WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--National Geographic is making a splash this July with the ninth annual SHARKFEST! The must-sea summer event swims onto screens Monday, July 5, with the premiere of the marquee SHARKFEST special SHARK BEACH WITH CHRIS HEMSWORTH at 9/8c, preceded by the first episode of WHEN SHARKS ATTACK at 8/7c. SHARK BEACH WITH CHRIS HEMSWORTH follows the global movie star as he embarks on a personal mission to investigate how we can live more harmoniously with sharks. The one-hour documentary special from Nutopia (“One Strange Rock”) features shark icon and conservationist Valerie Taylor, who takes Hemsworth for a shark dive to experience firsthand the awe and beauty of nurse sharks, and other preeminent shark experts who are exploring new preventative measures and the latest technology to help stave off shark-human encounters.
With a super-sized six weeks of fin-tastic programming, featuring over 21 hours of new premieres, 60 hours of enhanced content and a treasure trove of archival footage, SHARKFEST continues to highlight the captivating science and stunning cinematic visuals of the apex predators. For the first time ever as its biggest shark celebration, not only will the premium content continue to be available on National Geographic, Nat Geo WILD and Nat Geo Mundo, but 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.
National Geographic’s jaw-dropping originals take viewers up close and personal with one of nature’s most feared and often misunderstood creatures. Other marquee special events include SHARK ATTACK INVESTIGATION: THE PAIGE WINTER STORY, where experts unpack the details of Winter’s attack and the inspirational story of how the teen remains an advocate for sharks, and the action-packed six-part series SHARK ATTACK FILES, which investigates bizarre and fascinating shark behavior. Featuring footage from actual attacks, interactions and behavior captured by both professionals and observant bystanders, every twist and turn leaves viewers sitting on the edge of their seats.
Additional highlights on National Geographic include six new episodes of fin-favorite WHEN SHARKS ATTACK, which takes a look at why there are spikes in shark attacks; find out what happens when two of the deadliest predators face off in CROC THAT ATE JAWS; SHARK GANGS reveals what is behind the shark behavior of hanging out in groups; and ROGUE SHARK? explores a series of shark attacks in Australia.
Disney+ will stream the shark-tastic content for fans to enjoy the programming all over again beginning Friday, July 9. Joining the exciting lineup of SHARKFEST originals heading to the streaming giant is the exclusive premiere of the critically acclaimed underwater exploration feature documentary PLAYING WITH SHARKS from National Geographic Documentary Films. Premiering July 23, the Disney+ Original features renowned shark advocate Valerie Taylor, whose life’s work has become the basis for much of what we know about sharks today. Through remarkable underwater archival footage, along with interviews, the 90-minute film, from twice Emmy®-nominated director Sally Aitken, follows this daring ocean explorer’s trajectory from champion spearfisher to passionate shark protector. Disney+ will also debut the best SHARKFEST programming from the previous eight seasons beginning June 25.
Disney XD gets in on the heart-pounding action for the first time beginning July 10. Across the network, 12 hours of shark-filled programming will premiere every Saturday and Sunday at 6/5c through July 25. The Disney XD original EYEWITNESS SHARK: FIN FRENZY, where experts break down amazing shark viral videos and reveal clues to help us understand sharks like never before, debuts July 11 at 7/6c.
Hulu will also stream the extreme shark action by featuring all six previous seasons of the hit show WHEN SHARKS ATTACK, available now throughout all of SHARKFEST. The deep-sea saga employs underwater photography, news archives and testimonials to deep dive into mysterious and deadly shark attacks.
