Netflix, often considered the great white shark of the streaming world, is making waves this summer by diving into the waters traditionally dominated by Discovery Channel and National Geographic. As the holiday weekend approaches, National Geographic Channel’s 13th annual SharkFest is set to debut, narrowly beating Discovery Channel’s 37th Shark Week to the schedule. However, the real competition this year comes from Netflix, which has launched its own slate of shark-themed programming.
On June 30, Netflix premiered Shark Whisperer, a documentary that follows Ocean Ramsey, a marine conservationist known for her controversial approach of swimming freely with massive sharks. Directed by Oscar-winner James Reed, known for My Octopus Teacher, the film has consistently ranked among Netflix’s top 10 films since its debut. But Shark Whisperer is just the beginning of Netflix’s foray into shark content this summer.
Netflix’s Bold Move into Shark Programming
Continuing its aggressive strategy, Netflix released another shark-themed series, All the Sharks, on July 4. Unlike the traditional shark documentaries, this competition series features four teams of shark experts racing to photograph the most shark species within a set timeframe, with a $50,000 prize for their chosen marine charity. This innovative approach aims to captivate audiences with a fresh take on shark storytelling.
As these new programs roll out, the question arises: will audiences be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of shark content? This year marks the 50th anniversary of the iconic film Jaws, which has already spurred a wave of related programming. National Geographic is banking on the public’s enduring fascination with sharks, offering 25 hours of content during SharkFest, compared to Discovery’s 21 hours for Shark Week.
SharkFest vs. Shark Week: A Battle for Viewers
National Geographic’s SharkFest kicks off on July 5 with Sharks Up Close With Bertie Gregory and concludes with Shark Quest: Hunt for the Apex Predator on July 13. The centerpiece of this year’s SharkFest is Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story, an authorized documentary featuring rare archival footage and interviews with Steven Spielberg and other prominent figures. This program promises to delve into the making of Jaws and its lasting impact on both cinema and shark conservation.
Janet Han Vissering, senior vice president of development and production at National Geographic, emphasized the scientific focus of SharkFest, stating,
“SharkFest puts sharks where they belong — at the center of every story. We work hand-in-fin with leading experts to capture breakthrough research, rare behaviors, and untold perspectives, pairing their insights with stunning visuals of the ocean’s beauty.”
Shark Programming: Sensationalism vs. Science
While SharkFest aims to educate and inspire, Shark Week has built its brand on a mix of entertainment and education. Warner Bros. Discovery reports that last year’s Shark Week reached 25 million viewers, maintaining its cultural relevance through a lighter, more sensational approach. Programs like Dancing With Sharks and Great White Sex Battle offer a blend of humor and spectacle, appealing to a broad audience.
Ocean Ramsey, whose work is featured in Shark Whisperer, has criticized the sensationalism often associated with shark programming. She told The Hollywood Reporter,
“It doesn’t really help that a lot of mainstream, traditional media has dramatized and sensationalized sharks because Jaws was, you know, a Hollywood-blockbuster kind of film. So I was just really grateful to work with a fresh platform like Netflix that has a global reach.”
The Future of Shark Programming
As Netflix continues to expand its reach, its global platform could play a crucial role in reshaping public perceptions of sharks. While shark fin soup remains a delicacy primarily in China, the demand has led to widespread shark finning practices worldwide. By highlighting the beauty and importance of sharks, Netflix’s programming may contribute to a shift in attitudes toward conservation.
As the summer progresses, viewers will have a plethora of shark content to choose from, each offering a unique perspective on these fascinating creatures. Whether through the scientific lens of SharkFest, the entertainment-driven Shark Week, or Netflix’s innovative new offerings, the battle for viewers’ attention is set to be as fierce as the predators themselves.
