About Shark Week 2027

Shark Week 2027 runs Sunday, July 25 to Saturday, July 31, 2027 (expected, to be confirmed). Shark Week is Discovery Channel’s annual week of shark programming, held each year in July on dates announced by Discovery. Shark Week 2026 ran July 26 to August 1; the 2027 dates are expected in late July and will be confirmed by Discovery.

Every July, millions of people open their eyes to something they usually don’t notice: the incredible world of sharks. Shark Week 2027 is expected to return for its 39th year in late July, airing nightly at 8 PM ET/PT on Discovery Channel and streaming on HBO Max and Discovery+. Each year the lineup blends adrenaline, science, and storytelling to spotlight one of the ocean’s most awe-inspiring predators.

What is Shark Week?

Launched in 1988, Shark Week is Discovery Channel’s longest-running and most-watched event. It began as a conservation-driven initiative to dispel myths about sharks and has since evolved into a global phenomenon. The week features a mix of documentaries, scientific explorations, and dramatic recreations, all aimed at deepening our understanding of sharks and their role in marine ecosystems.

Shark Week 2026 (July 26 to August 1) featured 20 all-new premieres, including the return of Air Jaws and a record-setting cliff dive in Ultimate Shark Dive. Discovery usually announces the next year’s dates and lineup in late spring.

When is Shark Week 2027?

Shark Week 2027 is expected to begin on Sunday, July 25 and run through Saturday, July 31, 2027. Discovery has not yet confirmed the 2027 dates; we will update this page when it does. Shark Week 2026 ran from Sunday, July 26 to Saturday, August 1. New programming airs nightly from 8 PM ET/PT, with encores throughout the week, on Discovery Channel, HBO Max, and Discovery+.

Why Shark Week Matters

Shark Week serves as a platform to educate the public about the vital role sharks play in maintaining the health of our oceans. By showcasing their behaviors, habitats, and the challenges they face, the event fosters a greater appreciation for these often-misunderstood creatures. It also highlights the importance of shark conservation and the need to protect marine biodiversity.

How to Get Involved in Shark Week

There are several ways to participate in Shark Week:

• Watch and Stream: Tune in to Discovery Channel or stream episodes on Max and Discovery+.
• Host a Viewing Party: Gather friends and family for a Shark Week marathon, complete with themed snacks and decorations.
• Engage on Social Media: Share your thoughts and favorite moments using official hashtags to join the global conversation.
• Support Conservation Efforts: Donate to organizations dedicated to shark research and marine conservation.
• Educate Yourself: Use the week as an opportunity to learn more about sharks and the challenges they face in the wild.

History of Shark Week

Shark Week premiered in July 1988 with the goal of educating viewers about sharks and promoting conservation efforts. Over the years, it has grown into a cultural event, featuring a mix of educational content and entertainment. Notable specials have included the Air Jaws series, which showcases great white sharks breaching the ocean surface, and Megalodon: The Monster Shark Lives, a controversial mockumentary that sparked widespread discussion.

Noteworthy Facts About Shark Week

• Shark Week is the longest-running cable television programming event in history, having started in 1988.
• The 2026 lineup included 20 all-new premieres, featuring both returning favorites and new specials.
• Past hosts have included celebrities like Dwayne Johnson, Jason Momoa, and John Cena, bringing star power to the event.
• The event has expanded its reach globally, airing in over 72 countries and attracting millions of viewers each year.
• Shark Week has played a significant role in raising awareness about shark conservation and the importance of protecting marine ecosystems.

Ideas for Shark Week

• Host a viewing party with shark themed snacks and share the spread with the official hashtags.
• Post your favorite shark fact each night of the week and link to a conservation charity.
• Take kids to an aquarium shark tank or watch a livestream of one during the week.
• Brands: run a Shark Week themed sale, a fin-tastic pun contest, or donate a share of sales to shark conservation.
• Teachers and libraries: run a shark science hour or a reading list tied to that night’s episode.
• Share a photo of a shark you have seen in the wild or on a dive and tag Discovery.

Hashtags

#SharkWeek, #SharkWeek2027, #SharkConservation

Updated 28 August 2026: dates checked for 2026 to 2028.

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