For the past eight years, SHARKFEST has continued to shine a light on the science of sharks, giving audiences a better understanding of the ocean’s top predator while also featuring their true beauty, power and mystery. Putting science first, the annual summer event gives the real facts behind the fascinating predators and works with top scientists and advocates to inform and enlighten viewers. This year’s great-white sized roster sharing their expertise and experiences include:
- Paige Winter — shark attack survivor, SHARK ATTACK INVESTIGATION: THE PAIGE WINTER STORY
- Dr. Mike Heithaus — marine ecologist, SHARK ATTACK INVESTIGATION: THE PAIGE WINTER STORY and CROC THAT ATE JAWS
- Laura Garcia Barcia — environmental biologist, SHARK ATTACK INVESTIGATION: THE PAIGE WINTER STORY
- Melissa Cristina Márquez — marine biologist, SHARK ATTACK FILES
- Carlee Jackson — shark and sea turtle conservationist, SHARK ATTACK FILES
- Alison Towner — marine biologist, SHARK ATTACK FILES
- Sophumelela Qoma — project manager, Oceans Research Foundation, SHARK ATTACK FILES
- Dr. Stephen Kajiura — Florida Atlantic University professor of biological sciences, WHEN SHARKS ATTACK
“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,” says Janet Vissering, senior vice president of Development and Production, National Geographic Partners. “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!”
SHARKFEST’s full original programming lineup is below. Dates are subject to change.
WHEN SHARKS ATTACK
National Geographic — Premieres July 5, at 8/7c
Nat Geo WILD — Encore Presentation Aug. 2, at 8/7c
Disney+ — Beginning July 9
The world’s beaches quickly turn deadly in this terror-filled deep-sea saga when sharks descend, shocking the local community and sending scientists reeling. What causes these spikes in activity? And how can they be prevented?
SHARK BEACH WITH CHRIS HEMSWORTH
National Geographic — Premieres July 5, at 9/8c
Nat Geo WILD — Encore Presentation Aug. 2, at 10/9c
Disney+ — Beginning July 9
Chris Hemsworth is on a mission to uncover the science of shark behavior and discover how humans and sharks can safely coexist. After an increase in local shark attacks along the east coast of Australia, Hemsworth seeks to understand different species of sharks and their behaviors while also exploring new preventative measures and the latest technology to help stave off shark-human encounters. The special from Nutopia (“One Strange Rock”) also features underwater conservationist and legend Valerie Taylor.
ROGUE SHARK?
National Geographic — Premieres July 5, at 10/9c
Nat Geo WILD — Encore Presentation Aug. 11, at 10/9c
Disney+ — Beginning July 9
In October 2018, the remote islands of the Whitsunday in Australia were rocked by a series of shark attacks. Incredibly, all the victims were attacked in the same small patch of ocean, no larger than four football fields. Was a rogue serial killer on the loose? Or was something new drawing sharks and humans into conflict?
ORCA VS. GREAT WHITE
National Geographic — Premieres July 6, at 10/9c
Nat Geo WILD — Encore Presentation Aug. 3, at 10/9c
Disney+ — Beginning July 9
Off the coast of South Africa in 2017, orcas began hunting and killing great white sharks. Now, researchers in New Zealand set out to discover if it could happen again. Diving with several shark populations along New Zealand’s southern coast, they investigate this murder mystery and seek answers to this burning question: have their local orcas developed a taste for great white sharks?
SHARK GANGS
National Geographic — Premieres July 7, at 10/9c
Nat Geo WILD — Encore Presentation Aug. 12, at 8/7c
Disney+ — Beginning July 9
For years sharks have been viewed as solitary predators, but scientists have recently discovered a surprising new behavior. In this special, we reveal how this apex predator likes to hang out in gangs. So what is behind this behavior? Do sharks enjoy a social life, or are they working together to become even more effective hunters?
CROC THAT ATE JAWS
National Geographic — Premieres July 8, at 10/9c
Nat Geo WILD — Encore Presentation Aug. 4, at 10/9c
Disney+ — Beginning July 9
From mysterious severed heads and ambush attacks to mob hunts and stand-offs, what happens when two of the deadliest predators on the planet go head-to-head?
WORLD’S MOST DANGEROUS SHARK?
