strange Shark Addiction” then covers personal stories of fascination with sharks, concluding the evening.
Finally, Shark Week wraps up on Saturday, August 1, with “Great White Highway” at 8 p.m. ET/PT, revealing how the migration of great whites up the East Coast correlates with increased human-shark interactions. The closing special, “Thresher Shark: Stun to Kill,” at 9 p.m. ET/PT, investigates the exceptional physics that power the thresher shark’s devastating tail strike.
Shark Week 2026 promises to provide both thrilling entertainment and educational insights into these awe-inspiring marine creatures. For more details about the schedule and upcoming episodes, fans can visit sharkweek.com.