National Geographic Announces Largest Shark! Event Yet Kicking Off Monday July 19th On National Geographic Wild

National Geographic is making a splash this July with the ninth annual SHARK!(previously SHARKFEST)on National Geographic Wild. The must-sea summer event swims onto screens on Monday, July 19^th,with two weeks of fin-tastic specials, all highlighting the captivating science and stunning cinematic visuals of the apex predators.

The event kicks off with the premiere of SHARK BEACH WITH CHRIS HEMSWORTHat 8:30PM UAE / 7:30 PM KSA. The one-hour documentary special follows the global movie star as he embarks on a personal mission to investigate how we can live more harmoniously with sharks.

Other original SHARK! specials 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. Adding to the action, find out what happens when two of the planet’s most deadly predators face-off inCROC THAT ATE JAWS.

For the past eight years, SHARK! 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.

“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 SHARK!, revealing new discoveries, shocking revelations and bizarre shark behavior never seen before. It’s going to be jaw-some!”

SHARK!’s original programming lineup is below. Dates are subject to change.

SHARK BEACH WITH CHRIS HEMSWORTH

Premieres Monday, July 19^th, at 8:30pm UAE / 7:30pm KSA

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.

SHARK ATTACK INVESTIGATION: THE PAIGE WINTER STORY

Premieres Tuesday, July 20^th, at 8:30pm UAE / 7:30pm KSA

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.

CROC THAT ATE JAWS

Premieres Thursday, July 22^nd, at 8:30pm UAE / 7:30pm KSA

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?

Premieres Friday, July 23^rd, at 8:30pm UAE  / 7:30pm KSA

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.”

WORLD’S BIGGEST BULL SHARK?

Premieres Saturday, July 24^th, at 8:30pm UAE / 7:30pm KSA

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

Premieres Sunday, July 25^th, at 8:30pm UAE / 7:30pm KSA

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?

SHARK GANGS

Premieres Monday, July 26^th, at 8:30pm UAE / 7:30pm KSA

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?

ROGUE SHARK?

Premieres Tuesday, July 27^th, at 8:30pm UAE / 7:30pm KSA

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?

The SAND EATING SHARKS

Premieres Thursday, July 29^th, at 8:30pm UAE / 7:30pm KSA

In Fernando do Noronha, offshore Brazil, lemon sharks have mastered the art of catching sardines in the surf zone… with the help of unexpected allies!

SHARK ATTACK-TICS

Premieres Friday, July 30^th, at 8:30pm UAE / 7:30pm KSA  

Giant, fierce, or just plain weird, each shark species comes with a unique set of weapons and attack maneuvers to survive in its own corner of the ocean.  From elaborate disguises, to mouths that could fit a child, to fins that let them walk on land—each shark design is more surprising than the last.

Sharkatraz

Premieres Saturday, July 31^st, at 8:30pm UAE / 7:30pm KSA

The worst of the worst, the toughest of the tough were all sent to The Rock. And they all wanted to escape. But their biggest obstacle wasn’t the walls, the bars, the razor wire, or the guards – It was the sharks. And the guards made sure all the prisoners knew it. That’s why they call it SHARKATRAZ. We’ll investigate the frightening shark myth the guards used to prevent escapes.

Shark!  –  The Sharks of Hawaii

Premieres 1st August, Sunday at 8:30pm UAE/ 7:30pm KSA          

The Sharks of Hawaii takes us from the Big Island to tiny atolls that make up the relics of once explosive volcanoes. Through new underwater, aerial drones and remote sensor cameras, all manner of sharks and rays are revealed