National Geographic — Premieres July 9, at 10/9c
Nat Geo WILD — Encore Presentation Aug. 5, at 10/9c
Disney+ — Beginning July 16
The great white has a reputation for being the scariest in the sea, but Explorer Jacques Cousteau called the oceanic whitetip “The most dangerous of all sharks …” Two teams of experts dive deep into the world of the oceanic whitetip to reveal what makes this species a top contender for the title of “world’s most dangerous shark.”
SHARK ATTACK FILES
National Geographic — Premieres July 12, at 9/8c
Nat Geo WILD — Encore Presentation Aug. 9, at 10/9c
Disney+ — Beginning July 16
This action-packed series is an investigation into bizarre and fascinating shark behavior. Featuring footage from actual attacks, interactions and behavior captured by both professionals and observant bystanders, every twist and turn leaves viewers sitting on the edge of their seats. Scientific experts and investigators dive deeper into the mystery of these unexplained behaviors and come to a stunning revelation that ties these extraordinary events together.
SHARK ATTACK INVESTIGATION: THE PAIGE WINTER STORY
National Geographic — Premieres July 12, at 10/9c
Nat Geo WILD — Encore Presentation Aug. 6, at 10/9c
Disney+ — Beginning July 16
Paige Winter was only 17 years old when she lost a leg and portion of her hand to a shark. Experts unpack the details of Paige’s attack to determine what kind of shark is responsible and what can be done, if anything, to avoid this happening again. Despite all Paige has lived through, this inspirational teen remains an advocate for sharks and, with the guidance of professionals, takes brave steps to overcome her greatest fears.
WORLD’S BIGGEST BULL SHARK?
National Geographic — Premieres July 13, at 10/9c
Nat Geo WILD — Encore Presentation Aug. 10, at 9/8c
Disney+ — Beginning July 16
It was a freak encounter that broke all the records. In 2012, off the coast of Florida, shark scientist Dr. Neil Hammerschlag caught the mother of all bull sharks—it stretched more than 10-feet long and weighed over 1,000 pounds! They named her Big Bull and set her free. Bull sharks in Florida patrol the beaches, terrifyingly close the swimmers, and feast on seasonal migrations of baitfish. Many long thought these sharks were just well-fed, but now some scientists believe that Big Bull is the matriarch of a unique population of giants. There is only one way to find out ... and you gotta get close.
KILLER SHARK VS. KILLER WHALE
National Geographic — Premieres July 15, at 10/9c
Nat Geo WILD — Encore Presentation Aug. 11, at 9/8c
Disney+ — Beginning Aug. 6
The mystery of orcas attacking great white sharks for their livers leaves scientists baffled. This unusual predatory behavior has been witnessed in three parts of the world: California, South Africa and Australia. But the most shocking outcome is the disappearance of the other sharks after the event. How are they communicating with their kin and getting out of dodge when the killer whales move in?
PLAYING WITH SHARKS
Disney+ — Premieres July 23
A true pioneer in both underwater filmmaking and shark research, Valerie Taylor is a living legend and icon in the underwater world whose life’s work has become the basis for much of what we know about sharks today. Through remarkable underwater archival footage, along with interviews with Valerie herself, PLAYING WITH SHARKS, from National Geographic Documentary Films and twice Emmy®-nominated director Sally Aitken, follows this daring ocean explorer’s trajectory from champion spearfisher to passionate shark protector. From the birth of cage diving to “Jaws” hysteria to the dawn of cageless shark diving, Valerie became a trailblazing advocate for the ocean’s most maligned and misunderstood creatures.
About National Geographic Partners LLC:
National Geographic Partners LLC (NGP), a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and the National Geographic Society, is committed to bringing the world premium science, adventure and exploration content across an unrivaled portfolio of media assets. NGP combines the global National Geographic television channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO, Nat Geo PEOPLE) with National Geographic’s media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children’s media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, licensing and e-commerce businesses. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 133 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers … and reaching millions of people around the world in 172 countries and 43 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27 percent of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education. For more information visit natgeotv.com or nationalgeographic.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.
