Shark Week 2026 returns this weekend with a new, New York-focused “Sharkzilla” special.
Discovery’s beloved Shark Week will return this Sunday, July 26, and will run through Saturday, Aug. 1.
The 38th annual Shark Week will feature 20 “action-packed premieres” focused on shark conservation, education, and investigations.
Here’s what to know about Shark Week 2026 and the upcoming schedule.
When is Shark Week 2026?
Shark Week 2026 will begin on July 26 at 8 p.m. and will run through Aug. 1, with the last special airing at 9 p.m. on Discovery Channel.
What is ‘Sharkzilla Takes New York?’
“Sharkzilla Takes New York” is the New York-focused Shark Week 2026 special that examines suspicious marine life activity along a New York shore. Discovery’s synopsis for “Sharkzilla Takes New York” reads:
“After a slew of mauled marine life washes ashore in NY, Dr. Craig O’Connell starts a search to find the culprit. When it leads him to an old nuclear dumping ground ringed with great whites and makos, he theorizes that the predator may be radioactive.”
“Sharkzilla Takes New York” will air on Friday, July 31, at 9 p.m. on the Discovery Channel.
Shark Week 2026 schedule
Here is the schedule for Shark Week 2026:
Sunday, July 26:
Monday, July 27:
Tuesday, July 28:
Wednesday, July 29:
Thursday, July 30:
Friday, July 31:
Saturday, Aug. 1:
How to watch Shark Week 2026
Shark Week 2026 will air on Discovery Channel starting Sunday, July 26 at 8 p.m.
Contributing: USA Today Network
—Madison Scott is a New York Connect reporter, covering entertainment, breaking and consumer news, and trending topics with a focus on stories that matter to readers across New York State. She also has an interest in how the system helps or doesn’t help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@USATodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Shark Week 2026 schedule: When to watch ‘Sharkzilla Takes New York’ and every special
Reporting by Madison Scott, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Madison Scott, New York Connect Team | USA TODAY Network
