Brace yourself — Shark Week 2025 is almost here, and this one will be especially jaw-some as the Discovery Channel celebrates the 50th anniversary of “Jaws.”
The Discovery Channel began the annual, week-long programming event dedicated to the sea dogs in 1988. The pop culture phenomenon features documentaries, educational programming and entertainment shows intended to celebrate and explore the biology, behavior and importance of sharks within marine ecosystems.
While the tradition usually leans toward educational content, this year will feed on fear with shows like “Great White Reign of Terror” and “Florida’s Death Beach.”
Steve Kessel, director of marine research at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium, believes Shark Week holds invaluable educational opportunities — but admits to the strong influence of media like “Jaws,” which grossed over $470 million globally for fueling nightmares about the sea predator.
“Since Shark Week started, it’s gone in waves of more educational and more sensational,” Kessel says. “Shark Week has the power to change perceptions, but there’s also fearmongering, because people love to be scared; they love the horror.”
Whether you’re in it for the education or the thrills, or a healthy mix of both, here’s what to know about Shark Week 2025.
When is Shark Week?
This year’s Shark Week runs from Sunday, July 20 through Saturday, July 26. Programs will air from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. each day except Saturday, which will close out the event at 10 p.m.
Where to watch Shark Week 2025
Shark Week airs on the Discovery Channel and streams on Discovery+ and HBO Max.
Shark Week 2025 schedule
Here’s this year’s Shark Week lineup, as announced by the Discovery Channel:
Sunday, July 20
Monday, July 21
Tuesday, July 22
Wednesday, July 23
Thursday, July 24
Friday, July 25
Saturday, July 26
— USA TODAY contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Celebrate 50 years of ‘Jaws’ with Shark Week 2025. See dates, schedule for annual TV event
Reporting by Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman / Austin American-Statesman
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
